Defining the Identity of Technocentric Transformations in the Urban Edge in Kazhakuttom, Trivandrum

Technocentric developments often result in creating a socio-spatial duality in different contexts, forming a place identity with contesting nature of the global and local settlements. Technocentric developments are technology based transnational firms that are nodes in the global economic grid. The location of technocentric campuses in the urban periphery results in a haphazard development with little response to the context, also resulting in social strife and generating possibilities of marginalisation and gentrification of the local communities in near future. This will affect the urban life due to a discontinuity in the urban realm. The built transformations include functional change of existing residential units into mixed-use commercial and lodging facilities and, conversion of vacant plots into high density residential and commercial functions surrounded by the low-rise housing of the local population. The transformations also include the conversion of the earlier dead bypass stretch into a highly active corridor with restaurants, informal eateries, and hang out areas targeting the techie population which adds to the changing urban identity of Kazhakuttom. This paper attempts to envision the future development and urban identity of Kazhakuttom as the new tech based financial district of Trivandrum city as a favourable work-live-entertainment environment with support facilities, while also incorporating local aspirations to ensure social and spatial continuity. The objectives of the research were: (i) to analyse the existing spatial development patterns in the region, (ii) study the evolving identities and (iii) examine the social life and work culture. The methodology involved a detailed macro and micro level primary study and analysis of Kazhakuttom so as to identify the issues. It included correlating the primary study with literature study on concepts and theories of identity, glocalization, and hybridization. The design cues from related technocentric contexts in Silicon Valley, Gurgaon and Bengaluru allowed development of design strategies for integrating the technocentric campuses with the local context and culture of the place.