GENERAL INTRODUCTION: In the year 2004 the Calcutta High Court refused permission to the Publishers and Booksellers` Guild to hold the 32nd Kolkata Book Fair at the Maidan grounds, giving priority to environment over sentiment. The event was finally held on the periphery of Salt Lake Stadium - a mere two lakh square feet of space was allotted as against 3.35 lakh square feet last year. The result was a very dismal footfall. There is much discussion in the media about having a new venue for the Book Fair, a kind of a permanent structure that will host the event every year. As an architect and a resident of Kolkata, I feel that the government should involve architects of this city to come up with a design for a permanent structure to save the Book Fair. Not only will this be a fine example of participatory democracy, it will also expedite the process of giving the Book Fair a permanent space it so rightly deserves. The bamboo structures which were used till date for the Book Fair are completely obsolete. It is indeed a grave situation and the reflection is on urban migration. So more people in the city and more breathing space is required. As the need is massive and global, it requires building systems that can be rapidly constructed, economical and efficient while providing the desired quality of free space; and with this comes the additional challenge of new construction system to meet the desired goal and less impact on the environment. This concept is based on a space frame {Tubular Steel Structure}. The ground level is kept free from any obstruction. People can move around and view the space created above from their desired location while exploring the exhibited objects like the books, art objects and technical/ electrical products and models that are displayed in Rectangular enclosures like huge boxes or crates from suspended form. The center will also have a moving ramp to go up from basement exhibition space to ground and then to the suspended box like spaces from a central platform {podium} and separate pavilions for books /
Art & Craft and other exhibits; the theme park can be arranged on the podium at plinth level {podium} in a theme garden and landscaped space by means of hanging garden etc. by arranging the modular space at different level as and when required. This exposition center will be a permanent feature in the city`s landscape, a space where art and culture can thrive without being threatened by court orders or by posing to be a threat for the environment. The concept of space frame will create interest among general public to explore the space with a curious mind and will also generate a constant flow of visitors to this area all year round simultaneously the space will not look crowded and free from dust pollution;
1971
1971
