Over the last 40 years, inappropriate repair and renovation of Kala Academy has aggravated the structural issues faced by the building. 

The latest endeavour to repair and conserve the building has been taken up by the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Goa. As of April 2022, we have seen that the methodology applied to the structural repairs have been well thought out and executed, and now it is time to look at the architectural work of finishes, installation of equipment, etc.

Given the lack of transparency and information that we at CCF have gleaned from several inside sources, there are several concerns over the interior renovation and the auditorium design. Various sources have informed us that changes are being made in the finishes of the building that are unjustified. 

When the building was built, the materials and painting of the murals were designed so that the building was clearly in the public realm, the citizen’s space, with simple flooring and a bright, airy feel. Informants have indicated that flooring will change from the original Shahbad and white China mosaic to darker stones and flowered patterned tiles which will make the lobby spaces dark, dingy and uninviting; and change one of the key appeals of Kala Academy. 

The acoustics of the indoor auditorium were originally designed by Bolt Beranek and Robert Newman — the finest in the field. Newman realised the reverberation time required to best appreciate Western classical music and Indian classical music was different, so the Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium was designed to be acoustically live, with small adjustments to the reflective curtains and balconies that could be opened and closed to create a flexible acoustic experience for live performances and film. 

Under the umbrella of up-gradation in 2004, the acoustics were tampered with, the ceiling was replaced with flat panels, and the curtains in the balcony removed. Charles Correa raised concerns at that time, but he was ignored by the State Government. Sources inform us that a new acoustic design has been proposed and they may even do away with murals by the artist Mario Miranda - one of only five ever made. Such major changes threaten to erase the design essence of Kala Academy.

In architectural conservation projects, especially the renovation of 20th century buildings, the norm is to consult the original designer, to understand the different layers of the project and have access to archival drawings. Consultants can share records, opinions and ensure that the proposals are in tune with the original design. Here, Goa is set to lose out on an opportunity that would retain a building of international respect and acclaim.

We believe that the State Government must be transparent and inform the public of the restoration and the changes being made to the architectural finishes. It is the public that must be informed, as the work is being done using public funds. This could very well be the last opportunity to understand the extent of restoration, question it and do it correctly before it is all lost.

To learn more about the changes being made, and to watch the press conference, visit the link below.