Independent to Interdependent Communities
Open Space in Fort Kochi for the Community, by the Community.
What is happening
Stitching Unit Update: Fabric Cutting and Template Size Correction
Today in the stitching unit, we completed cutting all the remaining fabrics from yesterday using the templates after ironing them. When we randomly measured a few cut pieces to check accuracy, we noticed a size discrepancy because the thickness of the cardboard templates caused the marked size to increase from 4.5 cm to about 5 cm on the fabric. To achieve the correct size, we adjusted and reduced the template size to 4.1 cm, which successfully yielded the required 4.5 cm fabric pieces. Following this, we corrected all the remaining pieces that had been cut at 5 cm down to 4.5 cm. Finally, we mixed and matched the cut fabric pieces to verify that the colors, designs, and cutting patterns coordinated and matched as intended.
Exploring Kantha Embroidery: Paper Prototyping and Fabric Preparation Workshop
During the Kantha workshop, the team faced challenges in aligning puzzle pieces, which led to experimenting with black and white contrasts as well as dark and light shades to achieve proper layout balance. This process highlighted the importance of visual prototyping before cutting fabric, allowing the artisans to learn how subtle tonal variations impact the overall structural design. Once the layout was finalized, participants developed technical precision by systematically ironing, cutting fabrics into 4.5 cm pieces, and sorting them by color palette.
A Wrinkled Heart opens a conversation about kindness
The children read A Wrinkled Heart by Tracy Hoexter and talked about how words and actions can affect other people. The story helped them think about kindness, feelings, and the importance of speaking to others with care.
Body percussion and group games get children moving together
The session included body percussion, movement, and group games that encouraged children to listen, respond, and participate together. The activities gave them a fun way to explore rhythm, coordination, attention, and teamwork.
Community Clubs
Stitching Club
Mon–Sat, 2–6 PM · Free
In Malayalam
Curiosity Club
Mon–Sat, 2–6 PM · Free
In Malayalam, English.
Reading Club
Mon–Sat, 2–6 PM · Free
In Malayalam, English
Dance Club
Sat–Sun, 2–6 PM · Free
In Malayalam
Partners
Stories
Open Spaces for Good
Aparna needed a room to teach dance in, and our office sat mostly empty at weekends — so we opened it. Then came Mary with her stitching, and others with their recipes, until our own team was working in smaller and smaller rooms. Here is how that became Open Spaces for Good, and how you might open a space of your own.
Stamping Through Time
A spectacular blend of theatre, music, dance, and powerful rhythmic footwork, Chavittu Nadakam is one of Kerala’s most distinctive performing arts traditions. Here is the tale of how it reflects the rich cultural heritage and collective memory of Kerala’s coastal communities.
Lighting the Way
Like a flower reaching for light, every child deserves the chance to bloom. Through Olimalar Foundation, a small team in Kochi is empowering children with the confidence, emotional strength, and life skills to shine both in school and beyond.
Why aikyam space?
To create an abundance of human interactions and interconnectedness in local communities.
Where we are
aikyam space, Fort Kochi.Open the map
Up to 25–35 participants