Spatial Elasticity: Designing Kinetic Urban Infrastructure for Ephemeral Socio-Cultural Hubs

Modern Indian cities are increasingly defined by a focus on permanent, rigid structures that fail to accommodate the moving, seasonal, and temporary nature of the country’s culture. This paper introduces the concept of Spatial Elasticity, a design framework aimed at balancing static city spaces with the shifting needs of public life. The research moves beyond traditional building design to propose a Kinetic Urban Infrastructure, that is, a permanent system that allows public spaces to grow and shrink during intense cultural activities without losing their basic identity. Using a three-phase study, including a Chrono-Spatial Audit of the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds, the research identifies a “Kinetic Skeleton” of hidden services. The study results in a design toolkit for underused city voids, showing how technical readiness can make temporary events more inclusive and environmentally friendly.