The Kallari site operations center addresses the limits of marketing ‘unique’ and ‘traditional’ handcrafts along with the distribution of fine, locally produced chocolates in a global networking facility.
Cocoa bean imagery inspired a logic for complex control and distribution of program. Like the extraction of a cocoa bean from its pod, main program elements such as the cocoa factory, visitors center, learning facility, as well as staff living quarters divorce from another to create inter-dispersed/incidental pockets which serve as public and private realms. Mechanical screened walls connecting/ binding these zones acknowledge the husk of the cocoa pod in this metaphorical transformation. The screen walls serve to provide shade over the central plaza which hosts public events and flea markets as well as provide income by allowing for leasable secure storage for vendor goods between selling times.
Clustered re-used shipping containers create a private retreat for chocolate factory workers as well as artisans.
Internet connectivity allows direct communication with international clients. The satellite/hub kiosk offers an off site secure outlet for engaging in fair trade and exchange with a global economy. Transportable, recycled shipping containers equipped for satellite and World Wide Web communication offers a sustainable low-cost alternative to an off site technology facility.