The Kochi centre of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) has offered to design the Metro stations and lend them a unique Kerala architectural flavour.

IIA Kochi chairman, L Gopakumar, who made the suggestion in a letter to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director, Tom Jose on Wednesday, said it was ready to design the stations free of cost if the government wanted.

“We will provide multiple options of what will be in essence a ‘people’s design’.We have proven talents in town planning, urban design, sustainable architecture, architectural design and landscaping.

A big infrastructure development project like Metro will definitely require expertise in all areas,” he contended, adding, “As people of the state are sensitive to infrastructure projects, partnering with the local communities in developing them can play an important role in their successful implementation.”

Claiming that IIA architects were experienced in advising infrastructural giants on conceptualising and implementing big projects, he said if the KMRL accepted its concept, it would finalise the Metro station designs after holding a public hearing on them.

Mr Jose said the IIA proposal would be considered at the government level. “It’s a bold and welcome initiative.

The agency has indepth knowledge of the city and conditions for construction,” he observed, adding that the design for the stations had not been finalised as the focus was on the basic engineering structure.