Innovation in Tradition – Rural Livelihood Creation in Handicraft Sector of Thar | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Jodhpur is one of the prime trading points for handicrafts in India. The district faces intense pressure to produce goods in large quantities while having little exposure to training. Balesar has the highest potential for becoming an emerging town. Balesar, a rural settlement 70 km west of Jodhpur, is selected as a potential site for the dissertation intervention. An analysis of the community’s economic trends indicates that handicrafts are the main source of income.

The development of handicrafts in the region has a complex and multifaceted historical trajectory that is closely linked to its cultural heritage and historical shifts. The region engages in a variety of traditional crafts, such as metalworking, weaving, and pottery. These early crafts had ritualistic and symbolic value within the communities in addition to their practical uses.

The layout of the streets and settlements reflects the principles of Vastu Shastra emphasising harmony with nature and the orientation of buildings. Many of the streets are oriented to maximise airflow and sunlight while offering shade during the intense summer heat. In the face of pressures from modernization and urbanisation, it aided in understanding the city’s cultural identity, urban dynamics, and ongoing efforts to strike a balance between development and preservation.

Design Process

Careful consideration of scale and proportion is a top priority in the form development process to achieve the best possible indirect shading and natural ventilation. Sustainability and climate responsiveness are further enhanced by employing passive cooling techniques and maintaining a minimum perimeter-to-area ratio.

Every arrangement has a unique built-up area and footprint. To maximise functionality, great attention has been paid to the orientation of each form, taking into account built mass and spatial arrangements. Taking into account the least amount of sun exposure on exterior surfaces, great attention has been paid to the orientation and volumes of each form.

Final Outcome

With a primary focus on sustainability and climate responsiveness, the craft and resource centre proposal in the Thar Desert harmoniously blends traditional and modern architectural planning methods. This innovative structure celebrates the rich cultural legacy of the area while addressing the particular climatic conditions of the Thar Desert, acting as a beacon of sustainable design in an arid and challenging environment.

The program of the project revolves around creating spaces that serve as hubs for both traditional craftsmanship and community engagement. In order to accommodate the various needs and activities of the craftsmen and the urban society they engage with, these spaces are made to be inclusive, flexible, and multipurpose.

The project features workshops for artisans to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and enhance their craft. These spaces promote skill development and creativity by providing necessary tools and supplies. The design also includes communal gathering areas for social interaction and cross-cultural exchange. The project also includes designated areas for education, such as libraries and classrooms, to preserve traditional knowledge and promote mentorship and learning among generations.

The ‘court of tradition’ cluster creates a lively and dynamic experience for its users through the interplay of different voids and spaces. It promotes connectivity between the various areas of the building and improves visual appeal. With the help of strategically placed plinths and a gradually descending level layout, the central area becomes an outdoor amphitheatre in the middle and serves as a non-functional area.

The ‘court of innovation’ cluster is made up of a variety of spaces and voids that come together to form a Kund, giving the design a visually striking feature. This harmonious combination of open areas and greenery provides users with a sense of serenity while enabling flexibility and adaptability.

Conclusion: The project tries to create a dialogue between craft, craftsmanship, climate, culture, community, and context. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life by implementing local and self-sustaining practices. The local construction is strengthened by the public-private partnership and community participation.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]