Modelling Architectural Interpretations of Indigenous Crafts: A compilation of ideas inculcated in an elective studio.

Abstract

Craft is a skill, which helps in achieving mastery in material and technique. Indigenous crafts can be rightly called “expressions” of a particular culture. Unfortunately, in today’s rapidly developing world, mass production is making them lose their essence as they require more time, resources and personalization. If these skillsets become obsolete, regional identities would become more anonymous. Architecture is already facing this challenge where one cannot distinguish between the urban skylines across the world due to design globalization. Indigenous crafts have the capacity to keep the local character of a place intact. This research intends to interpret and utilize various regional crafts through design interventions in the built environment. It was conducted as a part of an elective studio, where students studied various crafts, and tried to understand their most appropriate applications in design. The studio used a methodology of “reverse exploration”, which helped establish relevant relationships between craft and architecture. Students analyzed a particular craft, based on diverse parameters to understand its scope and feasibility in architecture design. Their study led to explorations and finally interpretations in their own design language. This research contributes in two ways: firstly, by developing interventions that preserve the identities of native crafts; and secondly, by developing a teaching methodology based on reverse exploration, that is applicative in nature and can be practiced in other disciplines of design andragogy as well. The outcomes of this research can be significant for students, designers and academicians who intend to explore the possible connections between craft and architecture.