GOYNA GRAM: REVIVING AN ARTISAN COMMUNITY

BRAC University, Department of Architecture, Dhaka

Project idea

Goyna Gram: Reviving an Artisan Community

Site location: Bhakurta Union, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Bhakurta is a place of jewelry recognized as a “Jewelry Village” for making copper and brass ornaments for over 300 years. However, this art is now threatened for various reasons. such as urban scrolling, less expensive alternatives, limited market exposure, and a time-consuming manufacturing process. This project aims to light the existing metal jewelry before it dies. Semi-structured interviews, surveys, and field studies gather information from a bottom-up approach as a research method. The combination of knowledge and creativity of this community with the help of training and awareness can enrich our art of jewelry making and attempt to save the lost art before it disappears completely.

Project description

This project is dedicated to assessing the current state of Goyna Gram (Jewelry Village) and preserving its unique art form while simultaneously transforming it into a sought-after tourist destination through the utilization of cultural assets. The primary objective is to rejuvenate the old market into a novel form of tourism, inviting people to witness and learn about the intricate jewelry-making process. This project completely follows the new contextualism theory, coined by Mohammad Habib Reza phD, which is an architectural philosophy that addresses the limitations of Modernism and Postmodernism by strongly emphasizing the role of the broader context in design. It acknowledges the intricacies and diversity of the present-day world and strives to create designs that are both timeless and responsive to future demands.

In order to facilitate the survival of artisans amidst urban expansion, housing has been allocated for the jewelry artisans, ensuring their continued presence within the community. A pivotal component of the project is the establishment of a training center. This center not only safeguards the traditional craft but also serves as a means to propagate this skill to the next generation. Each decision within the project has been meticulously derived from the site's characteristics and needs. A canal, originally dividing the site into two sections, has historical significance as it was once connected to the Buriganga River in 2000. Unfortunately, this connection has been lost due to landfilling and illegal land occupation. To enhance the project's appeal, the site has been strategically divided. One part focuses on public spaces, including a Jewelry market, while the other accommodates essential elements such as the training center, a Mosque, a temple, and housing for artisans. The canal, a critical element in this revitalization effort, aims to reconnect with the Buriganga River. This not only restores historical continuity but also provides tourists with access via waterways, enriching their experience and contributing to the overall charm of the destination.

Technical information

The construction of this project would use local brick to ensure the sustainability .

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