Microeconomies through Artisan Handicraft Industry- Design of Heritage Market Spaces

SMEF's Brick school of architecture, Pune

Project idea

The project goal was to create a new economic zone to empower the handicraft industries in this heritage princely town of India, Kolhapur. Two of the most important handicrafts being the "Kolhapuri Chappal" leather shoes and the "saaz" a jewelry item worn by married women have a geographical indication and hence preserving the process is important for the Indian heritage. It aimed at creating a promenade that would facilitate pedestrian movement and give a chance for all the handicrafts in the area to be showcased at one place.

Project description

The project consists of a pedestrian promenade and design of a open space with a auditorium and cultural center. It also consists of a kit of parts for reviving the traditional architecture through facadism. Policies regarding the maintenance and repair of the facilities are also provided.

Technical information

The facade construction is done in kit of parts of traditional stone and wooden elements. Structural steel members and Corten steel panels is used for construction of the auditorium.