Trikala
This project explores community housing as a culturally rooted, context-responsive intervention for the artisans of Bhujodi, Kutch. It draws from site visits and case studies of traditional Kutchi houses to understand spatial needs shaped by craft, climate, and lifestyle. The design integrates living, working, and display spaces, creating a cohesive environment that supports both daily life and cultural expression. It positions housing not just as shelter, but as a living extension of craft and community.
Year
January 2023
Scope
Housing Studio
Location
Bhuj, Gujarat, India
Duration
4 months
Challenge
The key challenge was designing for a community where living and working are deeply intertwined, requiring a balance between private, semi-private, and public spaces. Responding to the harsh climatic conditions of Kutch while maintaining traditional construction logic and material authenticity added complexity. Additionally, translating individual artisan needs into a cohesive community layout without losing identity was difficult. Ensuring spaces for production, display, and interaction within a housing framework required careful spatial negotiation.
Solution
The proposal responds through a clustered planning approach that derives from traditional settlement patterns, creating a hierarchy of open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces. Climate-responsive strategies and local materials are integrated to ensure thermal comfort and structural logic. Dedicated spaces for workshops, display areas, and communal interaction are embedded within the housing, allowing livelihoods to seamlessly merge with daily life. The design ultimately creates a self-sustaining, culturally expressive community grounded in context.
