First Year B.Arch Settlement Tour to Kalidhond
28thJan 2019 to 3rd Feb 2019
Kalidhondh is located approximately 2 kms from Jawahar city in Palghar district of Mharashtra. Jawahar is famous for its picturesque location and a vibrant culture. Most of the local Padha around are set in traditional architecture setting and focus on rural crafts such as Warli Painting and Paper Mache sculptures. Kalidhondh has around 50 houses settlement with population of 200-250 people . Most of the houses are made from locally available material. Two main streets were identified for the study purpose. Students were made aware of various strategies of taking measurements, Identification of various services & amenities, Identification of local flora & fauna, & Interview local residents to understand the socio-cultural scenario. On the last day, students got a hands on experience of Paper Mache Sculptures; by understanding the process of how scrap paper can be converted into sculptures.
Second Year B.Arch Settlement Tour to Malvan
28th Jan 2019 to 3rd Feb 2019
This year, the second year architecture settlement study tour went to Malvan town in Konkan region. The students documented the settlement of Malvan, understanding the local construction techniques and materials. The architectural planning evolved from culture and responding to climatic conditions was crucial to understand. The students measured important public buildings like schools and temples. Old wadas Residential streets and market places were also documented. Coastal climate and locally available laterite stone largely governs architecture of the region. In addition, richness in detailing, carving, and wooden lattice work in this semi-urban settlement stands out and confirms its rich past during shivaji’s regime. However, Malvan faces a huge migration problem and currently houses 80 % ageing population. Tourism sector is developing in the town, due to newly introduced scuba and other water activities which might boost the town’s economic condition. Local cuisine is another tourist attraction that is availing opportunities.
Environmental Perception Chiplun
28th, 29th,30th & 31st Jan 2019
Students and Faculty visit the villages in groups (about seven students per group) and explore village life, its culture, products, interact with villagers, dialogue with them, develop relationships, visit their homes, work with them, and learn from their experiences which is a proven experiential knowledge over years. Small committees are formed prior to the visit and the students then take the lead to organise the visit. Effort is also made to ensure the responsibilities of different kinds are delegated to the students who learn the process of organising the tour from selecting the place of visit, talking to the NGO running the programme there, arranging the food and lodging and managing the finances. The aim is to make the rural exposure into a meaningful learning process where all aspects of simple living are integrated into the student’s experience. Two sessions are organised for the students before the visit to orient them about the EP tour and what is expected from them. The interactive sessions enable the students to familiarise with the tour and the learning process.
Craft & Cultural Documentation Goa
7th to 11th June 2018
Craft and Cultural Documentation seeks to capture and preserve the cultural heritage of people in the city. This year, 3rd year bachelor of design students studied the craft, culture traditional architecture of GOA, which is well-known as the state of holiday destination and also a home to variety of artistic handicrafts. Goa is also one of the state which has largest number of coconut tree and coconut based products. Product Design students documented the famous craft of Goa, The Coconut Plam Leaf. They documented with respect to understanding of weaving pattern in & knotting the ends of coconut leaf and also worked hands on, on the making of traditional coconut raincoat. Interior Design students documented and measured traditional houses by understanding traditional technology details and style. Set Design students visited the Shanta Durga Temple, understood & documented its style and typology and also, they learnt about the space utilization. Furniture design students documented and measured the traditional Goan furniture with respect to ergonomics, technical detail, styles and motifs. They also document wood carving at big foot Goa few also explore hands on. All the students visited House of Goa Museum & the unique school which is extension of House of Goa, also they had an intense talk and discussion with Architect himself, Ar. Gerard da Cunha who is also the founder and principal of the architecture firm Architecture Autonomous. Students also visited churches and Big foot Goa Museum.
