WOVEN WORK

The concept is based on traditional patterns woven by Indian women, which recall a tradition based on manual labor as well as creative work. Because the patterns are made up of solids and voids, the project transfers them to a set of courtyards determined by the directional relationship of the weave formed by the roofs.The representation of the weave in the project is framed in different scales. The first being the same configuration of the project with its paths and modules that create a macro fabric. On a smaller scale, fabric was used to cover the focus of the visuals to the interior, and lastly, latticework and configuration of  fabrics are characterized by recalling the idea of woven patterns.

The project is arranged according to the different climatic conditions in order to adapt and provide climatic comfort, which is why the project is rotated and configured perpendicular to the main wind currents in order to allow cross ventilation inside all spaces of the project. Multiple modules were used to keep a small scale in a configuration that allowed a weaving of different activities through the a main courtyard that recalls traditional courtyards in Indian homes, where women have spent a big portion of their home life. 

Although the main idea was based on traditional patterns from the beginning, there was a proposal for a main axis of commerce that would lead to the park, but it was discarded because it did not acknowledge the work space,isolating it from public life. There was also the proposal for small patios, where instead of a main one, multiple patios would have been placed between the modules, but it did not work because it segmented the different activities 

The investigation was based mainly on women's labor and activities in Gujarat, focusing on their perspectives and need to design a project that responded to their context and allowed their confort. Another part that was thoroughly investigated was the site conditions, from climate conditions to the nearby architecture, the design seeks to provide climate comfort and adapt to local materials that respond to the different cultural, social, economic, and environmental conditions. 

For the final program to consider taking up 3 main activities for the configuration of the work area, these activities are based on what is characterized in the study of the place and its traditions. Each activity is determined by an economic and cultural focus that promotes the development of the community. The first of these activities is textile manufacture and embroidery, which served as the base of the project concept and is  presented as the main activity. Another activity is the ceramic one, which is divided in the molding and painting processes,and makes up another module. A communal kitchen is placed to promote gastronomic tourism in the area, all these activities are organized around a patio that in turn functions as the point of articulation of all activities by contemplating a large space for the exhibition and sale of the products made in the project. Finally,  child care space is arranged in direct relation to the workshop area and the main patio so that women can work and have their children nearby. 

The choice of material is determined by the contextual and climatic conditions of the site, such as temperature, comfort and affordability of the material. That is why structural bamboo was chosen, due to its easy handling and rapid construction in the configuration of the roofs and main structure while having little environmental impact. Brick was chosen for the lattice, recalling traditional lattice use in India, that allows climate control due to the wind entering in a faster way through space and controlling solar radiation. Lastly, the other main material used was concrete, which allows a stable structure that is easily built with a small budget. 

The approach proposes the following objectives for the realization of the architectural project: to promote and encourage community work through the artistic and cultural expressions of the place, to implement open spaces sot that the project is not only a work center, but that the architecture provides versatility and adaptability depending on the need required at a given moment,and to allow children to grow up in an environment that is safe and conducive to healthy development.