What is culture? It is our value system, our beliefs, and traditions that are reflected in our society. One way of representing culture is through craft. Craft reflects our culture through useful products with the help of skills and materials. It also symbolises the emotions of the region and the people investing in it. These two factors play an important role in defining a space and designing a structure according to the local context. This also forges a path for promoting green interiors as well.
We all know what spaces are, it’s what we as humans experience that affects our psychology. They define our mood and how we perceive a place.
Craft and culture define a space and give it a sense of character. The cultural essence of a region should also be reflected in its architecture as well. It makes a place aesthetically pleasing and functional and one can relate to them on a personal level. We can analyse this complex relationship through the lens of space-making elements like walls, ceilings, doors, windows, lighting, material, and colour palettes. These elements segregate a space and give it meaning.
Case of Kshemavana (naturopathy centre, Bangalore)
One building that celebrates its traditions and art and craft is Kshemavana: a naturopathy centre in Bangalore by Ayush Kasliwal. Throughout the whole building, we can see how nature has been integrated into it and how it blends with its surroundings in harmony. The entire complex is separated into two parts: public and residential and different parts of it are named after their local deities. The building itself follows a very minimalistic colour palette to foster a peaceful and soothing environment. The materials used for construction are locally sourced adding to the economy of the city. The walls have wooden panels representing the wooden craft of the place and murals of gods and goddesses are also painted on them. There are large sliding glass doors made of wood and stone and windows have sheer curtains and blinds adding to the modest architecture of the building. To counter the climate of the city courtyards are constructed for ventilation and for sunlight to enter.
Ayush Kasliwal through this well-planned structure tries to blend nature with the structure itself making it more appealing which adds to the patient’s fast recovery as well.
This stunning example showcases a brilliant amalgamation of craft, culture, and architecture.
A successful space showcases not just the structure but also the story behind it and fosters a sense of community among the people. Craft and culture give character to a space and create an engaging environment for the visitor. This also helps to promote collaborations with the local craftsmen and artisans helping them to grow as well. This is surely a major step towards revitalising traditional crafts for future generations.
