03. Community Housing for Dangi Artists

Location: Dang, Gujarat, India

Project Year: 2021

Site Area: 50,530 sq.m.

Accomplished as: Academics Sem-08 (Individual)

Since The pandemic has negatively affected the livelihood of local artists of Dandi Village which is a tourist spot 50 kms East from Surat (Gujarat), it became a necessity to revive their art and create a socio-cultural environment which would not only upgrade their economic conditions but also provide them a metropolitan exposure which they deserve. Along with government schemes and a local NGO which aims to provide affordable housing for the lower and middle income groups, this project was proposed to meet those objectives as well as play an important role in reviving and promoting their local art.

Considering the community’s context and the existing topography of the site, the design is influenced by vernacular architecture, which relies on the usage of local materials, traditions, and construction techniques. A circulation loop has been created to enable smoother vehicular and emergency access while also avoiding uprooting any vegetation. Most units are designed in the moderate contour zone for better accessibility. In addition to that, each unit has a clear view of the public plaza and the beautiful Aravali hills below. Every dwelling cluster features a connected open workspace and a central gathering/celebration court. Vernacular materials such as rammed earth and Mangalore tiles are being used innovatively to make the dwellings more climate-responsive, user-friendly, and easy to maintain while preserving the rural spirit.