CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1:

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

The weaving industry is one of the largest industries in India. The art of weaving has been an integral part of Indian history since ancient times. The rich hand woven materials are preferred worldwide, but the primary stakeholders- the weavers- are at the risk. Due to globalization and the lack of upgradation, the handloom weaving industry is heavily suffered.

Weaving is the process of exploration of forms, space, light, colors and patterns, thus these abstractions creates endless possibilities and opportunities for a design to transform. In order to formulate the architectural solutions it is necessary to understand the issues that handloom industry faces today and the trend of the occupation.

1.2 AIM:

To create a well-planned center for the rural handloom weavers of Hindupuram, which creates a platform for artistic weavers to uplift the face of the industry.

1.3 OBJECTIVE:

The main objective of this project is to upgrade the handloom industry of Hindupuram and to share information through guest lectures, interactions, and proper guidance.

i. Social

 To bring in weavers and buyers under one platform.  To identify methods which improves the life of rural handloom weavers.  To provide good working environment for the learning, designing, presenting skills.  To fulfil the solitude environment required by handloom weavers coherent with their way of living and working styles.

 To provide wholesome experience for the weavers and students through providing them a feeling of culture of the state.  To blend with the culture of different generations.  To promote local handloom skills and improve techniques.

iii. Physical

 To act as a centre for learning and developing innovative designs.  To create controlled ventilation and un-obstructed spaces.  To provide an adequate, controlled, ideal environment for craftsmen.

1.4 METHODOLOGY:

The methodology adopted is divided into eight essential stages to reach outcome of the project. The initial stages are focused on understanding the handloom industry and identification of problems to formulate solutions. The final stages are mostly focused on the design process and its outcome.

i. Project introduction:

 Problem identification.

 Project objectives.  References from internet.

ii. Background study:

 Understanding handloom industry.  Identifying reasons for downfall of industry.  Interviewing the handloom weavers.  Preparation of questioner

iii. Project synopsis:

 Aim and design objectives.  Scope of the project.  Principal activities and user groups.

iv. Case studies and data collection:

 Visiting production units and identifying units.  Learning process of weaving.  Case studies of

- Ganga maki studio -Khamir arts and crafts village - Shrujan, bhuj.  Collecting inferences from case studies.

v. Design brief:

 Program flow.  Identifying machinery and observing production spaces.  Preparation of area statements.  Referring regional byelaws.

vi. Site study:

 Site selection.

 Site feasibility and justification.  Site analysis.

vii. Design development:

 Site zoning.  Circulation patterns.  Site development.  Conceptual ideas.  Development of form.  Incorporating design elements.  Conceptual massing.

viii. Detailed design:

 Detailed drawing.  Master planning.  Sections and views.

 Elevations.

 3d renders.

ix. Outcome:

 Conceptual sheets.  Report.  Model.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT:

The project contains mainly three components along with supporting spaces for the upgradation of the handloom weaving industry of Hindupuram.

i. Handloom Institute:

The Indian institute of handloom technology offers 4 year program where the focus is on teaching traditional and innovative techniques that develops and encourages people to get into handloom industry. The institute consists of classrooms, workshops and supporting spaces.

ii. Production house:

The space where the production of material before weaving and the finishing after weaving process takes place. Consists of storage unit and areas assigned for different activities.

iii. Emporium:

The place where visitors get to see the artistic skills of handloom weavers and designers. The emporium contains retail and whole sale sections where customers purchase products providing income to handloom weavers encouraging the profession.

The campus contains other supporting spaces like administration block, public restaurant and public spaces, surface parking, services.

iv. Admin block:

The functions that happen in the admin block are distribution of materials to weavers, payments are dealt in admin block. The block consists of the office of director, control rooms, data collection room, conference hall and the lecture hall.

v. Public spaces:

The public spaces includes the restaurant, stalls and the auditorium.

1.6 JUSTIFICATION:

The handloom industry is diverse and rich in history. Throughout centuries, handloom weaving have been embedded as culture and tradition within rural communities. Due to modernization and

technological development the art of handloom weaving is dying. The lack of opportunities and development schemes from government discourages handloom weavers to carry on with their profession. The handloom products of India are on the verge of extinction and getting replaced by power looms.

The traditional handloom industry cannot be left to die, hence it is necessary to encourage the local handloom weavers to carry on the culture. There is the need to provide opportunities for handloom weavers to interact with designers and the students to gain knowledge. The institute encourages young generations to carry on family profession. There is the need to identify problems faced by handloom weavers and find solutions for the betterment of their lifestyle and to preserve tradition.