INTEGRATED HANDLOOM CENTER: A PLATFORM FOR THE WEAVERS

Tasmia Kamal
12108024

SEMINAR II ARC512

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Bachelor of Architecture.

Department of Architecture,

BRAC University.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I am extremely thankful to Almighty Allah for His blessings and
guidance all the way through and for constantly being my greatest strength. My parents
Dr. Rahnuma Hasan and Dr. Mahbub Kamal, for being my biggest source of inspiration,
for encouraging me in every step of life and for being the best parents anyone could ever
ask for. My grandmother Shirin Begum, for always believing in me and making my five
years of architecture life possible.
My utmost gratefulness to all my respected faculties till date. My studio Instructors Dr Sajid
Bin Doza ,Dr Habib Reza, Shams Mansoor Ghani and Naim A Kibria for pushing me till the
end. My other seminar instructors, Dr Huraera Jabeen, who has inspired me to do better
and Dr Iftekhar Ahmed,for believing that I could do this project when I myself didn’t.
Finally, Rayeed Md Yusuff and Farasha Zaman for being the best and for all the help
whenever I needed.
My guide Shahid Hussain Shamim and Chandra Shekhar Shaha, for introducing me to the
handloom sector and making me feel a part of them. Bangladesh Handloom Board and all
the weavers from Tangail and Munshiganj who shared their precious views and ideas
during the journey.
My seniors, Sumaiya Saifee, Amlin Iqbal Eshita and Asad Hossen, I cannot thank you
enough for always being there whenever I needed you. My friends Muntasir Hakim,
Mazharul Haque Tonmoy, Rifat Ara Mostafa, Rayma Habib, Sumaita Tahseen for the love
and support at all times.
Finally, my juniors, probably the best set I could ever ask for, who kept me calm, dealt with
my severe panic attacks and never left my side. Zillur Rahman, Tahseen Reza, Jannatun
Nahar, Sania Sultana, Sanjida Kazal, Eva Chowdhury and Nuzhat Disha for your whole
hearted support and constant presence. I cannot express in words your struggle and effort
in making this project possible. All the credit goes to you!

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ABSTRACT

Handloom/ , the tradition of weaving clothes by hands, is one of the richest

aspects of Bangladeshi culture and heritage .Traditionally being the largest rural industry

in Bangladesh, it is the second largest source of rural employment and income after

agriculture and is responsible for a very high percentage of the nation's economy.

However, today, this prospective commerce is facing threats of extinction because of

various problems and obstructions, thus compelling the weavers to leave their holistic

profession, weaving. The weavers, who play an instrumental role in the development of

this sector, are deprived from all kinds of basic needs and wages which questions their

livelihood and force them to leave their profession. This beautiful process of turning

individual fibers into fabrics is very intricate and deserves high recognition and value.

However, the reality is far away from this. Glorious past, confusing present and

questionable future; is the ultimate harsh truth that handloom, the biggest handicraft

industry of our country is facing now. This paper discusses the approach chosen for the

benefit of the weavers’ community by taking inspiration from the past and implementing it

for the future, thus adding to its potential. It’s like an institution within itself which benefits

the entire complex as one unified whole. This handloom center, informal and

accommodating of the weavers’ language is basically an interactive platform for the

welfare of the weavers’ community, and in greater aspect for the entire country. The main

aim of this paper is to deal with the actual scenario of the current situation, identify the

limitations and strengthen the possibilities with the intention of preserving the existence of

our beautiful handloom fabrics through a collective attempt.

Keywords: Handloom, Weavers, Customer, Institute, Research, Housing, People, Market,

Exhibition.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background of the project…………………………………………………………………….7

1.2 Project Brief…………………………………………………………………….......................8

1.2.1 Name of the project………………………………………………………….8

1.2.2 Client…………………………………………………………………….........8

1.2.3 Site Location………………………………………………………………….8

1.2.4 Site Area……………………………………………………………………...8

1.3 Project Rationale……………………………………………………………………………….8

1.4 Aims and Objectives of the project…………………………………………………………..9

Chapter 2: Symbiotic development of handloom sector and marketing strategies.

2.1 Traditional textiles of Bangladesh…………………………………………………………..10

2.2 History of traditional handloom sector……………………………………………………...11

2.3 Present scenario of the Handloom Industry……………………………………………….12

2.3.1 Important products with places of production…………………………...12

2.3.2 Current Statistics…………………………………………………………...14

2.3.3 Distribution of looms by type……………………………………………...15

2.3.4 Problems of Handloom Industry………………………………………….15

2.3.5 Statistical Representation in pie diagram………………………………..16

2.3.6 Tools and Methods used in Handloom Production……………………..17

2.4 Handloom sector seeks good marketing…………………………………………………..19

2.5 Export of local handloom products worldwide…………………………………………….19

2.6 New modes of innovation: Benefit the industry……………………………………………20

2.7 Steps towards sustainability in handloom products………………………………………21

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2.8 Integrating the institution and village as a unified whole…………………………………22

Chapter 3: Site Appraisal and Contextual Analysis

3.1 Site Location…………………………………………………………………………………..22

3.2 Site Surrounding……………………………………………………………………………...23

3.2.1 Existing Site…………………………………………………………………23

3.2.2 Adjacent Land Use…………………………………………………………25

3.2.3 Road Network………………………………………………………………26

3.3 Background and current condition of the site……………………………………………..26

3.4Site Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………...28

3.5 SWOT Analysis………………………………………………………………………………30

Chapter 4: Case Study

4.1 Khamir Artisan Village, Gujrat, India……………………………………………………….30

4.2 Kuthampully Handloom Village, Kerala, India……………………………………………..33

4.3 Masouleh Village, Iran……………………………………………………………………….34

4.4 Belapur Incremental Housing, Mumbai,India……………………………………………...36

4.5 Aranya Community Housing, Indore,India…………………………………………………38

4.6 National Crafts Museum, Delhi……………………………………………………………..39

Chapter 5: Program development and Analysis

5.1 Rationale of the program…………………………………………………………………….41

5.2 Functional flow and Program Analysis……………………………………………………..42

5.3 Square Feet and Area for program…………………………………………………………44

5.4 Area Coverage………………………………………………………………………………..46

5.5 Grand total…………………………………………………………………………………….47

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Chapter 6: Conceptual Stage and Design Development

6.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………47

6.2 Concept Development……………………………………………………………………….48

6.3 Form Development & Programmatic Layout………………………………………………55

6.4 Final Design Drawings……………………………………………………………………….59

6.5 Final design models………………………………………………………………………….65

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………70

References………………………………………………………………………………………...71

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Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background of the project

This project is about the handloom sector of our country, basically an interactive platform

for the weavers. The aim of this project is to develop a modern handloom village in the

outskirts of Dhaka city through a symbiotic development of the entire handloom settlement

and marketing policies of the products through housing and center for textiles. The project

also includes proper civic facilities for the workers as well so that their long lost traditions

can be revived and put into proper use. To promote the development and sustainability of

the traditional textiles and its products by creating a handloom settlement for the weavers

of our country with proper civic arrangements and functions is the main objective of this

project. It is an attempt to preserve the rich heritage of the textiles of Bangladesh and save

it from the clutch of extinction.

Handloom weaving goes back as early as the 17th century, when this sector was an

efficient sector and played important role in economic activities (Islam & Hossain, 2012).

The handloom can meet a wide range of uses, from the needs of the daily life to being an

exquisite heirloom. But we have come to know that, this ancient and most important

cottage industry of Bangladesh is now on the way of extinction because of various

problems and barriers adjacent to this industry. Weavers in our country don’t get quality

raw materials at right time and at right price (Ahmed, 1999).On most occasions it is

evident that the creators of these beautiful crafts sink deeper into poverty, paying the

middleman. The government has not done enough in terms of grants. This project,

however, deals with such issues and provides amenities to the weavers such that they are

benefitted and the country's heritage is preserved.

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1.2 Project Brief

1.2.1 Name of the Project: Integrated Handloom Center : A platform for the weavers.

1.2.2 Client: Bangladesh Handloom Board.

1.2.3 Site Location: Between Shibchor of Madaripur and Jajira of Shariatpur, under

Naodoba union.

1.2.4 Site Area: 4,356,000 sq.ft.

1.3 Project Rationale

Traditional Bangladeshi handloom enjoys a global reputation as well as huge demands in

the local markets. Looking back into the history of the Bengal in the Indian subcontinent,

traditional handloom textiles have been an integral part of our rich heritage for a long time.

As late as 1792 Henry Patllo remarked that the demand for “Bengal’s textile manufacturers

could never reduce because no other nation on the globe could either equal or rival their

quality’’ (Mitra, 1978). However, the current scenario is totally different. The weavers face

a number of challenges which affect their livelihood and overall wellbeing and are thus

being forced to leave their profession and migrate to a different one. Historically our

heritage and culture is very rich in traditional textiles but we have come to know that, this

ancient and most important cottage industry of Bangladesh is now on the way of extinction

because of various problems and barriers adjacent to this industry. At the time of

independence over a thousand weavers societies existed and now almost all of which are

dormant due to lack of strategic vision from government to protect and promote this sector

(Latif, M.A 1997).So doing this project is really necessary to revive our handloom industry.

The collective approach of the handloom settlement as well as the centre for research,

exhibition space and workshops will not only help to preserve our heritage but also add

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economic values to the weavers. Thus, we can promote this culture and boost the

economy of our country as well.

In context of Bangladesh, a project like this is necessary in order to uphold the glory of

being Bangladeshi. As a nation we have a very glorious background. With the passage of

time and with the idea of a “Digital Bangladesh” which is not being used in a fruitful way,

we can implement this policy also in this case to uphold the marketing strategies.

The site chosen for this project also adds value. Firstly, it is situated in the outskirts of the

city which enables to decentralize the focus on Dhaka. Secondly, the site is about 5

minutes from the Padma bridge construction, which strengthens the transport system as

well. If this project can be implemented well, within 10 years from now this will have the

maximum chances of being successful.

1.4 Aims and Objectives of the Project

The main aim of this project is to focus on the present scenario of the handloom sector of

our country and its constant degradation. This heritage of ours needs to preserved for the

greater good and maintained. Ghosh, 2005 indentified the predominant factors that are

moving the wheels of handloom industry slowly. Shortage of working capital, high cost of

raw material procurement, lack of organizing capability, inadequate technology and

efficiency, lack of policy support and major are the prime ones. Despite the huge diversity,

the crafts in Bangladesh are dying. We have limited access to them and by the time they

reach our shelves they have been rendered too conventional and uninspiring, and lost its

true character.

The traditional gorgeous handlooms needs to come under focus once again and the

weavers and artisans are to be provided with facilities so that they can have the capacity

to preserve this in future. The aims and objectives of this project are-

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  To identify and locate the different types of handlooms and their products and

associated crafts situated all over in Bangladesh and identify their traces.

 To encourage the weavers and artisans by providing them an exposure to the

customers, that is, urban patrons.

 To identify their problems and limitations and the reason behind their movement

and unwillingness to work further.

 To work according to the outcomes and help in revitalizing the industry again.

 To provide a common ground for the easy communication of weavers and

designers, students, enthusiasts and buyers across the globe so that there is a

direct connection and everything works as a unified whole.

 To promote, enrich, nourish and enlighten the audience about our well-known

textile heritage of our country.

 To educate the normal people of our country about the importance of local

traditional handlooms and its beauty.

Chapter 2: Symbiotic development of handloom sector and marketing strategies.

2.1 Traditional textiles of Bangladesh

Traditional textiles of Bangladesh incorporate mostly the significant handloom industry

present in the country which has been producing fine quality clothes for over centuries.

Handloom is generally run without any electrical motor; it is run by a person’s hand and

foot combination. At the time of independence over a thousand weavers societies were

existed and now almost all of which are dormant due to lack of strategic vision from

government to protect and promote this sector (Latif, M.A 1989).Bangladesh is yet to see

any serious and systematic documentation of its textile traditions, whether woven or

embroidered(Haque,2006). And yet the textiles of Bangladesh go back to antiquity.

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2.2 History of Traditional Handloom sector

History and archeological discovery suggest that Bengal was famous in the distant past for

her textile production. Cotton was the chief raw material for textile work and it was

produced abundantly in Bengal. During the First century AD, Dhaka muslin became

famous in Asia and Europe. The varieties of muslin produced in Bengal were tanzeb,

sarband, badan, khos, elebellay, sharbati, tarangam, kumish, turya, nayansukh,

charkhana, malmal, jamdani, and addi. Besides muslin, weavers of Bengal produced such

other fine fabrics as, shabnam (dewy) and abe rawan (running water).

These and many other fabrics of Bengal were noted for their fineness of texture, beauty of

design, intricacy of weave, lightness of weight, and durability. Tantis however, produced

many different types of clothes of daily use and most of them were coarse and cheap. The

finer clothes are now rare in a tanti’s workshop and they survive in the profession by

weaving largely the daily wears for the common people. There are several types of

handloom in Bangladesh. Such as:

a. Pit loom

b. Power loom

c. Chittarranjan Loom

d. Benarosi and Jamdani Loom

e. Kamer / Waist Loom

Currently, Handloom sector in Bangladesh consists of more than 0.183 million handloom

units with 0.505 million handlooms and about 1 million handloom weavers of which about

50% are female worker. A manpower of about one million weavers, dyers, hand spinners,

embroiderers and allied artisans have been using their creative skills into more than 0.30

million active looms to produce around 687 million meters of fabrics annually. Production

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of these handloom fabrics is diffused in numerous production centers all over the country

which are linked up by a network of primary, secondary and central markets. (Bangladesh

Handloom Board, 2010)

2.3 Present scenario of the handloom industry

Handloom industry has been recognized as the prominent industry and it has been called

the backbone of our agricultural economy. It can be recognized as the mainstay of the

weaving industry for supply of bulk of the domestic cloth requirements. However, this

industry has some inherent problems. These are inadequate supply of yarn and dyes, high

price of raw materials, lack of institutional credit, marketing problem, unfair competition,

lake of efforts for improvement, lack of product diversification and organizational Problem.

Due to these problems, many handloom units are remaining non-operational at present.

Besides, Weavers are suffering from inadequate contemporary technology and scarcity of

working capital which are mandatory to maintain the smooth flow of production (ADB,

2002). Although skills of our workers are up to the expectation level, they are lagging

behind in capturing the modern technology due to lack of infrastructural support from the

government (Sobhan, 1989).

This sector has a great potentiality to meet substantial requirements of fabrics in the

export oriented garments industry. One of the major problems in this case that is

noteworthy is inadequate distribution channel which is failing to match between demand

and supply. (News Today: Feb 2005; 10)

2.3.1 Important Products with places of production

Lists of available products which are handmade are shown below in a table which depicts

the location and type of the beautiful products.

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2.3.2 Current Statistics

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2.3.3 Distribution of Looms by Type

There are mainly six types of looms in Bangladesh. The distribution of total looms and

operational looms by type are shown below Table 1.

2.3.4 Problems of Handloom Industry

Handloom industry has been recognized as the prominent industry and it has been called

the backbone of our agricultural economy. From a study conducted by Elias Hossain and

Khairul Islam of Rajshahi University, it is found that the handloom sector is raising rural

employment and income, alleviating rural poverty, bringing equity in the distribution of

income, substituting imports, and increasing potentials for exports.

However, this industry has some inherent problems. These are inadequate supply of yarn

and dyes, high price of raw materials, lack of institutional credit, marketing problem, unfair

competition, lake of efforts for improvement, lack of product diversification and

organizational problem. Weavers in our country don’t get quality raw materials at right time

and at right price (Ahmed, M.U 1999). The main problems regarding the diffusion of the

improved Handloom techniques appear to have been lack of technological knowledge and

skills as well as financial stringency of the weavers (Latif, M.A 1998).

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2.3.5 Statistical Representation in pie diagram

Source: Author

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2.3.6 Tools and Methods used in Handloom Production

Source: Author

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Source: Author
In general the different parts of a hand loom are as:

 Reed
 Heald shaft
 Treadle
 Cloth beam
 Shuttle
 Warp beam
 Reversing roller shaft

In most cases, Chittaranjan looms are used by the weavers. It’s a semiautomatic loom

operated both by the weaver and machine. Jacquard weaving is done where designs are

punched on cards and then they are installed. Threads are dyed and spinned, knows as

charka by the women.

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2.4 Handloom sector seeks good marketing

Product assortments made of cotton and other stuffs are saree , lungie, gamsa, grameen

check fabrics, printed bed covers, pillow covers, table mats, kitchen and hand towels,

apron, curtain and upholstery, furnishing fabrics, bags bandage etc.

Handloom products need good marketing to gain monetary values (Sundaram,2006).

Innovative design backed by good marketing is essential to promote handlooms in India

and global markets. There is a need to make the handloom tradition fashionable by

introducing new designs and color schemes, he added. Weavers should constantly evolve,

innovate and ensure quality. Fashion and design education also need to be re-oriented

and make handlooms the centre piece of fashion for Bangladesh and the world.

The handloom is simply a weaving device made of wood and iron mainly operated by

hand , relying solely on human metabolic energy and requires a space of barely 8 sq.

meters. handloom weaving is a cottage based industry which was spread throughout the

country. The sounds of the handloom are the music of the rural home inviting fortune to

them(Sobhan,1989). In the process of weaving the handloom, weavers create a harmony

of motion and rhythm. The vast majority of Bangladeshi handlooms was engaged in

weaving cotton and blended fabrics although handloom cloth of silk earned a good

reputation once. They are almost endangered now. Due to lack of capitals, these are on

the verge of closing because large number of weavers is migrating from their profession.

2.5 Export of local handloom products worldwide

Hand woven textile goods have a glorious heritage in the history of weaving. The

excellence of Bangladeshi hand woven fabrics was known to the West before the dawn of

the British era. The lure of fine Muslin and exquisite weaves found their way to a number

of European markets. At present many countries across the globe import handloom goods

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from Bangladesh, which needs to be improvised. The products range from traditional

fabrics of contemporary furnishing and household textiles. More products should be

marketed both in the country and outside since the selling of these commodities worldwide

can help a lot in this sector.

For the development of Handloom sector and ensure well being of the handloom weavers,

Bangladesh Handloom Board has been implementing a number of package programs

covering supply of input, innovation of suitable designs, financing of working capital,

development of human resources, modernization of handloom technology, efficient

marketing management and formation of sound weavers societies. In a word, the

Handloom Industry has no alternative in the development of rural economy. Export of local

handloom products can play a vital role in this case.

2.6 New modes of innovation: Benefit the industry

Economic theories of innovation have tended to ignore services or to assume that

innovation in services consists of little more than adopting innovations developed in

industry. Yet theories of innovation developed on the basis of observations of industry are

inadequate to explain the forms of innovation which predominate in services. Innovation in

services leads to industrial innovation (Gadrey,2015). In order to promote the new

innovation identifying the main external factors is essential.

Ghosh,2015 states that the declining productivity of handloom industry is caused by

simultaneous activation of internal and external factors like-

 Weavers don’t get quality raw materials

 Weavers don’t get quality raw materials at right time

 Weavers don’t get quality raw materials at right price

 Weavers are suffering from inadequate contemporary technology.

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  Government supports are not adequate

 Weavers are facing scarcity of working capital

 Promotion programs are not effective

 The industry faces competition from mill and power loom sector

 Weavers face lack of skills

 High level of skills are needed to produce quality products

 Weavers’ association is not efficient

 Production is not enough to meet the demand.

Generally due to conventional process it takes much time to make the goods. Due to low

production, workers have low income. So, many of them are eyeing on other professional

fields. In many clusters, only old age people do the Handloom weaving, young people are

not taking weaving craft as their profession. Training and skill development of the young

and introducing them with modern designs can encourage joining the sector. New ideas

and technologies can be used which will catalyze this sector and guide it towards the path

of success.

2.7 Steps towards sustainability in handloom products

If the handloom industry reaches to the effective level then around one lakh eighty four

thousand looms can be activated. It will help to produce 40 crore meter of extra cloth

which will produce work for more five lakh people. It will also help to export around 10

crore meter fabric according to international demand(Bangladesh Handloom Board).

Sustainability is multi-faceted and can be approached in different ways by different people

(Parker, 2011).

The considerations relating to fashion include environmental protection, social justice,

economic fairness and cultural vitality. Many of the concerns overlap and can seem
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contradictory and new information is constantly emerging. The fashion business both

reflects and contributes to society and culture, economic development and constraint, and

our changing world environment. Its current business models, whilst widely practiced, are

unsustainable as they are predicated on an imbalanced set of criteria. The products that

are to be made should be made sustainable.

2.8 Integrating the institution and village as a unified whole

To serve as a reference material for the weavers who are increasingly losing touch with

their own traditions in terms of materials, techniques, designs and aesthetics of their arts

and crafts due to sudden changes caused by modern industrialization(Pereira,2008).

Endeavor to promote Bangladesh assertively in the world arena and create demand for

craftsmanship and handloom products by continuously adapting supply to the changing

consumer habits of the demand countries home and abroad.

The settlement needs to be like an institution with facilities which will benefit each other

and catalyze the growth of the overall sector in future.

Chapter 3: Site Appraisal and Contextual Analysis

3.1 Site Location

The site is located in Madaripur and Shariatpur district, with a highway passing in

between. It falls under Naodoba Union. The site has to be accessed through Kathalbaria

ferry ghat, at a distance of around 5 minutes from the ghat. To access the site, a highway

starts just from the ghat which leads towards further end of the districts and the site comes

in between.

The site has Shariatpur on one side and Madaripur on the other.

To reach the site from Dhaka, one has to cross Mawa Ferry ghat and then reach the site,

the entire journey comes to around 3 hours. However, the Padma bridge construction is

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going on which is just about two minutes from the site. hence, the connection network will

be better and easily accessible. The area of the site is 4,356,000 square feet with 20%

roads, 30% forestation(minimum) and 15% water body. So the built area is going to be

around 35% of the total site, around, 15,24,600 sft.

Location of the Site for the Handloom Village

Southern End of Padma Bridge Site

3.2 Site Surrounding

3.2.1 Existing Site

The yellow portion marked is the site in terms of urban aspects. The roads are around 20'

wide which runs through the site. The Padma bridge approach road is around 1 km away

from the location. Current transport route is via the kathalbaria ghat from Mawa.

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Satellite image of the site and locations.

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This site was chosen by the Government because they focused on settling this village in

the outskirts of Dhaka city, as well as tried to ensure the transportation. Hence, this site

was chosen because it was an open land and was near to Padma bridge construction site.

Thus, people can easily access the site within a day and enter the handloom village as

well. Moreover, if proper facilities are provided, then it will encourage other people to join

as well which will help in boosting up the economy. This site was the nearest from the city.

And also the site is very well connected with road and easy for other groups of people as

well and even tourists can come easily to this place.

3.2.2 Adjacent Land Use

The existing site is a part of the adjacent agricultural land. It’s a government property

which is taken on lease by the local users.

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3.2.3 Road Network

Current road network

is via ferry route. With the construction of Padma bridge, it will be accessible by road.

3.3 Background and current condition of the site

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Findings :

The site is an agricultural land at present, which is owned by local people. When asked

about the project, they didn’t have any complaints regarding the government decisions,

they only wanted their share of money.

The site is a flat land, and the surrounding households have a height of 2 stories

maximum.

It is well connected with the highway and has easy access since the road runs through the

middle.

However, it is only a 20' road so chances of accidents will increase when the site is going

to be crowded.

There are pathways for the pedestrians which run through the agricultural fields. Hence,

while designing the notion should be kept in mind that pedestrian access is not hampered.

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3.4Site Analysis

The site is around 100 acres which is quite big for an initial proposition. So a phase wise

development is proposed. The project, which has the first phase has a site area of 17.5

acres. A phased approach is chosen so that there is a progressive growth of the entire

settlement.

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Analysis:

Integrating the agricultural fields to the site for preservation

Public facilities close to the public highway so that it is accessible to the public mass.

Pathways generated within the agricultural fields which further helps in easy access during

the project.

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3.5 SWOT Analysis

Chapter 4: Case Study.

As there are no exactly similar projects like this, therefore in this chapter different aspects

of the project would be briefly analyzed with a number of international projects.

4.1 Khamir Artisan Village

Located at 16 km from Bhuj, Khamir artisan Village in Kutch, Gujarat is set up as a place

which promotes, develops and facilitates the traditional wisdom, skills and knowledge of

Kutch in the areas of art, culture, heritage and natural resources.

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Khamir Artisan Village (Photo Source: Retrieved from http:// www.hunnarshala.org/ publications.html)

In this project, wherever possible homemade traditional food at artisan's house is served.

While being here, one can enjoy and explore several artisan communities where you can

discover the beauty of Embroideries, Leather Works, Lacquer Work, Rogan Work, Copper

Bell making, traditional pottery, wood carvings and much more. Each trip can be

customized to individual interests and is designed to create a unique and unforgettable

experience.

Things to keep in mind when at Khamir campus is dressing which has to be conservative

keeping in mind the local. Khamir was established in the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake,

through a collaborative effort of non-profit and industry stakeholders in the Kutch region.

The organization aims to serve as a cultural resource center that enables artisans to

conserve their traditional way of life by creating sustainable livelihoods centered on their

craft.

Designed by Architect Neelkanth Chaya, this project aims in facilitating the craftspeople as

well as promote their works to the visitors as well. Their dwelling clusters are sensitively

designed and depict communities within. The village has workshops and artifacts which is

open for the public use as well.

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Site Plan

Site sections

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At Khamir, they strive to create a democratic and empowering space - a common roof

under which a range of stakeholders can exchange ideas and collaborate. They work to

shift consumer perspectives and raise the cultural value placed on crafts.

4.2 Kuthampully Handloom Village

Kuthampully Handloom Village( Photo Source : Retrieved from http://www.welcomekeralaonline.com/

article/handloom-weavers-kuthampully)

Kuthampully is one of the popular weavers' villages in Kerala (India), situated on the banks

of River Nila. The deity here is 'Soudeswari' and is the community Goddess of the village.

This must have been the centre point of the weavers' village in the bygone era. While you

walk around here, you can hear the rhythmic beat of looms emanating from the small

vernacular homes. Many of these homes are now converted into comparatively big

modern buildings.

There are many small pathways leading away from the main road. If we just walk along

any of these pathways, we can see the typical residential area of this community with

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traditional houses lining both sides of the road. Everyone here is engaged in weaving from

morning to evening. The long area in front of their homes is commonly used by the weaver

for warping the yarn. This society was established in 1972 with an aim to provide decent

income to the weavers and to centralize the efforts for promoting and sale the Kuthampully

products. At present there are about 160 weavers under the society as against nearly 500

during 1990s.

The Kuthampully weavers followed the traditional methods in the early days to produce

Indian clothing's but however; later new techniques were applied on the products of saris

and other products. Each and every house in this village is supplied with materials needed

for weaving by the co-operative society. The hand woven fabrics are displayed for sale in

the village Kutthampully saris and other handloom items are favorite especially among

common folk not only in Kerala, but also in other parts of the country .The handwork of

traditional weavers is blended with contemporary concept to offer creative value addition

to handloom products. In Kuthampully each house is in fact a Kasavu shop. Rhythm of the

looms weaving together resonates in the air to remind the new generation about the

glorious past this cottage industry had in the Kerala society.

4.3 Masouleh Village, Iran

Traditional buildings of rural areas in Iran have been designed in total coordination with the

surrounding climate so that they normally remain warm in winters and cool in summers;

and provide their dwellers with comfort without any environmental impact.

Masouleh stepped village, shows the creative architectural patterns of Iranian urbanism

utilizing the local materials and sunshine, the open form of the buildings with large

windows for natural ventilation, triple function of the roofs: roof, yard, and public access

route; with climate steep passages.

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Stepped Village and Wind Intensity with Solar altitude diagram (Photo Source: Retrieved from
http://www.wseas.us/e-library/ conferences/2013/ CambridgeUSA/ ENVMECH/ENVMECH-24.pdf)

Source: (Retrieved from http://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/08/the-historic-village-of-masouleh.html)

Shortage of constructible land in Masouleh causes the houses to be built in the minimum

area but extended in the floors, so most of the houses are double storied and a few are

triple storied.

This village in Iran depicts how local materials and context can convert a village into a

successful one for community development. In order to have better relationship with the

neighbors, the number of steps undertaken in designing the houses adds a great value to

this project. Masouleh village texture as a garden village has made a sort of coexistence

between the natural landscape and the architecture of the human made environment

which is one the important principles of environmental architecture.

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The materials used in different parts of the building are varied and combination of stone,

adobe, and wood; which are all local. Building forms are designed extrovert and extended

high from the ground in order to prevent moisture, and are in concordance with the humid-

and temperate climate; together with outer balconies and large windows which cause the

combination of outer and inner space of the building.

4.4 Belapur Incremental Housing, Mumbai, India.

“Making housing is like a bird building its nest. You start with a basic house, but you have

to let people change it to their own needs”-Charles Correa.

This project located on six hectares of land about 2 km from the city center of New

Bombay attempts to demonstrate how high densities can be easily achieved within the

context of a low rise typology.

The site plan is generated by a hierarchy of community spaces, starting with a small

shared courtyard 8mx8m around which seven houses are grouped. Each of these houses

is on its own piece of land so that the families can have the crucial advantage of open to

sky spaces.

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Belapur Incremental Housing( Photo Source : Retrieved from http://www.mukogawa-u.ac.jp/ ~iasu2012
/pdf/iaSU2012_Proceedings_404.pdf)
Based on observation of traditional Indian settlements, he has suggested that cities should

be developed using a spatial hierarchy which ranges from the private world of the

individual dwelling, through the ‘doorstep’, to the communal court (which traditionally

contains the well or common tap), to the greater public space - the maidan – the public

promenade of the community. The geometry of Belapur is a direct interpretation of this

syntax. The basic element is the house. For Correa ‘the territorial privacy of families is of

primary importance, and he believes that, in the Indian climate, ‘open-to-the-sky space’ is

essential for family life.

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Correa’s community and spatial precepts are linked to socio-economic ideals. He believes

that prefabricated system building is wrong for India (and elsewhere) because it precludes

individual involvement in home creation and it diverts resources from the limitless pool of

the bazaar’s craftsmanship to inefficient centralized production. So the structures at

Belapur are one or two storey high, built traditionally and are seen as the basic armatures

onto which families will model dwellings which reflect their particular life styles.

Belapur Incremental Housing( Photo Source : Retrieved from http://www.mukogawa-u.ac.jp/ ~iasu2012

/pdf/iaSU2012_Proceedings_404.pdf)
This project depicts a complex programme in which a revolutionary social proposal grows

out of deep appreciation of tradition. Belapur is a built manifesto and, like all manifestos, it

tries to encompass everything.

4.5 Aranya Community Housing, Indore,India

Aranya, 6 kilometers from Indore, houses a total population of 60,000 in 6500 dwellings,

on a net planning area of 85 hectares. The master plan, prepared by the Vastu-Shilpa

Foundation in 1983, is designed around a central spine comprising the business district.

Six sectors, each with populations of 7000-12,000, lie to the east and west of the spine

and are diagonally bisected by linear parks. Ten houses, each with a courtyard at the

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back, form a cluster that opens onto a street. Internal streets and squares are paved.

Septic tanks are provided for each group of twenty houses, and electricity and water are

available throughout. The site plan accommodates and integrates a variety of income

groups. The poorest are located in the middle of each of the six sectors, while the better

off obtain plots along the peripheries of each sector and the central spine.

Aranya Community Housing( Photo Source : Retrieved from https://www.mcgill.ca/mchg/pastproject/aranya)

Designed by architect BV Doshi, this project creates a functionally sympathetic and

aesthetically pleasing street environment and provide spaces for social and religious

activities.

4.6 National Crafts Museum, Delhi

The crafts museum, casual and accepting of the artisan’s vernacular, is a work done by

Architect Charles Correa. Here Correa reinterprets the timeless quality of India into a

building which resists the obvious western label of museum. It was set up over a period of

30 years starting in the 1950s and 60s by the efforts of the renowned freedom fighter late

Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, when the area was envisaged as an ethnographic space
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where craftsmen from various parts of India would come in to work towards preservation of

various traditional arts and crafts.

Source: Retrieved from "The complete works of Charles Correa”

Source: Retrieved from “The complete works of Charles Correa”

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By the 1980s it already had a substantial collection, and in time the museum space

gradually evolved and transformed into its present shape. Today the museum holds over

35,000 rare and distinctive pieces reflecting the continuing tradition of Indian craftsmen

through painting, embroidery, textiles, various crafts of clay, stone and wood, all housed in

a building designed between 1975 and 1990 by architect Charles Correa, incorporating

traditional architectural vocabulary into a modern design.

This museum strives for an identity, it is an institution within itself which acts like a

ground for the artisans to interact and gain firsthand experience, The archives are

studied by the artisans and research is conducted. In this manner they can interact and

interchange their ideas as well. This project is basically and incentive which has till now

never been available to traditional Indian craftsmen.

Chapter 5: Program development and Analysis

5.1 Rationale of the program

The basic understanding of the programmatic requirements of the project could be

gathered from the literature overview and given programs from the client. Here, a few

programs have been added to add up to the existing ones and for the success of the

project. It is strongly established in the literature review that for such a project to be

successful it needs to address the marketing policies of the finished goods and proper

research facilities.

As such, programs with detailed information are analyzed and added here. For that reason

the program has been categorized into three zones, the public zone where all the visitors

can also enter, the semi public zones and the private zones. So that one who is not

interested on one side of the process can always come back to the other side which

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according to him is beneficial for him. Besides, community centers are proposed for

positive civic spaces so that the project becomes successful.

These projects have the objectives of providing facilities for the welfare of the weavers’

community and also improve their quality. Hence, training centers and research and

design centers will play a vital role in this case. It has broader aspects to it.

5.2 Functional flow and Program Analysis

The programs are analyzed on the basis of studies and then zoning is done. They are

facilitated with functions and as such the entire community intersects. Proposed programs-

 RESIDENTIAL UNIT
 HANDLOOM SHEDS
 MULTIPURPOSE HALL
 RESEARCH AND DESIGN CENTRE
 EXHIBITION SPACE : PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY
 HAAT CORNER FOR SELLING PRODUCTS
 DISPLAY AREA AND SALES CENTER
 WORKSHOPS
 ACCOMODATION+RESTAURANT
 ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
 INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE
 PRIMARY SCHOOL

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Source: Author

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Source: Author
5.3 Square Feet and Area for program

RESIDENTIAL UNIT

Allocated plot per family : 1200 sft

Single Unit, single/double storied

Persons to accommodate : Varies

Total 65 families ;Total area : 65 x 1200 = 78,000 sft.

Clusters to be formed so that, three individual courtyards can be obtained within.

HANDLOOM SHEDS

1 Chittaranjan Loom per weaver and 1 Charka per family. For the thread dyeing paraa,

open sheds are proposed.

Total area : 12000 sft.

MULTIPURPOSE HALL

Space required per person : 10 sft

No. of users : 550 approx (in total village)

No. of rooms :

Area : 5500 sft

RESEARCH AND DESIGN CENTRE

Material Treatment Lab: 2000 sft

Research Lab: 1000 sft

Material Archive: 600 sft

Chemical Testing Lab:500 sft

Fabric Analysis Lab: 500 sft

Library and Documentation: 2000 sft

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EXHIBITION SPACE : PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY

Gallery 1: EXHIBITS USING WEAVING MATERIALS/ PERMANENT GALLERY/

WEAVING AND HANDLOOM EXHIBITION: 4000 sft

Gallery 2: JACQUARD PREPARATION AND DESIGN PROCESS GALLERY;

EDUCATING THROUGH DISPLAY: 4000 sft

Gallery 3: OPEN PLATFORM: 3000 sft

Lobby/Courtyard Space: 3000 sft.

HAAT CORNER FOR SELLING PRODUCTS

Depends on the proportion and space.

DISPLAY AREA AND SALES CENTER

Every shed has an adjacent display area attached to it for constant display and weekly
fair. Area : 700 sft

WORKSHOPS

Admin, Director and Staff Zone of Research and Workshop : 2000 sft.

Workshop in Charge : 600 sft

Workshop areas : 1200x3=3600 sft

Dyeing and Printing: 3000 sft

Natural Dye Workshop: 3500 sft

Finished Goods Storage: 2000 sft

ACCOMODATION+RESTAURANT

Room Number : 8, Area : 8x300= 2400 sft

Common Lobby: 1000 sft

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Restaurant and Food zone : 6000 sft

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

Reception: 500 sft

Admin Office: 650 sft

Account Section: 250 sft

Registrar Section: 300 sft

Controller Office: 250 sft

Computer and Engineering Section: 300 sft

Conference Room: 600 sft

INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE

3000 sft

PRIMARY SCHOOL

5000 sft

5.4 Area Coverage

Phase 1 consists of 17.5 acres of land, i.e. 7,62,300 sft area in total.

Here,

Green Space = 30%

Water body = 15%

Roads and Internal Hard Surface = 20%

Total = 65% of 17.5 acres = 4,95,495 sft.

Hence, Designing a built space of (7,62,300-4,95,495) sft or, 2,66,805 sft is possible,i.e.

35% of the total land area.

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According to given functional analysis and calculated sft, built area comes up to 2,21,500

sft, i.e. 29% of the site.

Hence, approximately 45,805 sft still remains.

5.5 Grand total

RESIDENTIAL UNIT _78,000 sft

HANDLOOM SHEDS _12,000 sft
MULTIPURPOSE HALL _5500 sft
RESEARCH AND DESIGN CENTRE _6600 sft
EXHIBITION SPACE: PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY _14,000 sft
HAAT CORNER FOR SELLING PRODUCTS _Varies
DISPLAY AREA AND SALES CENTER _700 sft
WORKSHOPS _14,700 sft
ACCOMODATION+RESTAURANT _9400 sft
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE _2850 sft
INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE _3000 sft
PRIMARY SCHOOL _5000 sft

Chapter 6: Conceptual Stage and Design Development

6.1 Introduction

The initial work included the study of the existing handloom settlements; recognize the

effects of extinction and then identify the traces. Finally, connecting the traces accordingly

and including them in the site through successive selections.

Source : Author

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Source: Author

The findings affirmed the need for a collective whole where settlement and the research

center, i.e. public centers co-exist.

6.2 Concept Development

The primary agenda was to think and consider about the needs and wants of the weavers.

Source: Author

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This project is for the weavers’ community on the whole. A platform for their betterment

and welfare. We all know Bangladesh has a wide range of handloom products all over the

country. Hence, at first I tried to identify the locations of the products and then connect the

traces throughout.

Source: Author

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 Source: Author

Upon carrying out a comparatively thorough study, the main finding was to bring the entire

handloom sector into one integrated whole such that it acts as a window for the betterment

of the existing ones and catalyze the growth of the sector.

Source: Author
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Hence, in the initial phase, three handloom products from three regions are chosen. It’s

evident that the raw materials location is nearby and public access is well because of

close proximity to Dhaka city.

Source: Author

Handloom Production is a beautiful process and the process is very intricate. If we go

through the entire process, then it’s evident that from thread preparation to finished

product, the entire cycle is a beautiful one. However, there is no direct connection between

the customer and the weavers, which results in the failure of exposure and preservation.

For this reason, Another step was to alleviate the discontinuity and establish a direct

connection between the two such that there exists first hand communication.

This craft needs to be brought into light through proper supervision such that it survives

and enlightens the entire nation.

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Source: Author

Source: Author

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The current scenario depicts influence of two upper hands and zero profit of the weavers

during the entire process. Removal of this and taking steps for the enrichment of the

products were a big concern.

Source: Author

Through all the analysis it is evident that, the amount of hard work and the level of

intricacy depicted by the weavers is unparallel and they are highly skilled. They can weave

different stories but their marketing strategies are what keep them behind. These

handloom crafts need to be enriched so that we can nurture and uphold them with dignity

and pride.

The main concept of this project emerged during interaction with the weavers. The entire

scenario demanded public access and a direct connection between the weavers and the

public mass, which has been an essential aspect of the design. Some conceptual

sketches were imagined which created a visionary scenario for the project.

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Spaces visualized through rough drawings added to further design generations.

Source: Author

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6.3 Form Development & Programmatic Layout

The entire complex has two different axes, one along the north south direction and other

along the existing landscape on the site.

So, having these two as the main reference, functions are placed.

Source: Author

The fenestration on walls has inspiration from the traditional jacquard punch cards. Both

the complex and housing units have similar jail patterns on bricks. Designs vary according

to different combinations which creates dramatic play of light inside and inspires people.

Source: Author

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The programs are arranged accordingly in the complex and the housing clusters are

grouped according to the existing data available from the study areas.

Source: Author

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The housing units are derived from these existing types from which the basic lifestyle is

chosen and then the design is done accordingly. Initially functions are analyzed and then

the final design is derived from a basic grid.

This handloom center, informal and accommodating of the weavers’ language is organized

around a central spine. It provides opportunities to meet their urban patrons. Such a

patronage is so formidable that is lost, even thousands of formal institutions and

universities will not be able to reconnect.

Source: Author

The agricultural landscape blends with the proposed design in such a way that the aisle

connects with the courtyards and proposed pathways in between. The entire complex is

interlinked with a continuous corridor.

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Source: Author
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6.4 Final Design Drawings

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Sections

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6.5 Final design models

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Conclusion

This project is dedicated to all the weavers associated with this craft for generations. The

design is a spontaneous growth of the necessary elements of a handloom village, with

additions that enriches its’ potential. It aims in revitalizing the overall growth through

strategic solutions. The design is an interpretation of the weavers’ language and patterns

that makes it unique. To promote our traditional handloom products and enrich their values

is the core idea of this project. It serves as a welfare opportunity for the weavers’

community, in broader aspect, for the whole country.

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References

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Millennium: Challenges and Opportunities, Asian Affairs, Vol.21, No.01.

2.Ahmed, M.(1999): Development of Small- scale industries in Bangladesh in the New

Millennium’: Challenges and Opportunities, Asian Affairs, Vol.21, NO.1.

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over the Predominant Factors. BRAC University Journal, Vol. 02, No. 02.

4. Islam, K., & Hossain, E. (n.d.). AN ANALYSIS OF PRESENT SCENARIO OF

HANDLOOM WEAVING INDUSTRY IN BANGLADESH. Retrieved from September

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6.Latif, M. A. (1989). Towards an Estimation of Cloth Supply in Bangladesh:

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8. Parker, E. (2011) Steps towards Sustainability in Fashion: Snapshot Bangladesh, edited

by Hammond, L., Higginson, H. and Williams, D., London College of Fashion and

Fashioning an Ethical Industry

9. Satya,S. (2006) Handlooms Seek Direct Marketing, Facts For You, July 2006, p.8-9

10.Sobhan, R. (1989), “Employment and social issues in the Formulation of policy for the

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