Retaining identity of local craft

Abstract

The identity of any place lies in its local art, craft, architecture. The local crafts which are very unique to a city have their main laborious work being carried out in nearby towns. The crafts then become a part of the identity of the town. These nearby towns are eventually added in the planning boundary of the city. The surrounding upcoming real estate development pose a threat to the identity of the town through transformation. In the existing scenario the town has craft clusters spread throughout. Some measure have been taken to protect the craft from dying in this town through the work center. However the problem with the work centre is that it is located to one part of the town inside a private property. The conditions required for craft are adequate light, close home to work relationship, adequate space and more collective spaces to work. In the existing spatial conditions the identified problems are poor light, lack of combined spaces to work. By enhancing their spatial conditions we ensure creative productivity, enhanced value for the profession and attracting more younger generation to the profession. Thus adding inserts like multipurpose spaces for the community in open spaces, close to their houses will act as a catalyst in retaining the local crafts of the town . It will also be in close proximity to the main street which will provide any visitor a direct access to their spaces of work. The houses around these spaces may undergo spatial transformations in near future by adding an upper floor and adding more semi- open spaces for craft work. The multipurpose space could be used by the community during the day for craft activities and at night as gathering spaces. Thus retaining the identity of the town which is the local craft through spatial changes.