Sanskriti gram: a cultural village in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh/

Abstract

Prayagraj, renowned for its spiritual and historical significance, especially during the Kumbh Mela, lacks a permanent space that actively celebrates and sustains its rich cultural and artistic legacy throughout the year. “Sanskriti Gram: A Cultural Village in Prayagraj” addresses this gap by proposing a year-round cultural destination near the sacred Sangam. The project aims to integrate tradition, community, and creativity through a cohesive architectural experience. The design features an entry plaza that accommodates informal markets and social gatherings, leading to shop clusters and open vendor spaces to support local commerce. Dedicated pavilions for curated exhibitions and live demonstrations allow artisans to interact directly with the public. A landscaped performance area fosters cultural events and live performances, enhancing community engagement. An artisan village forms a central component, highlighting five traditional crafts of Uttar Pradesh. This zone includes workspaces and residential units for artisans, allowing them to live and work within the same environment. Additionally, a play zone for children is included to promote cultural learning through interactive play. Designed to function during both large-scale events like the Kumbh and daily cultural activities, Sanskriti Gram is envisioned as a living space that preserves heritage, supports livelihoods, and nurtures intergenerational cultural exchange in Prayagraj. Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Community Engagement, Artisan Village, Sustainable Livelihoods, Public Space Design, Kumbh Mela Integration.