Weaving cultural narratives: designing an experiential cultural hub at Sabarmati riverfront Ahmedabad/

Abstract

The proposed Cultural Hub at Sabarmai Riverfront in Ahmedabad, strategically located opposite the iconic Atal Bridge on the historic eastern bank, seeks to celebrate and sustain the city’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage. Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage City, thrives on its vibrant craft traditions and evolving cultural identity, yet lacks dedicated spaces to showcase and nurture these assets cohesively. This thesis addresses this gap by designing an Artisans’ Village and a Cultural Centre, fostering a dynamic interplay between tradition, creativity, and community engagement. The Artisans’ Village is envisioned as a living workspace, with distinct zones dedicated to Ahmedabad’s traditional crafts such as Bandhani, Patola weaving, and pottery. These zones integrate workshops, exhibition spaces, and interactive areas, encouraging artisans to create, display, and educate visitors. The design emphasizes open, flexible layouts with courtyards and shaded pathways, reflecting the organic spatial character of traditional Gujarat pols, while ensuring accessibility and environmental responsiveness. The Cultural Centre complements this by offering exhibition galleries, training rooms, and an auditorium, designed to host performances, workshops, and cultural events. The design approach prioritizes user experience, creating immersive and inclusive spaces that connect artisans, visitors, and performers. The hub’s riverfront location enhances its role as a public destination, with landscaped plazas and pedestrian linkages to the Atal Bridge, fostering a sense of place and civic pride. Intended outcomes include revitalizing Ahmedabad’s craft ecosystem, empowering artisans through skill development, and positioning the hub as a cultural landmark. The project aspires to create a vibrant, inclusive spatial experience that bridges tradition and modernity, enriching the urban fabric of the Sabarmati Riverfront while contributing to the cultural discourse of Ahmedabad. Keywords: Cultural Centre, Experiential Architecture, Sabarmati Riverfront, Narrative Architecture