A national-level hands-on workshop titled, “Majuli’s living heritage: A workshop on the cultural landscape and traditional architecture” took place in Majuli River Island, Assam from 6th Nov ’24 to 14th Nov’24. This workshop aimed to promote local craftsmanship and traditional architecture while addressing community needs and enhancing the sustainable tourism of the river island at the global level. A total number of 10 participants/professionals including architects, engineers, designers, etc from across India (Maharashtra, Gujrat, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu) were engaged in hands-on activities which include, the construction of a traditional flood resilient Mishing bamboo structure (house on stilt). The participants learned the traditional techniques and knowledge of bamboo construction from the local Mishing bamboo craftsmen of Majuli, also in a way it helped to promote these traditional sustainable practices which in the current scenario are getting neglected. BTC (Basic Training Centre) Rawanapara, Majuli was selected as the venue and site for the workshop. The whole structure was built using only local materials, bamboo, cane, and thatch all of which were locally sourced making it sustainable and environment friendly. Along with this, the participants also learned the basics of Mask making, documentation of pottery, and weaving villages.
Internationally renowned mask-making artist Padmashri Dr. Hemchandra Goswami along with Principal BTC (Basic Training Centre) Rawanapara, Mrs. Rwirub Brahma was the chief guest to grace the valedictory ceremony wherein the bamboo structure was inaugurated and was opened for the local community to use henceforth. The workshop’s goal was to safeguard and share the invaluable traditional knowledge and techniques that characterize the world’s largest river island, Majuli. The workshop was led and coordinated by the respective team members of MAATI, Ar. Zarna Shah, (Founder and Principal Architect), Ar. Sanjukta Das (Mid-level Principal Architect), Ar. Maria Khan (Junior Architect).
Project name: Majuli’s Living Heritage: A Workshop on Cultural Landscape and Traditional Architecture
Typology: Workshop
Location: Majuli Island, Assam
Year: 2024
Status: Completed
Size:
Client:
Design team: Zarna Shah, Sanjukta Das, Maria Khan
Collaborators: Basic Training Centre (BTC), Rawanapara, Majuli, Assam
Copyright: MAATI © 2024