A striking Bamboo Pavilion of Northeast designed for Surajkund Craft Fair unveiled Natural abundance in Architecture
Enter the realm of architectural innovation with the Northeast Pavilion, a striking bamboo cloud crafted by atArchitecture. Founded by Neha Rane and Avneesh Tiwari, this Mumbai-based studio makes its India debut with this stunning structure.
The conception of the structure pays tribute to the rich tradition of local bamboo craftsmanship, echoing the festival’s core values. Positioned near the ancient Surajkund Lake, a testament to King Suraj Pal’s legacy from the 10th century Tomar dynasty, the fair stands as a beacon, empowering Indian artisans and showcasing the nation’s vibrant handicraft heritage.
Rane and Tiwari find inspiration in Northeast India’s vibrant textile culture, where traditional looms and locally made garments are fundamental. Their design comprises eight courtyards within a sleek rectangular shape, each dedicated to showcasing the handloom traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. The distinctive hyperbolic roof not only enhances the structure’s visual appeal but also represents the region’s rugged terrain, uniting form and function in a compelling architectural display.
Expert artisans from the region lent their craftsmanship to construct the pavilion within a tight 60-day schedule, a feat deemed the project’s main challenge by the architects. Overcoming logistical hurdles like bamboo sourcing and coordinating travel for 90 craftsmen, the team emphasized on-site collaboration for design decisions, ensuring seamless integration and showcasing local craftsmanship.
The pavilion’s bamboo lattice echoes the intricate weaving of rural handloom fabrics, illuminated in the evening reminiscent of traditional cane lanterns. This collaborative triumph between architects and Northeastern craftsmen celebrates local tradition and craftsmanship, with every detail emphasizing the profound impact of architecture in unifying diverse landscapes and narratives.
Follow us on