The project “Pehchaan – Ethnic Centre for Arts, Craft and Human Resource at Jagdalpur, Bastar” focuses on the aim to provide the recognition and respect to the tribal sect of Bastar that they actually deserve. It aims to empower and uplift this tribal lifestyle by providing a platform for indigenous art and craft forms along with demonstrating and celebrating tribal cultural aspects. Also, to understand how to design such a built-form for tribal, which capitalizes on their natural environment and forms a self-sustaining unit where one can function within their original milieu. The thesis endeavours to understand the process which will help ensure the continuity of their traditions and culture and integrate the whole community.

The intent of the project is to analyses various cultural practices, ideas of social aspects and form of expressions as a tool to empower the tribal of Bastar. The premise functions in a co-operative style, that works with tribal from approximately 40 village within 40 kms of range around Jagdalpur. With employing various activities like Design Cell, Food innovation centre, Inhouse packing and marketing cell, newer forms and designs could be developed keeping the core values of these crafts intact. It will act as a medium for introduction of various permutation and combinations that could be created by using their tribal essence with the help of research and computation. The Centre would be a medium for the coming generations and for the interested and skilled individuals to learn the unique art forms and their cultural values. The cultural and social values of tribal are given prime importance in the project by means of providing spaces and areas that harness the ethos such as Mahua garden trails, Amphitheatre, boating activities, viewing decks and artefacts. Landscape strategies and methodologies are worked out in order to integrate the true essence of tribal life.

To uphold tribal legacy, we need both, technological advancements with sensitivity and appreciation among larger audience to sustain in contemporary era. The architectural exploration draws inspiration from the life of tribal and their spatial atmosphere. The entire theme of the thesis revolves around the celebration of tribal lifestyles. The architectural strategies and spatial organization are derived from the historical design principles of the context – Simplicity, Honesty of materials, Trueness of structure and Optimum intervention. The design is worked on providing a central axis which overlooks on all the activities of the centre. With the series of courtyards ranging in their scale, functions and workability, a different set of value is assigned to each of them which is very true to the tribal grounds. The design ideas are manifested into pitch roof structures and pavilion-like structures made from a combined use of vernacular materials such as Hempcrete, bamboo, rammed earth and advanced techniques of construction generating a background within which a craftsperson designs and creates their own unique self-made workspace to get inspired from. Each space is designed so as to facilitate the activities taking place and is multipurpose in nature. Various water harvesting techniques and integrated landscape techniques are employed so as to help the project attain some degree of sustenance of its own. The acknowledgement of tribal settlement essence and forms in the project will preserve the essence of tribal settlements, deserves upliftment of its heart and soul which can not only sustain the carrying capacity but also live through the times setting an example for the coming generations as an important link of cultural heritage of India forgotten by the people as visitors and dwellers.