Abhikrakm’s continuous involvement in projects, where these beliefs have been explored, has come about due to a direct support for this cause from organizations as well as individuals of different backgrounds. These are the organizations/ individuals who were either already convinced about the need for using traditional materials and technologies in the contemporarily built environment, or were open and courageous enough to take a chance, in their own projects, with its use to help establish its relevance in the present context.

Numerous other people from all walks of life have also become involved in the process of rediscovering the traditional values, the decision-making processes, the sensibilities, the materials, the technologies and the appropriateness of their use in the contemporary context.

A brief description and drawings/visuals of some of the works/projects supported by them, as individuals or backed by their organizations, and the lessons we, at Abhikram, learn, have been covered here:

A RURAL SCHOOL

The supporters

Diganter is an institution started by Faith and John Singh at Jaipur, Rajasthan, to implement their own ideas and convictions on the methods of imparting education. For many years, it has operated as a small school, but since 1991 it has been shifted to Anokhi Farm in the outskirts of Jaipur. It has grown in size as well as in activities. The school is headed by Rohit and Rina Dhankar who are associated with it since its inception.

The work

With the exception of the main building of Diganter at the Farm, which is designed by architects Jyoti Rath and Ravi Kaimal from Delhi, most other buildings and facilities have been designed by Rohit himself and if found necessary vetted by John Singh of Anokhi or Nimish Patel of Abhikram. The design evolves out of the basic needs and financial constraints with ample use of common sense.

As part of their objective to construct and operate schools in rural areas, the construction of a rural school about 20 kms out of Jaipur was completed in 1993. It was conceived as a eleven class room school, with four rooms for other facilities for about 200 students.

The need for a greater control determined the single entrance which in turn leads to the concentric form of the school. The room sizes were arrived at due to the constraints of the materials. The choice of materials for roof, wall and floor was the result of the economic constraints.

A covered area of about 375 sq.mts has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 200 per sq.mt. which, even for the professionals involved in low cost construction projects, appears to be a very difficult target to achieve.

All the design decisions, material purchasing and the construction supervision was centralized and conducted by Rohit Dhankar himself.

The lessons

A FARM RESIDENCE

The supporters

Faith and J.P. (John) Singh of Jaipur are the founders of Anokhi, an institution which was started to support the revival of the art and craft of Handblock printing around Jaipur. They have expanded their horizons to cover the area of agriculture, education, and conservation of cultural heritage of India. They are both very supportive of the cause of re-establishing the relevance of traditional technologies in the contemporary context.

The work

Faith and John were already in the process of getting their Farm House designed, when the Amber Conservation work was initiated by the Jaipur Chapter of INTACH. Convinced about the use of the traditional materials, they decided to experiment with it in the construction of an outhouse at the farm with Abhikram’s help.

The project, which began as a self contained one bedroom unit, to serve in future as a Guest House to the Main House, eventually became the Main House itself. Both of them became quite involved in the process of utilizing the local materials and technologies. The house grew, room by room, responding to the changing needs of its occupants. Ravi Kaimal, an architect from Delhi, was also involved in its interior design as well as in some of the architectural finishes and detailing inputs.

The primary construction materials are the locally available lime mortar for masonry walls and stone slabs for lintels and roofing. The internal walls are plastered in cement and the external walls, in most parts, are exposed stone masonry with 3-5 coats of lime wash over it. The verandah columns and other decorative elements are crafted in Karauli stone.

The entire process was approached with a view to evolve new relationships amongst the Owner, the Designer, and the Builder, and to help them redefine their roles and responsibilities. The experience was novel, difficult, exciting, frustrating, educative, as well as satisfying for all involved. And the product has justified the process.

The lessons