Craft Based
Moonj Craft Tourism Village
The initiative aims to increase tourist inflow to Mahewa by establishing a permanent platform with integrated support for artisans, thereby improving their socio-economic conditions. It focuses on creating a distinct identity for Mahewa’s crafts, enhancing the quality of life, and generating livelihood opportunities for locals. Additionally, the project will promote local crafts, build capacity, and provide training to uplift and sustain the artisanal community.
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Client
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Area
Architectural Description
The Moonj Craft Tourism Village in Mahewa, Prayagraj, is a cultural and economic initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the traditional craft of Moonj weaving. This project establishes a permanent, well-integrated artisan hub that supports local craftspeople by providing them with a dedicated space for production, display, and sales. Additionally, the site enhances the tourism experience, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.
The Moonj Craft Tourism Village is a transformative project that celebrates local craftsmanship while providing a sustainable economic model for artisans. The thoughtful architectural integration of traditional and contemporary elements ensures a culturally immersive and engaging experience for visitors, ultimately making Mahewa a key destination for heritage tourism in Uttar Pradesh.
1. Design Concept & Vision
- Showcasing the heritage of Moonj weaving through interactive and visually engaging spaces.
- Creating an accessible and well-planned tourist-friendly environment.
- Providing artisans with dedicated workspaces, exhibition areas, and market zones for economic sustainability.
- Enhancing the overall landscape with aesthetic and informative installations.
2. Entry & Pathways
- A grand entrance with locally crafted sandstone panels featuring intricate patterns and inscriptions related to Moonj craft.
- Paved pedestrian-friendly pathways with integrated seating and shaded rest areas.
- Directional signage and informative displays to guide visitors through the craft-making process.
3. Artisan Workspaces & Market Area
- Open-air and semi-covered workstations designed for artisans to weave Moonj products while engaging with visitors.
- Permanent kiosks and pop-up market stalls offering handmade crafts directly from the weavers.
- Multi-functional spaces for live demonstrations, workshops, and cultural storytelling sessions.
4. Cultural & Educational Installations
- Heritage walls with engravings that narrate the history and significance of Moonj weaving.
- Mural-adorned boundary walls illustrating the craft’s journey from raw material to finished product.
- Interactive learning panels and digital screens for educating tourists about Moonj craft techniques and its impact on the community.
5. Public Amenities & Infrastructure
- Landscaped open areas with native plants to create a vibrant and eco-friendly environment.
- Well-designed street furniture, traditional lamp posts, and shaded sitting spaces to enhance visitor comfort.
- Efficient drainage and rainwater harvesting systems ensuring environmental sustainability.
6. Materials & Construction Techniques
- Locally sourced sandstone and bricks maintain the regional architectural identity.
- Traditional craftsmanship combined with modern construction to create a long-lasting, low-maintenance environment.
- Sustainable building techniques to support ecological balance and energy efficiency.
The boundary walls: are adorned with vibrant murals, showcasing the process of Moonj weaving, adding an educational and aesthetic dimension to the site. Pedestrian-friendly pathways, integrated seating areas, and decorative lamp posts enhance accessibility and visitor experience.
Informational Display & Cultural Identity: A large sandstone panel with engraved text provides historical and cultural context about Moonj craft, educating visitors about its significance. The panel features embossed illustrations of the region’s architectural skyline, blending local heritage with craft promotion.
Traditional & Contemporary Fusion: The left panel combines modern graphic design with traditional sandstone engraving, making the information visually engaging. The right-hand wall is adorned with colorful hand-painted murals showcasing artisans at work, Moonj weaving techniques, and traditional motifs.
Functional & Aesthetic Urban Elements: Integrated seating offers a resting space for visitors and artisans, enhancing the public space’s usability. A classic street lamp adds to the aesthetic while improving nighttime visibility.
Promotion of Handicrafts & Tourism: The wall integrates symbols of Indian handicrafts and branding, reinforcing the identity of the site as a craft tourism destination. The artistic elements create an inviting atmosphere, encouraging tourists to engage with the local craft and artisan community.
Iconic Entrance Monument – The sandstone-clad gateway structure with intricate carvings and gold inlays serves as a landmark, embodying the heritage of Moonj craftsmanship.
Traditional Motifs & Patterns – The facade incorporates geometric and floral patterns inspired by indigenous weaving techniques, reinforcing cultural identity.
Blended Aesthetic & Functionality – Designed as both an informational and decorative element, integrating heritage preservation with modern tourism infrastructure.
The structure features - an elegant arch-like form, inspired by regional craftsmanship and vernacular architecture, symbolizing cultural continuity.
The façade - features a striking 3D-inspired Moonj craft motif, incorporating traditional woven patterns with bold yellow, red, and green colors.
A large-scale Moonj-inspired wall mural - is prominently displayed on the side of the building, incorporating the craft’s characteristic woven patterns and colors.
The mural serves as a landmark - reinforcing the cultural identity of the space while visually connecting traditional craft with contemporary architecture.
The boundary - wall features hand - painted rural scenes depicting traditional houses, landscapes, and motifs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Decorative red floral patterns - along the building’s edges add an artistic touch, referencing local folk art styles.
Large-Scale Moonj Mural: The façade features a striking 3D-inspired Moonj craft motif, incorporating traditional woven patterns with bold yellow, red, and green colors. The mural integrates architectural elements like windows, blending functionality with cultural expression.
Use of Vernacular Art in Public Spaces: The boundary wall features hand-painted rural scenes depicting traditional houses, landscapes, and motifs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Decorative red floral patterns along the building’s edges add an artistic touch, referencing local folk art styles.
Culturally Themed Boundary Wall: The wall is adorned with hand-painted murals depicting Moonj craft objects and weaving processes, celebrating local artisanship. Traditional geometric border patterns frame the artwork, maintaining a folk-art aesthetic.
Public Space Integration: The area includes a built-in seating arrangement along the boundary wall, encouraging community interaction. A streetlamp adds to the urban infrastructure, improving safety and usability during evening hours.
Cultural Street Design: A well-defined pedestrian-friendly road with raised platforms on both sides, creating a structured and accessible pathway. Decorative boundary walls adorned with Moonj craft-inspired murals narrate the local heritage, craft techniques, and rural lifestyle. The walls feature hand-painted geometric and floral motifs, enhancing the traditional aesthetic.
Use of Local Materials & Craftsmanship: Red sandstone benches integrated along the pathway provide rest areas while blending with the architectural theme. Intricately carved stone panels add texture and authenticity, showcasing regional craftsmanship.
Functional and Aesthetic Lighting: Ornate street lamps are strategically placed along the walkway, ensuring visibility while complementing the traditional design language.
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