Craft Based
Common Facilitation Centre, Agra
A part of 32 Common Facilitation Centres (CFC) development project, under ODOP Initiative
The Common Facilitation Centre, as part of the ODOP initiative, the district of Agra has been identified as a hub for the production of leather and leather goods. In line with this, the Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) Agra has been developed to provide technical support and services specifically to the footwear industry in the region.
The primary aim of the CFC Agra is to improve the quality of the footwear products produced in the region and enhance the industry's competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. To achieve this objective, the CFC Agra offers a range of services to footwear manufacturers in the region, including training, product development, testing and quality control, and marketing support.
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Client
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
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Architectural Description
The architecture of the center is a harmonious blend of modern minimalism and vernacular influences, creating an environment that is both functional and aesthetically engaging.
The structure employs a combination of exposed brickwork, white plastered walls, and perforated brick screens (jali), embodying a balance between tradition and contemporary design. The brick jali façade serves a dual purpose—enhancing natural ventilation and introducing dynamic light and shadow patterns, ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient interior.
Geometric simplicity defines the form, with clean lines and contrasting elements that highlight key architectural features. The integration of yellow-painted details around the windows and gates adds vibrancy to the design, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
1. Architectural Style & Concept
- Style: Modern minimalism with vernacular influences
- Concept: A blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary architecture, creating a functional and sustainable workspace.
- Design Intent: To provide an interactive and inspiring environment that enhances artisans’ productivity while respecting the region’s architectural heritage.
2. Form & Spatial Planning
- A combination of solid and perforated brickwork, creating a play of light and shadow.
- Asymmetrical juxtaposition of geometric forms, maintaining a balance between openness and enclosure.
- Incorporates open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces to promote collaboration.
- Low-rise form ensures harmony with the surrounding semi-urban context.
- Defined entrance gate and boundary walls, providing security while maintaining a visual connection with the surroundings.
3. Materiality & Texture
- Exposed brickwork reflects regional construction traditions and enhances aesthetics.
- White plastered surfaces provides a clean and modern contrast to the textured brick.
- Jali screens (perforated brick panels) adds an artistic element while aiding natural ventilation and lighting.
- Yellow-painted metal accents used in window recesses and gates to add vibrancy.
4. Façade & Climatic Responsiveness
- Jali Screens & Brickwork: Acts as a passive cooling strategy, allowing air circulation while reducing heat gain.
- Controls natural daylight, creating a comfortable indoor environment.
- The warm earthy tones of brick complement the cool white plaster for a balanced visual appeal.
- Yellow accents highlight functional openings, adding a playful yet purposeful contrast.
- Openings are strategically placed to maximize daylight while minimizing direct heat exposure.
5. Contextual Integration & Cultural Significance
- The low-rise structure ensures compatibility with the semi-urban setting.
- The use of locally sourced materials reinforces regional architectural identity.
- The intricate gate design reflects the artistic craftsmanship the facility promotes.
- The vernacular material palette ties the project to Agra’s rich architectural history.
6. Functionality & Usability
- Provides dedicated workspaces, interaction areas, and production zones for artisans.
- Encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the craft community.
- The gated entrance and defined boundary ensure safety while allowing controlled access.
- Barrier-free design ensures usability for all, including differently-abled individuals.
The structure features a white façade - symbolizing simplicity and modernity, complemented by bold yellow and red accents.
Yellow graphic panels - with symbolic representations of tools and crafts add identity to the space, making it visually interactive.
The metal grid screen - integrated with graphic inserts, creates a semi-permeable partition that allows light and ventilation while acting as a design focal point.
The design - integrates modern geometric forms, playful visual elements, and contrasting colors to create an engaging atmosphere for artisans.
Artisans engaging in discussions and movement - highlighting the centre's role as a collaborative and social space.
The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces - ensures a comfortable working environment suited to the region’s climate.
The central courtyard, front view, The Common Facilitation Centre, Agra, U.P.
The central courtyard, view from terrace, The Common Facilitation Centre, Agra, U.P.
The central courtyard - serves as the heart of the facility, fostering natural light, ventilation, and a communal atmosphere.
Green spaces - integrated within the courtyard enhance the microclimate and provide a relaxing environment.
Open seating areas - for artisans and office personnel.
The integrated seating, staircases, and open corridors - encourage informal gatherings and knowledge exchange.
The ground floor - features shaded walkways and open gathering areas, fostering a sense of community among artisans.
The upper-level walkway - enclosed by a red railing, ensures safe and comfortable movement between spaces while providing visual connectivity with the lower level.
The two-level structure - features an open courtyard layout, promoting natural ventilation and social interaction.
The metal grid screen - integrated with graphic inserts, creates a semi-permeable partition that allows light and ventilation while acting as a design focal point.
Yellow graphic panels - with symbolic representations of tools and crafts add identity to the space, making it visually interactive.
The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces - ensures a comfortable working environment suited to the region’s climate.
The building features a juxtaposition - of solid and perforated surfaces, with exposed brick walls, white plastered volumes, and jali screens forming a cohesive architectural language.
The brick jali façade - is not only an aesthetic element but also a climate-responsive feature, facilitating natural ventilation and diffusing sunlight into the interior.
This passive cooling strategy - reduces the dependency on artificial energy sources, making the building more sustainable.
The layout - incorporates open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces, creating a dynamic environment that encourages interaction, learning, and production.
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