Author: Aishwarya Ramesh Kale
Site Location: Palghar, Maharashtra
Institute: Pillai HOC College of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Amit Mhatre

Description

“Before their legacy fades into silence, let architecture become the voice that safeguards a vanishing community.” Cultural centres act as inclusive platforms where people gather, interact, and share ideas bridging gaps between generations, communities, and backgrounds. These spaces become cultural landmarks that not only serve the local population but also attract visitors, offering a glimpse into the unique history, traditions, and values of the region. By enabling dialogue and collective engagement, such places nurture a sense of belonging and strengthen the social fabric of urban life.

This thesis centers around the Marathi-speaking Panchal community, aiming to recognize and preserve their craftsmanship, engineering achievements, and traditional wisdom passed down through generations. Despite their excellence in craftsmanship such as die-making and carpentry, the community’s identity remains largely confined to local business circles and neighbourhoods. Their historical journey, especially after migrating from Gujarat to Maharashtra, deserves broader acknowledgment and celebration.

Today, as lifestyles evolve and technology advances, younger generations are becoming increasingly disconnected from their heritage. Many are unaware of their ancestral professions, struggles, and cultural practices, leading to a gradual fading of community knowledge, pride and forgetting their roots. By integrating cultural identity with evolving architectural and economic contexts, this initiative ensures traditional craftsmanship not only survive but thrive—contributing meaningfully to India’s cultural and global economy.

Drawings

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