Author: Aditi Mahesh Kadav
Site Location: Solapur
Institute: Vidya Pratishthan’s School of Architecture
Advisor: Ar. Piyush Shah

Description

In Indian tradition, the Ganga is revered as a divine feminine—powerful like Maa Durga and serene like Maa Saraswati. Yet, today, the sacredness associated with both women and water stands in contrast to reality: women continue to face exploitation, while water remains increasingly scarce.

This thesis seeks to restore this balance through architecture. After exploring urban contexts where such an intervention could create meaningful impact, Solapur was selected—a dry, rain-shadow region where water scarcity intersects with the exploitation of women beedi workers.

The project proposes a livelihood and learning center that enables women to become financially independent through locally rooted skills such as Solapuri Chadar weaving, shenga chutney and bhakari making, alongside life and entrepreneurial skills. A kindergarten allows them to learn without worrying about their children.

Water becomes the heart of the architecture. Rainwater is harvested and stored through stepwells, while its movement shapes the campus. Local materials and alternative construction techniques are employed, with men from the surrounding community trained during construction, creating another layer of livelihood.

The project brings water, women, and architecture together—reviving the sacredness of water, strengthening the dignity of women, and transforming cultural knowledge into sustainable livelihoods.

Drawings

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