| Event Name | Study Tour Documentation Week Report - Sem IV (6 Days Workshop - December 2023) |
| Tour Documentation | Sharchi, Tirthan Valley |
| Tour Documentation Dates | 4th to 9th December, 2023 |
| Faculty Team | Prof. Vrinda Padhye Prof. Jayraj Ghatge Prof. Neha Deshpande |
This year semester IV Design studio is aimed at the project based on the study of settlement at Sharchi in Himachal Pradesh. Keeping this as a focus the study tour was planned and student did the entire settlement study in approximately two and half days on site in groups for different parameters as discussed earlier in Pre-tour studies.
After coming from tour, students did a documentation workshop of 6 days followed by an exhibition to showcase their study and understanding of settlement through different mediums such as drawings, models, digital documentaries.
Background of Sharchi:
Nestled amidst the breath-taking Himalayan ranges, Sharchi, situated in Banjar District, stands as a testament to the coexistence of tradition and the emergence of a new chapter in its history. Unlike other remote Himalayan villages, Sharchi has not remained untouched by change.
The village has successfully preserved its rich cultural heritage through traditional practices. Lifestyle, rituals, arts and handicrafts, and architectural styles resonate with the deep-rooted traditions of the local community. The use of traditional construction materials and methods has given the village a unique style.
However, with the increasing influx of tourists and trekkers, Sharchi is experiencing a cultural shift. The village has become an emerging hub for trekkers and bikers, drawing them in with its natural beauty and becoming a vital rest point on their Himalayan conquests.
The village, once secluded, is now becoming a crossroads where the traditional meets the contemporary. Balancing the preservation of local identity while embracing the opportunities brought by tourism is a delicate challenge.
Documentation Workshop:
The workshop was designed keeping an aim of portraying different aspects of Sharchi such as Location, climate, History, settlement evolution, demography, culture, lifestyle, architectural style, typology of buildings, construction techniques and materials etc. through different mediums such as drawings, models, digital documentaries.
Day 1: The 7-day workshop was divided into segments wherein students started with the finalization of all the drawings including base map of Sharchi & 6 houses & a guesthouse which they have documented in detail. Students had already prepared drawings on site with measurements while studying the settlement. They had already interviewed local people, Sarpanch (Pradhan), Masons & had done hand drawn sketches on site. The first entire day was scheduled to resolve the drawings for its clarity in terms of technical aspects, detail drawings, joineries, roof details etc. Base map layering work was also done simultaneously on tracings. Draft documentary work was also started.
Day 2: Final discussion on pencil drawings on sheets was done in the morning. Corrections were told to improve drawings. Discussions on composition of sheets, templates, sheets to be used, the theme of exhibition were discussed with different groups and their heads.
Day 3 & Day 4: Finalization of drawings was started; Individual structure model was started in groups. For base map model laser Cutting drawings were prepared in AutoCAD. Sample for invitation for exhibition was made on photoshop.
Day 5: Refining & Inking of drawings, Introduction & background sheets, write-ups, introductory part were done in detail. Finalization of theme was done. Also, final work of base map model was done. In second half, the main attraction of Temple model was discussed & students started working for it.
Day 6: The final touches of all works were carried out. Base model & temple model preparation were the main targets for the day. Completion of everything was almost done & everything was kept in an organized manner in the studio ready for the upcoming exhibition on 15th December, 2023.
Exhibition Day: 15th December, 2023
Exhibition was put up a day earlier in college projects slot. Invitations were given to Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff, Management members & rest of the students of the college. Panels were arranged by students & studio was made ready for the event.
The Dressing theme was Blue & white capturing the essence of Himalayas.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Principal, Dr. Sudnya Mahimkar at around 3.30 p.m. & the hard work from the team of S.Y.B.Arch. students and coordinating faculties was paid off due to a successful event.
Parents also visited the exhibition till around 5.30 & the efforts were appreciated on a feedback board.
