Shillong-born architect Krittika Agarwal and her team have embarked on an ambitious project to recreate a 60-foot-tall “Assam-type” timber building in Vikhroli, Mumbai. This unique structure, made using 3D printing technology, aims to revive the traditional and resilient timber houses that were once prevalent in the Northeast region of India.
Agarwal, who experienced the devastating effects of the 1897 Assam earthquake, understands the importance of lightweight and earthquake-resistant Assam-type constructions. Unfortunately, these traditional houses have been gradually replaced by cheaper steel and concrete towers in the name of urbanization.
To address these concerns, Godrej Design Lab, a platform exploring the impact of design on better living, has organized the “Conscious Collective” launch event on December 9 and 10. This event showcases a series of immersive installations emphasizing the need to balance development and conservation.
One such installation, “Home of The Future,” is a 6-foot-tall 3D printed version of the Assam-type timber building. The structure will eventually be dismantled into a bookshelf, trapping 1.42 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Another notable installation is the “Carbon Wall,” created by meshing carbon emissions with materials sourced from artisans in Gujarat’s Morbi. This exhibit showcases the potential impact individuals can have on their living spaces.
Additionally, textile designer Chhail Khalsa has crafted an installation called “Textile Tropics: an urban forest sensorium” using e-textiles, integrating traditional crafts and innovative technology. By utilizing woven circuits, Khalsa aims to redefine the relationship between textiles and electronics.
Architect and educator Rahul Mehrotra emphasizes the importance of consciousness and interconnectedness in design. He believes that understanding and respecting the origins of materials is key to sustainable architecture.
The “Conscious Collective” installations highlight the urgent need to address environmental concerns in the construction and building industry, contributing to over 39% of global carbon emissions. By showcasing innovative and eco-friendly solutions, these installations aim to inspire professionals and visitors to reimagine our spaces, promoting a harmonious relationship between development and conservation.
One such environmentally conscious installation, “Echoes of Empathy,” features thousands of ears made by local fishermen in Worli Koliwada using clay from the pottery community. This installation symbolizes the importance of listening, connecting people through conversations, and addressing the challenges displaced communities face in Mumbai.
With such thought-provoking and creative installations, the “Conscious Collective” event aims to spark a wider dialogue among architects, urban planners, designers, and conservationists, urging them to consider sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to create a better future for cities like Mumbai.
