Author: Ar.Shajeena Venugopal Principal DC School of Architecture and Design,Vagamon.
Architecture is more than just constructing buildings—it’s about understanding people, their lifestyles, and the environments they live in. For students wishful to join B.Arch programs in Kerala, it’s important to grasp the deeper narrative behind the design process. Every building begins with a story, and that story changes based on who the users are. Whether designing for a single family or an entire community, architects must first understand the users’ daily activities, cultural practices, and unique needs.
As part of their fourth-semester community design project, students from DC School of Architecture undertook a study in Channapatna, a town near Bangalore known for its traditional handcrafted wooden toys. The chosen site was home to a diverse population, with a prominent Muslim community. The students explored the area through walking tours, observing local landmarks, existing buildings, and daily activities.
They interacted directly with artisans who combined their homes with small-scale toy-making workshops. These conversations revealed that the craft is declining—many younger members of the community are moving away from the tradition, working for others, and lacking proper spaces to sell their products independently.
Through on-site observations, the students gained insights into the spatial needs of the artisans, including the dimensions required for machines and workspaces, as well as the various stages of the toy-making process. This hands-on understanding helped them identify opportunities to support the community through design.
Based on their findings, the students began developing proposals for a community centre tailored to the needs of Channapatna’s toy makers. Their designs aimed to preserve and promote the traditional craft while creating a space that supports collaboration, learning, and economic sustainability.
