SHAAM – E - SARHAD

LOCATION- KUTCH , GUJARAT

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION – HUNNARSHAALA FOUNDATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL
ARTISANS
YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT- 2005
 Context And The Prevailing Crafts
Gujarat has an array of a rich variety of crafts. Its embroidery, bead work, wood crafts, printed and woven clothes,
pottery and tribal art are expression of the folklore and festivals.
The Kutch district of Gujarat is a treasure trove of crafts, traditions and culture and is ingrained in the history of the land
and its people. From metal molded to produce delicate silver jewellery to beautifully embroidered fabric, the Kutch
district is home to a diverse array of colourful handicrafts.

AJRAKH BANDHANI COPPER BELLS THIKRI CRAFT SOOF LEATHER WORK

(Hand block painting) (Tie and die technique) (Hand casted bell) (Mud and mirror EMBROIDERY (Combine
work) (Embroidery from the traditional methods
reverse of the fabric) of design with
modern
functionalities)

Project And Its Initiation

Shaam-E-Sarhad is a village resort situated in HODKA. In 2004, Hodka was shortlisted by the District Collector, to be considered
under the UNDP’s ETP (The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Endogenous Tourism Project) , Kutch Mahila
Vikas Sangathan (KMVS) was considered as the nodal agency for the same project. Thus emerged the idea of establishing a
community-managed tourism initiative only if the local community is agreeable to it.

This was planned as a trial/test run since the community was not completely convinced that this would work. The resort was
named Shaam-e-Sarhad or quite literally, ‘Evening at the Border. The responsibility of the overall construction was given to
Hunnarshala Foundation.
IDENTIFICATION- Types Of Craft Being Used
Shaam-e-Sarhad promotes and showcases various traditional crafts of the Kutch region, offering an opportunity to
witness and even participate in these crafts.
People can observe artisans demonstrating different styles of embroidery such as Rabari, Ahir, and Suf . Another
prominent craft of the region is mirror work embroidery, small mirrors stitched onto fabric. Block printing is a
traditional method of textile printing where wooden blocks are used to stamp patterns onto fabric. At Shaam-e-Sarhad,
one can observe block printing demonstrations and often used in clothing , wall hanging, accessories, tapestries and
room décor.
Mud work or Lippan Kaam is a form of decorative wall art done using a mixture of clay, cow dung, and mirrors. Visitors
can witness artisans creating intricate mud work designs and learn about the symbolism behind them. Kutch has a rich
tradition of pottery-making. Guests at Shaam-e-Sarhad may have the opportunity to watch potters at work, shaping clay
into beautiful pottery pieces using traditional techniques.

LIPPAN KAAM
BUNGA HOUSE CONSTRUCTED
USING MUD AND THATCHED ROOF FABRIC PATCHED USED IN CEILING

CONSTRUCTION ORIENTED
MUD PLASTER
CRAFT

SURFACE ORIENTED CRAFT OBJECT ORIENTED CRAFT

POTTERY
MUD PLASTER KUTCHI HANDMADE DOLL
HANDCRAFTED BY LOCAL
ARTISANS PATCHWORK QUILTS
IDENTIFICATION- Placement Of Craft In Building

The use of local architectural style, the intricate art & crafts is RECEPTION AND BUNGA HOUSES
very evident as soon as one enters Shaam-E-Sarhad. DINING AREA MUD TENTS

• The reception area is adorned with 'Chittar Kaam' patterns and designs in earthy colours.

• The dining area is below a multi-hued canopy of bright local fabrics patches.

• Bhunga made of mud plaster, dung and twigs, it has a light dome-shaped bamboo and thatched roof.

• The 'Chittar Kaam' or Mud paintings convert the exterior of the Bhungas into art canvas' as well.

• Tents are designed with mud adobe bricks, have mud beds and mud sofas
 RECEPTION AND DINING
AREA ---- *Chittar
kaam *Fabric patch (Ajarkh and
Bandhani print )

LOCATION OF CRAFTS

MUD
BUNGA HOUSE
TENTS (ACCOMODATION)-
(ACCOMODATION) --- *Mud
*mud Adobe brick
wall and thatched roof
*Mud Furniture and
*Sculpted mud mirror work as
Patchwork and handwoven
frame for opening.
curtains
INTEGRATION- Visual - Physical - Structural
PHYSICAL INTEGRATION VISUAL INTEGRATION STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

• A sit-out made out of a mixture • Hand woven and • Bhunga houses made of mud
of smooth mud and dunk. patchwork curtains. plaster, twigs and dunk.
• A kutchi handmade doll swings • Lacquer work in wooden door. • Roof is made of thatch.
in wooden polls. • Chittar kaam and mud painting • Tents made of abobe mud brick.
• Furniture made of mud. • The intricately carved wooden
• Handmade pottery used for door and window shutters.
dining.

In Shaam-e-Sarhad, both visual and physical integration of craft are likely crucial for preserving cultural heritage,
fostering economic development, and promoting intercultural understanding. Visual integration showcases the artistic
richness and cultural identity of the region, while physical integration ensures the continuity of traditional craftsmanship
practices and their meaningful incorporation into contemporary life.

Design Decisions Influenced By SMC's

The village resort that has been hand-crafted by the local community to replicate the vernacular traditions of architecture
and design. All living spaces are designed to showcase local talent and are decorated handcrafted.
Space making crafts are being implemented in different forms as handcrafted upholsteries are used , construction using
mud , thatch, adobe mud brick and wooden polls. Every space create a visually captivating environment and reflects the
region's cultural heritage.

SITE AND LOCATION :

A pastoral community in the grasslands of Banni, Hodka community considered ‘backward’ built a resort to bring
modern societies into their lives so that the community may sensitize them on the qualities of ‘living lightly on the land’. It
promotes the local culture and craftmenship of kutch region which is easily reflected once you enter , so site and
location is the major context of
FORM AND MASSING :

Shaam-E-Sarhad is contructed in local architecture style using traditional techniques used by craftsperson of that
community. Vernacular bunga houses , tents are made to preserve there community and culture. These bungas has
evidently plays a major role as local craft and in achieving form and massing through craft.

SPACE MAKING ELEMENTS :

There are variety of space making elements used in Shaam-E-Sarhad . Firstly, the Bunga mud houses having thatched
roof , Thikri kaam in the walls as a decorative elements on the walls , mud mirror work around the door which looks like
a frames , use of traditional fabrics as a upholstery, use of handmade potteries and lastly furniture is also made of mud.
Every element that has been used in this property is space making element in terms of crafts.

TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES :

This is constructed and designed by local artisans and craftsperson of village using their traditional knowledge system .
The traditional older technique is being incorporated in making of this space. With locally available material
,traditional tools and construction method is being used. It reflects the exceptional craftmenship and offers a unique
blend of traditional craft and culture.

SURFACE FINISHES:

Mostly all the elements of space making crafts used in Shaam-E-Sarhad are surface finishes. The use or chittar kaam ,
lippan kam, mud paintings in the walls of bungas are the prominent example of surface finish. The carving in door and
window shutters , used of bandhani print fabric on ceiling adds the depth to the ceiling and make it more airy.
The 'Chittar Kaam' or Mud paintings

The 'Lipan Kaam' or the sculpted mud-mirror work

Hand woven curtains frame the wooden windows and walls.
 Sit out made of mud and dunk Kutchi cloth doll used as a decorative piece

Thick walls to keep indoor temperature cooler.

INVOLVEMENT OF CRAFTPERSON
Shaam-e-Sarhad is built , run and managed by the HODKA village community. This community has worked with
various associations and state government to built this village resort .
Creating objects of beauty, using vibrant colors and traditional motifs, forms a significant part in the lives of the people
of this community. Both men and women worked togeather in establishing this village resort and local skills of various
artisans were also involved.
The artisans in workshops reinvented their craft and embellishments to build Sham-e-sarhad and this place is the
expression of art of banni region or Hodka community. The Hodko experience is significant because the community
was at the focal point. They own, manage and run the resort and has yielded economic and social benefits for the
community.
Its aim is to improve the local people's quality of life, by creating more livelihood options, while preserving and
allowing the community to develop their unique culture and share it with visitor.

IMPACT AND EXTENT

By integrating traditional crafts into its operations, Shaam-e-Sarhad not only enhances the cultural richness of the guest
experience but also plays a vital role in sustaining and promoting the crafts and artisans of Kutch.
This place helps in preserving traditional crafting techniques that have been passed down through generations,
ensuring they are not lost in the face of modernization. Crafts are integrated into design and their daily activities
making them a centre of attraction and promotes the craftmenship.

Variety of crafts are being implemented in various stages. This includes intricate embroidery work fabric as upholstery ,
use of handmade pottery for daily activities and decorative pieces made of mud or fabric with bandhani print.
Another important craft is Bhunga-style huts are adorned with local craft elements, including mud and mirror work
(Lippan Kaam), showcasing the unique architectural style of Kutch.
The interiors of the cottages and tents are decorated with handmade textiles, rugs, and artifacts, providing an
immersive cultural experience. Shaam-e-Sarhad collaborates with NGOs and craft organizations to promote Kutchi
crafts on a larger scale.
ASSOCIATED Shaam-e-Sarhad holds significant cultural importance of kutch region. This
CULTURE rural resort embodies the rich heritage and traditions of the Kutchi people,
offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, preservation, and education.

Local artisans and craftsperson works togeather using their knowledge system
SKILLS AND
and handcraft this village resort. All spaces are designed to showcase local
KNOWLEDGE
talent and are decorated handicrafted.

MATERIAL Traditional or locally available material is used in its construction , like mud ,
AND thatch , embroidered fabric , pottery , mud mirror work using traditional
TECHNIQUES techniques.

The crafts are being implemented in its actual or traditional form. Use of mud
FORM and dunk in making of bhungas and furniture . Other then that upholsteries
are of local fabric.

The initial concept, in the testing phase was to establish a place for people to
stay, and serve them the local cuisine to recreate an authentic experience of
an evening in a local village.Thus emerged the idea of building Bhungas
IDEA /NOTION
which are the unique local dwellings made of mud.
USAGE AND INTEGRATION OF CRAFTS
The integration of crafts at Shaam-e-Sarhad is comprehensive and deeply woven into the fabric of the resort’s
operations, architecture, and guest experience. This integration serves to preserve and promote the rich cultural
heritage of the Kutch region.
The resort's Bhunga-style huts are adorned with intricate mud and mirror work (Lippan Kaam), reflecting the unique
architectural heritage of Kutch. Interior is decorated with handmade textile, rugs and artifacts.
This integration not only preserves and promotes traditional crafts but also provides guests with an immersive cultural
experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistic heritage of Kutch.

BUNGA STYLE HUTS WITH MUD MIRROR WORK USE OF EMBROIDERED HANDWOVEN FABRIC

The integration of crafts at Shaam-e-Sarhad is a multifaceted approach that not only enhances the guest experience but
also plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the traditional crafts of Kutch. By embedding these crafts into
its architecture, activities, and economic model, the resort supports local artisans, sustains cultural heritage, and
educates visitors, creating a vibrant cultural exchange and a sustainable tourism model.
IMPLICATIONS AND CONCERNS
Shaam-e-Sarhad is a commendable initiative that significantly contributes to the cultural preservation and economic
support of the Kutch region. Its strengths lie in its authentic cultural offerings, support for local artisans, and
commitment to sustainable tourism.

However , areas that need improvement are :

• The unplanned approches or placement of spaces which leads to the lack of clear identity.
• The lack of planning in its concept and construction can significantly detract from its overall effectiveness and
functionality.
• Integrating modern amenities with traditional designs can improve comfort without compromising cultural
authenticity.
• Implementing sustainable practices in waste management, water use, and energy consumption can mitigate
environmental impact and promote long-term viability.
THANK YOU