CEPT Summer School 2017
ABARI in collaboration with SMA conducted a ten day hands on workshop,from the 12th-22nd of May,2017 for design students from CEPT University,Ahmedabad,India.
The workshop was focused on a hands-on approach to revisiting local materials from a designer's perspective by interaction with local craftsmen.The students engaged in brainstorming and discussions with architects from ABARI and SMA to get to know the realm of natural materials used in construction.
The students were segregated into three groups, to absorb three techniques :
Bamboo construction
The bamboo crew decided to build a small deck / pavilion space to scale so as to explore the various stages and structural aspects of this style of construction.
They not only learnt about the inherent properties of bamboo and it's use in structural design during their site visits to ABARI projects but also were keen to train in making our joining mechanisms.
They also managed to master grading bamboo for structural use and even created a swingset with their new found skills!
They had to prepare a process document of their project for their school and we are happy to share this with you!
Click here to read the full document.
Mud flooring
The flooring team was dedicated to documenting the process of making a natural earth floor and finish it with mud plaster. They explored the technique of sealing with natural oils and polishing by scrubbing technique.
The team grew meditative through their days focusing on their zones of polishing and waxing during this intense process. They learned about various natural substances that can be put to use to seal surfaces.
The team was introduced to concepts of pigments and binders which are essential for all surface treatments.
They had to prepare a process document of their project for their school and we are happy to share this with you!
Click here to read the full document.
Lime stabilization
The lime team was initiated into the basics of the lime cycle and given a walk-through of different mixes and their place in the construction processes.
They went on to build a lime stabilized pond which was tested for it's water retention when it was filled with rain-water in later months.
They were also familiarized to preparing surfaces for a lime coating and the various possibilities that emerge when considering if the surface is indoors or outdoor.
They had to prepare a process document of their project for their school and we are happy to share this with you!
Click here to read the full document.
The workshop was interspersed with team building activities, site visits,hiking,sight-seeing,working on the projects and a grand concluding barbeque! The students had the chance to experience rural Nepal first hand and even managed to pick up a few Nepali phrases whilst interacting with our craftsmen!
