Namrata Ukani

AR3036

Louise Catherine- a lesser known work of Corbusier is brought to Ahmedabad. This is the brief. I found it to be absurd. Why would it be reconstructed? Why would it be constructed in the same way? Why only in Ahmedabad and no other place? The construction process of a ferrocement barge is quite tedious- Is there a quicker and a more efficient way of constructing the barge? Which machines can do it? Is there any such technology already constructing buildings? Can the whole barge be 3D printed in layers? An attempt is made here to design a machine – with a very basic form- a combination of other simple machines- which can build the barge. But where will these machines be developed? Where will they be housed, repaired and upgraded? Various narratives revolved around these ideas- to situate the project well. Later, an environment is created where robotic technology is developed. here the robots are experimented on and manufactured. Almost like a factory. It is underground- undisturbed from the outside world, thermally cooler, and carries an element of surprise. A curated pathway is created where visitors can come and actually witness the whole process. These robots build barges (and later other buildings). These barges become vehicles where the robotic activity is exhibited and workshops are conducted- up and down the Sabarmati.