Nikhil Joshi

AR2065

The design project focuses on the Maldhari community located in Gir, Gujarat. The objective is to redesign both the monsoon shelter and the portable shelter used by the Maldharis. The design evolution centres around a 55-year-old Maldhari man, the head of his family. The project explores the relationship between this man and his animals, while also considering the impact of lions living outside their fence (vaad) on their daily lives. To address these challenges, we propose building tall thorn fences to protect against lions and other predators. The arrangement of the human shelters and storage spaces revolves around the placement of the animal shelters, facilitating easy and efficient movement within the shelter area. The type of fencing around the cattle varies, reflecting the indirect connection humans maintain with their animals even when they are enclosed. Additionally, we consider how the man communicates with villagers during travel and the importance of making the portable shelters light and efficient. This will be achieved by dismantling one of the animal shelters and redesigning it using smaller wooden members, ensuring that the joinery allows it to function effectively as a portable shelter.