Future → Built Creatively
“Rhythm in Reed” is a project by Sumathi A, an MSc Interior Design 2024 batch student at JD School of Design, powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru. Inspired by the intricate texture, patterns, and rhythmic process of Pattamadai korai grass mat weaving, the project explores the theme of cultural preservation through spatial storytelling. It aims to preserve and revitalise the traditional craft of Pattamadai weaving while responding to the growing decline in awareness and appreciation for indigenous crafts in contemporary lifestyles.
The project is designed for artisans, craft enthusiasts, tourists, cultural researchers, and the local community, keeping their engagement, learning, and interaction at the core of the design process. Conceived as a Craft Experience and Cultural Interpretation Center with commercial spaces, the project encourages visitors to experience the craft beyond observation by creating meaningful interactions between artisans and users.
The design approach focuses on functionality, immersive experiences, cultural continuity, and climate-responsive planning, ensuring that the outcome is both experiential and practical.
Through research into the traditional weaving practices of Pattamadai artisans and their working environments, the project identifies the need for interactive platforms that support artisan livelihoods while educating visitors about the craft’s heritage and precision. Materials such as locally sourced natural elements, earthy finishes, and sustainable materials, along with techniques including layered spatial planning, semi-transparent partitions, landscaped pathways, and integrated indoor-outdoor transitions, were chosen to achieve a tactile and culturally rooted environment.Visually, the project is defined by linear forms, woven-inspired patterns, earthy tones, and textured surfaces that reflect the interlacing quality of korai grass weaving. The final outcome, a process-oriented cultural and craft experience center, embodies continuity, craftsmanship, and human connection, seeking to make traditional weaving practices more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.Through this project, the designer aims to highlight the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage, positioning design as a tool for cultural interpretation, sustainability, and community empowerment. Ultimately, “Rhythm in Reed” stands as a reflection of tradition woven into modern spatial experiences, where architecture and interiors become a medium to celebrate the rhythm, skill, and legacy of handcrafted artistry.