SEMESTER 4
ITAD.4.1. CRAFT DOCUMENTATION
Usual Time of Occurrence – 3rd and 4th Semester Duration –
Four Weeks +Two weeks (180 Hours)
Course type – Enrichment
Course category – Research
RELEVANCE
An understanding and appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage and vast
repertoire of craft traditions is of immense value to any designer. Indigenous crafts
offer a phenomenal base for drawing inspiration and developing culturally relevant
products in a contemporary context.
INTRODUCTION:
Craft Documentation is a process of recording, categorizing and dissemination of
information, through both graphic and written mediums. The process documents
and explains the significant characteristics of a craft; the materials, process, tools
and techniques involved in creating it; as well as the applications (Interior
Architecture elements, Furniture, Objects and Accessories) of the Traditional and
Vernacular Crafts.The recording process initiates with gathering information
through literature study, followed by recording through field drawings and
photographic documentation, which would later take form of a document, report or
plate, depending upon the number of stages involved in order to carry out a
particular craft.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
• To establish an appreciation and understanding of our rich heritage and vast
vocabulary of craft techniques.
• To expose the students to the gamut of craft activity and the role of design there of.
• To evaluate the possibility of extending the traditional craft techniques to
contemporary application.
• To equip the students to undertake field research using suitable research tools
wherein they directly interact with skilled craftspeople and collect, analyze and
record data.
COURSE CONTENTS
The course primarily focuses on an in-depth study, research and documentation of a
particular craft and craft community keeping in view various aspects such as the
evolution of the craft, communities engaged in practicing the craft, socio-cultural-
economic influences on the craft, traditional methods of designing and production,
use of indigenous materials and use of local technology, market linkages, external
influences, etc.
The students are required to spend a part of their project time on field interacting
directly with practitioners of the selected craft. They collect and analyze the data
using multiple tools in written and visual form. This is recorded by the students in
form of a document wherein the students are also encouraged to present their
individual insights, findings, and suggestions to effectively converge the traditional
craft with the contemporary scenario.
METHODOLOGY
• Preparatory Research and planning
• Field work
• Analysis and synthesis.
• Discussions and feedback sessions
• Authentication of information through secondary research
• Documentation.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
A contemporaneous documentation covering details of the craft, its people, their
culture, product range, raw materials and techniques, geo-climatic and socio-
economic environment under which the craft operates, political and environmental
issues, sustainability and future prospects
*Data in the form of Visual drawings, Photographs, Visual recordings, Audio
recordings, Questionnaire is must.
Important details to cover:
Introduction to place - Map, region
Social cultural aspects - food, lifestyle, Religious aspects, Transport etc
About the craft - History & Introduction
Materials & tools
Process of the Craft - Detailed images (Macro shots and Wide shots)
Craft - BEFORE, AFTER & NOW (Images)
Intervention Idea
Reflections
Glossary
Bibliography
