Metal Craft Center

Abstract

Traditional indigenous skills and knowledge are integral to the cultural identity of communities. One of such traditional craft practiced in the core of Lalitpur area, Patan is Metal craft. The art and technique of the craft is indigenous to the locals of the area. Skilled craftsmen produce various ranges of craft from daily used items to highly detailed statues using simple tools in narrow alleys of the ancient city with limited resources. However, the art of metal crafting is threatened by the declining number of skilled artisans and inadequate efforts to transfer traditional knowledge to younger generations. This thesis, titled "Metal Craft Center," addresses the need to preserve and revitalize Lalitpur's traditional metal crafting heritage. The proposed design focuses on creating a dedicated facility that centralizes the practice and education of metal crafting techniques, aiming to conserve and promote these ancient skills. It is targeted towards the local craftsmen involved in small-scale production in an individual level. To facilitate the crafters, workshops based on the technique of crafting is designed, lost wax workshop, repousse workshop and sandcasting workshop. The center also consists of an educational block for new generations of crafters eager to learn from the local level master crafters. Spaces such as temporary and permanent exhibition hall, seminar hall, showroom, souvenir shops and temporary stalls for display and sales of the craft is provided to economically sustain the center while promoting the craft to the public. The center will serve as a hub for training, knowledge transfer, and craft promotion, ensuring that traditional practices are preserved and that local artisans are supported in their craft. The project strengthens the craft through skill transfer, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the socio-economic status of local craftsmen. By integrating these objectives, the project supports both the retention of cultural heritage and socio economic development of the community.