ARTIST COMMUNE FOR CRAFTING

Crafts, an intangible heritage, are used as a medium of expression by Sri Lankans and are closely tied to artisanal communities. Despite handicrafts being significantly supported by the government, they have not yet grown into a sustainable economic resource, and artisanal communities suffer due to relying primarily on their inherited crafts for sustenance. With the downfall of the Kandyan Kingdom and the rise of capitalism, the patronage of artisans and crafts declined, though a few still practice them as a means of livelihood. The practitioners live near the city, which is convenient for the project and its visitors to experience and engage with them. This project aims to provide a pragmatic solution that aligns with the existing socio-economic context, utilizing architecture to connect artisans with the patronage that arose in the 21st century, ultimately enhancing the economic value of crafts.