Abstract:
Taxila has been renowned for its cultural diversity, co-existence of multiple traditions but
especially for its skilled labors. It has been a central hub of arts and philosophical intellect and
marked history with its unique stonework and handicrafts that are now on the verge of extinction.
This is due to lack of preservation and revival of these crafts. Cultural heritage is central to
"protecting" our sense of who we are. These culture and traditions to a huge part are demonstrated
through craftsmanship where handicrafts serve not only as a tourist attraction and as an economic
advance, but they also preserve a place's local heritage within them. As the time passed by, there
has been a minimal attraction towards Taxila's handicrafts, and the traditional practices are less
transmitted from generation to generation, mainly due to lack of variation and poor quality of
products. The number of craftsmen pursuing this work is decreasing, putting the conservation of
local patrimony into difficulty, eventually resulting in extinction of these skills, poverty, and
decreasedjob opportunities for the people ofTaxila. To analyze the severity ofproblemidentified,
qualitative approachwas adopted focusing oninterviews and surveys fromcraftsmen. The findings
highlighted issues such as no formal display areas to showcase work produced, lack of interactive
spaces generating dialogue between artisans and the locals, absence of training facilities to revive
the interest ofyouth towards these precious crafts. This thesis aims at solving the above-mentioned
problems by proposing a social hub in Taxila. It explores how communal architecture could be
used as a medium to encourage both economic and cultural revitalization in a community. Building on the goals and visions of local community, this project features interactive spaces where the
craftsmen can congregate to develop skills, as well as exchange the knowledge. By creating nodes
where members of the community can gather and be connected to each other while cultivating
local crafts, will create a sense of empowerment in the artisans to go out into the community and
stimulate positive economic and social change.
