Introduction

 Client: Sasha, Calcutta 

HYPOTHESIS

The Amer Fort is a perfect example of a 

Rajput - Mughal architecture amalgamation.

AIM

Understandings Sasha's clientele and creating fabric for home furnishing inspired by the beautiful unison of the two architectures and their juxtaposition.

OBSERVATION

After my visit to the Amer fort this summer, I was inspired greatly by the architecture of this monument. The most fascinating element of the fort was that, the exterior of the structure was rigid and rough, while the interiors were delicate, simple, structured and culturally vibrant. To me the architecture of the fort was an epitome of an ideal balance of form and function; it was simple, well designed, but intricate and meticulously created. What added to the interest in this monument was the harmonious coexistence of Mughal and Rajput inspired architecture.

PROCESS

This inspired me to depict this harmony through the form of textile prints and patterns. The project would revolve around interpreting the fort’s forms, patterns and lines in architecture in a contemporary context and depicting it using methods of prints and patterns.

The design process would entail looking at and understanding different parts of the fort, observing lines, perspective and the symmetry of architecture, intricacy and engraves of the carvings to derive forms and patterns inspired by these different elements of the fort.

Cultural landscapes are a part of a nation’s heritage and are narratives of the by-gone era. This landscapes exhibit our culture and history and it is equally important to conserve them, along with built monuments, to truly protect, represent them and remind everybody of these glorious  sites of the past.

This collection of home furnishings  would focus  in capturing  upon such important cultural landscape of historic Amber fort , located in Jaipur district, India. Amber Fort Complex in the state of Rajasthan was recently added to the tentative list of World Heritage Sites. It was India’s World Heritage Site nomination in the cultural category in 2012.

Amber Fort and the surrounding cultural landscape evolved from the 11th to 17th century and represent elements of both Hindu and Islamic architecture. 

I am looking at creating printed and embellished fabrics to create a cohesive collection of fabrics of home furnishings keeping the understanding of aesthetics, price and market of Sasha.