About the Workshop

‘People. Places. Narratives.’ is an intensive workshop which will focus on the spatial mapping of how people appropriate places to express their culture. The workshop will also focus on the analysis and various methods of data representation. Pushkar, Rajasthan will be the study area for this workshop.

Urban Spaces are inherently intertwined with people’s cultural expressions. These expressions and activities create equally intertwined layers of activities, making our Indian city intriguing. The workshop aims to capture this very essence of our Indian Urban Spaces and representation of it through clear and creative techniques.

Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Located to the northwest of Ajmer in the state of Rajasthan in Western India. Situated at a height of 510 metres, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city.

According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.

Dates

Schedule

30 November
Departure from Ahmedabad to Pushkar via Train/Bus. Arrive at Pushkar late at night/Early Morning. Check-in to the hotel.

1 December

Post Breakfast, exploration of the Pushkar town foot and preliminary photographic documentation. Post Lunch, Identification of precincts for groups, fieldwork. Post-dinner, Lecture on Urbanism and Group Discussion

2 December – 4 December

Early Morning activity mapping. Post Breakfast, mapping of various cultural layers. Post-dinner, Data representation & Group Discussions.

5 December

Arrival at Ahmedabad early morning via train/Bus