Wisdom of the Land

The installation was created for the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale and stems from the community initiatives that the MTA team had begun with the private initiative POCAA (Platform for Community Action and Architecture) during the construction of the Panigram Resort. The initiative offered the local villagers several handicraft workshops, gardening with children, plastic pollution awareness, health and hygiene awareness. These workshops were intended to help build a relationship between the local community and the resort.

The traditional Bengali courtyard is one such space created by the ensemble of huts and household elements, showing life in symbiosis with nature. A space enlivened by social, community and family activities. The courtyard is also the place where, over the years, activities of Panigram community initiatives have taken place, engaging with neighboring villages. The household elements in the installation come from the villagers who had generously donated to the biennial.