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In the vibrant setting of the 2023 Surajkund Craft Fair in Faridabad, the Northeast Pavilion stands out as a gracefully woven bamboo structure that seems to float among trees. Designed by Mumbai-based studio atArchitecture led by Neha Rane and Avneesh Tiwari, this pavilion marks the firm s first permanent project in India and has rapidly gained recognition for its design and cultural resonance.
The concept for the pavilion emerged directly from the weaving traditions of Northeast India where handlooms are a daily presence. The architects explain that many households in the region keep looms and wear homewoven textiles. This ordinary cultural detail guided the design, which is organized around eight open courtyards each one dedicated to a state in the Northeast: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. A flowing bamboo roof in a hyperbolic shape evokes the region s hilly landscape, appearing like a woven canopy over the pavilion.
Building the pavilion in just 60 days required intensive coordination. The team sourced bamboo, organized logistics for approximately 90 local artisans, and made design decisions in real time during construction. This collaborative process reflects atArchitecture s ethos of working closely with traditional craftspeople to refine bamboo joinery and create a structure that honors both form and function.
Visitors move through permeable and open spaces that connect indoor exhibits with surrounding nature. The central courtyard pays tribute to Meghalaya the rainiest place on earth by including a pool of water and an open sky above. Other courtyards are arranged around century-old trees, preserving the natural site and creating hidden moments within the pavilion. Each courtyard showcases regional craft traditions while remaining deeply tied to the local landscape.
This pavilion does not feel temporary or shallow. It responds to tradition, geography and local craftsmanship in a meaningful way. It reflects atArchitecture s philosophy of narrative-rich and community-led design, turning functional space into cultural expression. Winning the Best Use of Bamboo Award at Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024 reinforces its impact as a sustainable and socially engaged work of architecture.
The Northeast Pavilion offers a powerful example of how thoughtful architecture can be rooted in place culture and craft. It also signals the direction of atArchitecture s evolving body of work. From rural community facilities in Meghalaya to urban interventions along the Brahmaputra, the studio continues to craft meaningful spaces that resonate deeply with people and landscape. Discover more in their website.
