The proposal aims to address the economic and social challenges faced by the Riverston villagers by designing a livelihood and economic activity facility spanning across 550 sqm of floor area in a 1147sqm site. This facility will provide villagers with a sustainable income through organized services for visitors. It will include selling points for traditional cooked food, such as "Hela Bojun," a government-funded initiative operated by women for empowerment. Additionally, products like jaggery, honey, Kithul treacle, oils, and other local items will be sold. The Tamil community, currently selling tea and snacks in temporary huts, will be given proper facilities within the proposed center to ensure all community members benefit.
By reviving traditional crafts and integrating modern e-commerce strategies, the facility will help restore the villagers' cultural heritage. Younger generations will manage online sales and marketing, supported by training from the National Design Center of Sri Lanka for innovative product designing. The facility will also function as a training center, with the National Craft Council providing expertise to villagers, particularly in reviving the nearly extinct Dumbara mat weaving, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Villagers will receive loans to start home-based production, with the facility serving as a collection and quality control center. The branded products, marketed as "Dumbara products," will enhance the area's authenticity and appeal. The products will be marketed as “Crafted with passion, 100% handmade, naturally sourced treasures from the heart of Sri Lanka”. This initiative will not only boost the local economy but also attract government investment in infrastructure, improving roads and other amenities supports for children's educations and etc.
The architectural design concept of the facility draws inspiration from the Dumbara mat it selves, embodying the blend of tradition and modernity. The design concept envisions the facility as an architectural tapestry, with natural elements and human activities woven together. In Dumbara mats, the vertical threads represent stability and the natural order, while the horizontal threads create patterns, symbolizing the dynamic role of people in shaping the environment. Similarly, the facility's layout will integrate natural wind paths as the stable thread in the middle, ensuring a harmonious interaction with the environment. The villagers' and visitors' activities will act as the horizontal threads, giving character and vibrancy to the space.
The front facades of the site demonstrate a sense of authority, creating an atmosphere that inspires respect and reverence in visitors, helping to calm and center them. The strategic location of the site, positioned at the starting point of the journey, enhances this initial impression. As visitors step inside, they will experience a harmonious blend with nature and gain insight into the villagers' way of life. This transition from grandeur to humility fosters a deep sense of respect for both the villagers and the natural environment. This design approach aims to combine the ecological and cultural essence of Riverston, fostering social, economic, and environmental prosperity. The facility will serve as a beacon of sustainable development, preserving the area's rich heritage while providing new opportunities for the local community.
“The tapestry of prosperity”