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A Grain of Sand: Building the Pearl Capital of Sri Lanka

Part 2 Project 2019
Theodore Scaramanga
University of the West of England | UK
This project journeys through the city of Chilaw and proposes the reintroduction of a lost industry, pearl farming. This industry then drives the emergence of a new village, creating not only employment, but also community livelihoods.

The architecture reflects the local aesthetic and draws upon existing self-build techniques. This self-build element turns the project into a framework system that can be occupied by the new community depending on each individual chosen path and livelihood.

As the industry grows, so will the village. The project infrastructure allows for this continual development, adapting to the needs of both the community and the individual.

Individual farming towers create the need for a centralised market hall. Increased markets feed the pearl-craft workshops. This in turn requires further workforce housing. The increased community leads to schools, shops and ancillary industries...

The project is divided into three main areas:
• The self-sustaining towers that grow along the edge of the lagoon, interconnecting with high-level walkways and water level industry.
• The flexible market stalls for individuals to rent and occupy depending on the produce being sold.
• The lagoon village, the hub of the community, this village center will develop as the pearl farming guild grows.

Theodore Scaramanga

Tutor(s)
John Comparelli
Rachel Sara
2019
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