“Landscaping is really a key to this thing of marrying the earth to the building. There is a deeper connection which should than strengthen our own connection.” – Didi Contractor

For the past two decades Didi Contractor has been passionately implementing her architectural visions in northwest India, the Kangra Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, combining rural traditions with modern requirements. This poetic documentary introduces us to her creations – houses built from clay, bamboo, slate and river stone, constructed in tribute to their natural surroundings.

At the age of 86, Didi Contractor pursues her vision working day and night – dreaming her designs, then designing her dreams. She sketches roughly, then proportions with pinpoint accuracy – the blueprints for economically and ecologically sustainable, bright and well-ventilated buildings.

We meet people who live in the visions realized by Didi Contractor and share in their enthusiasm to carry forward her fascinating ideas. Students from all over the world come to learn traditional building practices and find out how architecture can become a part of the ecosystem.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, and audience Q&A, featuring Janna Levitt with LGA Architectural Partners and Stephanie Hosein with Omar Gandhi Architect Inc, moderated by Zahra Ebrahim, human-centered designer/urbanist, and Executive Advisor to Deloitte on Civic Innovation.

Please note that if this event is sold out, Members’ tickets not picked up by 1:55 PM will be released.

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Images:
Janna Levitt, LGA Architectural Partners
Stephanie Hosein, Omar Gandhi Architect Inc.