Woven – Design competition for slow tourism in weaving communities , Bumthang / Bhutan

 

UNI competitions - UNIEGIS NETWORK Private Limited, New Delhi

 

SLOW TOURISM AND OTHER TRENDS IN TRAVEL

In order to escape the daily bustle of our lives and stresses of the work world, humans time and again embrace opportunities to travel. Fascinatingly, instead of slowing down in our travel breaks, many of us bring this hustle culture and our intrinsic fear of missing out, with us on the journey. 

 

As a result, a majority of the tourism industry around the world exhibits fast-paced itineraries stuffed with commercial opportunities for the local tourism economy. 

 

Unfortunately, as we rush from site to site in the itinerary with barely a moment to rest and take in the destination, we lose out on valuable insights into the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the local communities. In recent years slow tourism has emerged as a sustainable tourism practice that attempts to counteract this fast-paced tourism industry. 

 

H3: Can we as architects and designers attempt to imagine such slow tourism opportunities in specific cultural communities?

 

DESIGN FOR THE WEAVER COMMUNITY

 

The design must include dwelling as well as recreational activities that are closely tied to the chosen region‘s culture and practices. The foremost intention of the challenge is to safeguard the local community, traditions and heritage with sustainable practices.

 

To support the local community and encourage the preservation of traditional weaving practices, the design must be able to help bolster the production of the woven articles, thereby supporting the economic growth of the community.

 

Furthermore, the designed experience should allow interested visitors to actively immerse themselves in the culture of the space and have opportunities to learn, participate and contribute. Most importantly though, the outcome must be able to allow individuals to unwind, slow down and embrace the foreign culture of the destination and forge valuable cultural experiences.  

 

Minimum eligible age for participation is 18 years.

There is no restriction to the degree or design disciplines to participate in the challenge.

Participation in the competition can happen in a team as well as an individual.

There is no restriction to the number of members who can participate in a team.

The challenge is open worldwide for anyone to participate.

 

20 June 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Regular registration ends

21 June 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Submission ends

06 July 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Shortlisted entries announced

12 July 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Jury evaluation starts

05 August 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Jury evaluation ends

06 August 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Public voting ends

18 August 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Result announcement