POD for Happiness: a communal gathering space in Hignigada
Located in the village of Hignigada near Baramati, Maharashtra, India, POD for Happiness is a multi-functional community structure designed by Craft Narrative. Positioned around a mature banyan tree, the intervention organizes space on a school campus where an avenue of trees separates a large playground. The POD functions as a play area, an outdoor classroom, and a communal gathering space. The structure is designed as a curving arc that partially encloses the banyan tree. Its form creates a porous connection between two sections of the playground, allowing movement across multiple points. Children can climb, slide, and traverse a raised bridge that offers views of the school and the adjacent village temple. Within the arc, small pockets are integrated for reading and quiet play.
During school hours, the POD serves as an open-air classroom. A circular seating arrangement made from bricks and repurposed terrazzo tiles accommodates group activities such as storytelling, painting, and clay modeling. The design promotes informal learning environments beneath the tree’s canopy. Construction uses ferrocement techniques with a red oxide plaster finish. Railings are made from surplus reinforcement rods, and repurposed terrazzo tiles are used for surfaces, integrating recycled materials into the build. The minimal footprint and material choices reflect both budgetary constraints and environmental considerations.
all images courtesy of Craft Narrative
Craft Narrative’s POD preserves the existing village landscape
Beyond school use, the POD serves as a community space. Local residents use it during the evenings for walking, gathering, and informal social interactions around the banyan tree. The structure includes a shaded platform, or katta, reminiscent of traditional village seating areas. A library shelf within the structure offers access to reading material for both students and villagers. The POD is also used as a venue for cultural activities, such as traditional dance rehearsals, musical practice, and performances. Its stepped and accessible design allows it to function as an informal amphitheater. It also supports religious gatherings during events such as Vat Purnima, providing an appropriate setting for rituals centered on the banyan tree.
The POD for Happiness, designed by Craft Narrative’s architectural team, operates as a hybrid infrastructure, simultaneously a play structure, a learning space, a cultural platform, and a communal amenity. It is integrated into the existing landscape and contributes to the spatial and social fabric of the village.
POD for Happiness encircles a mature banyan tree in Hignigada village
the structure’s arc form connects both halves of the school playground
designed by Craft Narrative, the POD serves educational and communal functions
integrated climbing features and a slide invite playful movement across levels
quiet reading pockets are carved into the arc’s interior for solitary play
the open-air classroom supports group learning beneath the banyan’s canopy
a raised bridge offers views of the school and nearby village temple
the intervention preserves the existing tree line and playground openness
red oxide plaster and ferrocement define the POD’s material character
