Anika Guha
About
As a recent MA Architecture graduate, Anika is passionate about creating sustainable and community-focused designs that positively impact both people and the environment. Her academic journey has been guided by a deep interest in sustainable practices, which she believes are essential in addressing the pressing challenges of our time, such as climate change and social inequality.
Throughout her studies, from her time at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (2016-2020) and now at the Royal College of Art (2022-2024), she has explored innovative ways of integrating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems into her projects. This passion for sustainability is not just about reducing the environmental footprint but also about fostering a harmonious relationship between built environments and natural ecosystems.
Her final year project in ADS10 focused on designing a mixed-use, community led, women empowerment centre in Jeju Island, South Korea, using locally sourced, carbon-sequestering materials and creating spaces that reflect their unique identities and needs. This project highlighted her commitment to design spaces that have the potential to empower communities and explored environmentally responsible architecture.
Project Title – Empowering Her : Unveiling the Haenyeo Legacy in Modern Jeju
This project draws inspiration from Haenyeo, deep sea women divers of Jeju Island, South Korea, and explores women’s empowerment by creating a multi-functional space for the women of Jeju. It aims to highlight Haenyeo values and their roles as family breadwinners, offering a platform for women-led activities and opportunities.
The project addresses the modern identity crisis among Jeju women by providing a space where they are the central participants. It reflects on how women influence material culture, posing questions about the impact of women-led design on communities and architectural interaction.
Through the revival of traditional women-led arts and crafts, the project seeks to reconnect with the island’s cultural heritage. By situating the space within a park, it also encourages the use of nature as a nurturing element, helping women rediscover their roots in a holistic manner.
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