In 2012, while already a member of one of the community clubs in Bansberia, Abin decided to assist with the design of their yearly pavilion. The most vital aspect was the intent to instil the importance of good design as an idea to the community at large. The Bamboo Pavilion was a temporary temple 'pandal' built for Bansberias annual Kartik Puja Festival. It was a temporary structure to shelter the focal idol. Set amidst a carnival atmosphere, the constant flux of people was a factor considered while conceptualizing its design. The two main factors were reusability and economizing, especially because of constrained budget. This being a community project, involvement of the club members provided enthusiastic manpower. The idea was to convey playful movement through colour and light. The use of retro-reflective vinyl stickers was an alternative to costly coloured LED lights, therefore acheiving a similar effect at a lower cost. A rising circular volume was visualized, emphasizing the focal idol while directing movement around the pavilion in a manner to create a journey of ever-changing views. Gliding sight-lines across a coloured spectrum gave the effect of movement among, between and above the elements of the pavilion. Locally available bamboo cut to specific lengths was used to create a gradually rising volume. These were rooted to the ground in a regular grid and were painted in spectral hues. Close to 1800 bamboo poles were arranged according to their lengths ranging from 2 feet to 15 feet. These were manually sorted and grouped lengthwise. Each group was then assigned one of 15 colours that were painted over each pole. Retro-reflective vinyl stickers were pasted at the top of each bamboo. Coupled with hired halogen lights, the stickers gave the pavilion the desired glowing effect. The final outcome was one of bright playful colours in a celebratory atmosphere by day and added unconventional festive lighting by night. Bamboo, being durable, bio-degradable and locally available, was a strategic choice of material for the project. The poles were planned for reuse after the festival and were carefully re-catalogued and stored for the future. They have currently found use as decorative fencing for the football field of the same community.
