Threading the Needle: Architecture of Care explores how architecture can be a tool to improve lives. It tells the story of Anandaloy, a therapy centre for people with disabilities and home to Dipdii Textiles studio, designed by architect Anna Heringer and built in the village of Rudrapur, Bangladesh, in 2018-2020. The story is told through a series of textile hangings made by the skilled local women of Dipdii Textiles. Their exquisite embroideries bring to life plans and elevations of the building alongside portraits of some of the children who use the centre. The project exemplifies how architecture is more than just a building, it can become a catalyst for local development, learning new skills, sustaining craft traditions and supporting inclusive communities.
The project is presented by the V&A + RIBA Architecture Partnership in collaboration with Anna Heringer and Dipdii Textiles with diplay structure responsibly produced by London-based maker collective Bloqs Create.
If you would like to get involved, please join us at the V&A for a talk with Anna Heringer on 13 June.
