In a joint-family situation a large numbers of family members share the same space. These kinds of composite intimacies definitely provide social security, but many times create conflict, when one invades into others’ privacy and individualism. Patriarchy functions sharply through the architectural design of these spaces.

I am designing a house for ‘patriarchal joint-families’ by playing around with the concept of ବାରୀ ଦୁଆର (the back door) of the house. In Indian architecture the Back Door has different socio-cultural relevance and function, opens to the kitchen, toilet, and farm which are more intimate or private of spaces. When young women run away from their homes they mostly make their exit from the Back Doors. New modern house designs don’t carry this feature. Instead inclined to adapt to a nuclear family.

My designed house will have many back doors to exit and enter, which will decode the function of patriarchy in a joint family situation, I guess.