A major initiative was taken by the Ministry of Rural Development in the direction of promoting rural products and building capacities of 'swa-rojgaris’ (self-employment). The Rural Development Department, Govt. of Uttaranchal proposed construction of SARAS Marketing Centres and Shilp Emporiums in all 13 districts of the Uttarakhand state. SARAS exhibitions are a regular annual event and have been able to evoke wide participation by the beneficiaries of the programmes. The participants bring a spectacular range of rural products, which include handicrafts, textiles, artwork, furniture, items of daily use etc. The visitors show a lot of interest in these products and there is a huge direct sale of rural products every year. This particular Marketing Centre is a district level Shilp Emporium situated in the heart of Dehradun with a tight plot area of 600 Sq. Mtr. on the busy crossing of Survey Chowk. Therefore, the concept of introvert planning was encouraged. This was achieved by placing the vertical fenestrations overlooking the Chowk which depicts the public character and acts as the main transition zone in the building. The double height open stairwell with cantilevered landing marks the corner of the building, and is covered by a raised sloping roof complementing the overall form of the building. The character of traditional streetscapes is reflected in the Food Court with open delivery counters and a segregated kitchen. The low height boundary wall is designed with a part blank wall sheltering the food court from noise and yet giving a visual access to the complex. The same blank wall is designed for bold display of signage towards the crossing. The inward looking Shilp Court is converted into an informal amphitheatre with attached green rooms which acts as a spill over space/ light well and is utilized for performing arts on special occasions/ festivals. The complex also has provisions for retail units on the upper level for artisans to sell their handicrafts and products. The sloping RCC slab roof cladded with hollow terracotta tiles adds a flavour of rural ambience and also provides insulation on the outer side of the thermal mass enhancing the thermal dampness characteristics of the roof. The walls, which are finished with light coloured stone aggregate plaster further reduce sol-air temperature on the outer wall surfaces. The overall open, inward looking plan demarcates a distinct landmark in the dense fabric of the city.