London Design Biennale is an interactive, musical and kinetic exhibition of design-led innovations from across the globe. Where this year, under the theme of ‘The Global Game: Remapping collaborations‘, more than forty designers from around the world took part. The festival took place from 1st June to 25th June, artistically directed by the Nieuwe Instituut.
The India Pavilion in the forth edition of London Design Biennale was a joint venture by The Design Village and Studio Archohm. Called ‘Chowk and Charpai: An urban living room’, the installation was a multi-sensory evocation of a contemporary Indian city essence.
Editor’s note : “Studio Archohm and The Design Village join forces at this year’s London Design Biennale to present a captivating multi-sensory pavilion, intricately attuned to India’s urbanscape. Embracing the essence of Indian culture, the renowned Charpai takes centre stage in an open street market installation, showcasing its timeless beauty through exquisitely woven threads. This amalgamation of tradition and modernity offers a remarkable interpretation, resonating wonderfully with the 21st-century world of design.”~ Venessa Thomas (Co-Editor)
Speaking about the opportunity, Sourabh Gupta, founder of Studio Archohm expressed “The India Pavilion in its essence is a collaboration between students, artisans and practitioners. Between practice and pedagogy. We are delighted to represent India at this global design forum amongst 40 other countries and organizations. Somerset House is an August cultural destination; we are excited to showcase the essence of contemporary India”.
The exhibition not only highlights the vital role of design in addressing challenges and providing solutions, but encourages international collaboration and forges future partnerships. The Indian pavilion is a multi-sensory evocation of an Indian city chowk; an open market at the junction of streets. Through the visual metaphor of a charpai; a traditional woven daybed found across India.
The charpai is a design icon that transcends time, and its weave is representative of Indian craft. The pavilion stands as a large urban charpai sculpture, gently shading Somerset House as it basks in the British sun. Where the weave of the charpai renders a play of light and shade to make a street square; a chowk. It also represents India through the oversized web of the charpai; modern in its outlook, rooted in its culture.
Through the elements of touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste, the chowk represents Indian urbanity which adapts through dense landscapes. And the terracotta cups dot the façade generating a “kullad chai” tasting experience – a testimony of Indian hospitality and craft. In addition, urban furniture inspired by the Pavilion punctuates the area. Where they act as physical ambassadors and find a place in other pavilions at the Biennale.
Inside, one can hear the humdrum of Indian streets, under a maze of exaggerated Charpai weaves. Notes of “Petrichor” – the quintessential Indian smell of the first monsoon rain on mud developed by Boond from Kannauj, complements the experience. Matching the scale of the Pavilion, Puppeteers from Kayakalp Trust perform a story of the Mango fruit, questioning Climate Change.
“It was important for us to show various layers and complexities of narratives. Our country is multidimensional and therefore its true representation is hard to recreate in a singular inanimate manner. Our students had the chance to work closely with artisans and professionals through this journey of making the India Pavilion. And that makes it very special.” – adds Mridu Sahai, Co-Founder of The Design Village.
Established in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, London Design Biennale promotes global role of design. Since its inception the Biennale welcomes the world’s most exciting and ambitious designers, innovators and cultural bodies to the capital.
The Liquescent house, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, is a testament to organic architecture, a dialogue between the built and unbuilt, and the careful integration of natural elements. The architect’s inclination towards the design language is imbued with a natural fluidity, shaped by a childhood immersed in clay. This formative experience—working with a material […]
The rural residence is thoughtfully situated on a 9,000 square foot plot in Pappanadu, a village renowned for its rich communal life and cultural heritage in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Designed to accommodate a couple and their mother, the objective was to create a distinctive home that not only stands out aesthetically but also remains accessible […]
The design philosophy of Bhide’s Farmhouse in Pune, deeply rooted in organic living, embraces modern minimalism while incorporating elements of rustic charm. The emphasis is on creating a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Maharashtra. The design prioritizes simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability. Editor’s Note: By beautifully incorporating rustic […]
This modern house by the lake is inspired by traditional Wada architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Embracing nature, the architectural design reflects cultural heritage, technological advancements, and natural surroundings. With its exposed brick exterior, central courtyard, landscaping, a swimming pool by the lake, and a narrow alley entrance reminiscent of old Wadas, this residence […]
If you were to step into this Hyderabad house, you would sense harmony in paradox as it harmonizes two distinct units. With both units seamlessly woven together with open-to-sky transitional spaces. Moving around, you get the impression of belongingness, thriving in complete balance with a respect for individuality. This Hyderabad House Harmonizes Two Distinct Units […]
Reflecting grandeur, this Delhi house, also called as Nievus Villa reinterprets classical architecture through a contemporary lens, resulting in a sophisticated, and inviting home. FAB Studio undertook the challenge of creating a residence that seamlessly integrates into Delhi’s architectural landscape, while blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Editor’s Note: “By merging classical elements with contemporary […]
The sentiment of togetherness is conceptualised the best way by Shreesh Design Studio LLP in this luxe house and has executed it with brimming affection. ‘The Luxe Wave,’ as so appropriately named, is a residential haven located in the warm arms of a homely neighborhood in Rajkot, Gujarat. The coming together of familial bonding and […]
A building that is constructed and designed to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient design is called a green building. Green buildings are designed to maintain or improve the quality of the environment around them. Deep under its stylish mien, with Nature running through the veins of this house of 3732 square feet, is a green […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]