enduringly Indian furnishing

 

champa collection

Designers: Sheila Nambiar and Shruti Phagre-Mahajan @ Eucalyptus

I am so tempted to put the title of this post in Hindi - borrowing from an old Hindi song:

Champa - Chameli muskaye {meaning: Champa and Chameli (both are flowering plants) are smiling.} I am not doing that. But let me warn you I am emotional at the moment!

These home-furnishing products are designed by two very talented young designers (NID ians + MS University @ Vadodara-ites) Sheila Nambiar and Shruti Phagre-Mahajan.

Brand new in the market they do not fail to entice you with a very thoughtful and ‘full of memories’ collection.

A lot of India - things Indian, memories of bygone era, Indian native plants have got expressed in their collections! Indian tradition is at rework here.

Though very Indian in theme and colours yet collections has absolutely minimalist and contemporary feel.

chaupad collection

Each and every collection transports me to a different land and era.

Chaupad - lets play- anybody game!

The ancient dice game of India inspires this rich blue Mangalgiri runner embroidered with Kantha.

If you know how to, you can actually play chaupad on it with cowries and gotis.

 

earth sheltered building

‘Style’ emerges from the project and not from the architect. Every project deserves its own style based on the site, user requirements, available materials and technology.                ← Space - design Consultants

  

AIIS

Architects: Space-Design Consultants

In the age of ’hero’ architects or architectural heroism somehow I tend to veer towards this credo of Space - Design Consultants. I am asking myself why it is so that style (first &/or only) attracts most of us more than anything else!

Space Design Consultants is Delhi based architectural firm which is concerned about sustainability in buildings. Energy efficiency, material selection for reduction in wastes and pollution are their guides for design.

 

The building of American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) has a very traditional look and yet it has adopted innovative and simple energy conserving and passive cooling measures. The walls of the building are insulated. A simple strategy of orienting the windows in most favourable directions has been used.

The roof has a terrace garden to keep the building naturally cool. Two courtyards (and that too sunken ones) bring natural light and ventilation. To create a peaceful ambience the courtyards are created with vegetation and water bodies.

Natural materials like brick, exposed concrete, and sandstone have been used.

 

crystals and icicles

 

vanity table

Designer: Nina Edwards Anker @ nea studio

I am mesmerised by the cuts and curves created by the architect - designer Nina Edwards Anker for these furniture. The designer works from Oslo and NewYork.

This vanity table is a multifunctional piece. It can be used as desk and incorporated bowl can hold your pens & pencils. It can sleekly fit into your bedroom holding your cosmetics.

But I would like to create a stunning atmosphere with some water and flower into that incorporated bowl!

This table is inspired by melting snow and icicles!

 

crystallized chair

Like a crystal various facets of the chair catch and reflect the changing daylight.

Material plywood painted glossy white.

house triangle

 

house triangle

Architects: @ mayaPRAXIS

This clever triangle house is designed by a young team @ mayaPRAXIS.

mayaPRAXIS is an architectural and design firm based in Bangalore. The primary motivation towards design for architects @ mayaPRAXIS is the opportunity to marry a wide palette of creative resources and constraints available in India.

alter ego

 

Designer: Matthias Pliessnig

If I would be around Madison, Wisconsin from 10^th to 17 th of May, I would head straight for this exhibition with an appointment with my alter oops Matthias Pliessnig’s Alter Ego.

The exhibition opens 9^th May 2008 (today).

Find details here.