‘Chai gate’ at NID Paldi is a perfect example of 3rd place. I discussed my project with Mann Singh at chai gate and then next day I end up discussing it with Sahil, Divleena and Manan over the chai. In this post, I am not only sharing some insights that I got from the discussion but also some of my own thoughts and where I was going with the project.
Mann Singh
A very small niche, like even addressing to .1% of population, is a full-fledged industry. Considering the population of India, it is a very very big industry.
Start handling documentation, it’s high time to plan and document things done till now.
Ideologically be strong and start making manifesto side by side.
Local or craft can/should play a great role
Explore typologies – like Indian typology – ‘mudha’ have different forms and usages similarly, our traditional cot.
Understand the relation between name and value of something, like if a big brand is doing something for lower markets it will have more value in comparison to a new player who is doing the same.
Aspiration? don’t go with the words – try and see what exactly is an aspiration and why it is happening? Instead of just throwing big words, go in deep and understand.
Sahil, Divleena & Manan
The second life of products
Considering the current trends if the first life of the product is of 5-7 years and then it should have a second life. Can we change the purpose of product for 2nd life?
Good aesthetics need not be expensive. Similarly, the good design need not be expensive. Good design is not a privilege of first world countries and neither it is for only riches
Minimal can be amazing.
Try to understand – Indian Furniture industry
The process by which furniture is made in India?
Who are the players? How do they work? What % they have in the total furniture market?
Example of type of Indian organised furniture players –
This list is not exhaustive, it is just an example showing different levels of organised furniture production
- Godrej
- Neelkamal, Durain, etc
- Urban ladder, pepper fry
- Spin
- TDW
- Andblack
- Epical reform
In what way production and designer are collaborating? There is no recognition for the designer, in contrast to west where design gets the limelight.
Typological research
- Mudha
- Indian cot
- Faati
- Thada – public spaces bani, bay windows, chajja,
- Hybrid – storage + bed
If the material fails then comes the service model like soft material needs to be replaced or if required take the product back – provide full service.
Use properties of material as a character instead of constraint
Must have attributes as a base of the project is –
- Modular system
- Collaborative
- Work with locals?
- Customisation?
Check:
- Open desk
- Atfab
- Leka / fablab Barcelona
- Aalo
- Jan chipchase
- Autodesk chair exercise
- Generative research
- Emeco navy chair, lifetime warranty – 150years
- Snohetta – chair series – s-15
- JSW craftsmanship awards
Image credits:
https://dribbble.com/shots/5116239-Connect-account
Holding Space 