The course was an introduction to the complex process of interior design through a practical approach and engagement. The participants were divided between two sites, a one room kitchen apartment and a commercial office space and the course proceeded as a five-week design studio with in-depth discussions on each project. Understanding and analyzing the cost component that comes along with every design forms a crucial part of this studio. Students were encouraged to conduct extensive market surveys to familiarize themselves with the price points that is essentially associated with every design decision. Every project was supported by a Bill of quantities analysing the cost component for their design.
The participants were expected to develop a design concept and strategy through explorations of different components of the process:
Fundamentals of Interior design and planning
Designing through anthropometrics and human proportions and objects
Material selection & detailing
Preparing a BOQ and an estimate of the project for the design
Making an interior design presentation showcasing all of these explorations.
The participants conducted a market survey, in their first week itself, for materials in the known hubs of Mumbai, namely, Laxmi industrial estate, Raghuvanshi mills, Santacruz marble market, Lohar chawl, Mangaldas market and wood markets of Jogeshwari & Byculla. Participants also visit an active site to understand the nuances and negotiations that happen. Towards the final week, the participants also got to discuss their design-specific queries, installation processes and detailing of various fixtures and materials; and other on-site negotiations from Mr. Bhairav Sutaar, a practicing contractor. In this discussion, the participants also got to know the challenges that come in any prject because of context like the dense space constraints of Mumbai neighbourhoods and the different work arounds to overcome these.
Head over to the projects tab for all the projects developed during the course!