Design Matrix

In the backyard,print labs were in session,where participants were designing their own T-shirts. This festival was the first of its kind on many fronts. Its multiple windows into avenues of design deconstructed myths of hierarchy. At Unbox,the speakers became participants,as much a part of the learning process as the ones who had come to listen. Designers working on projects had the opportunity to test their ideas with those who might be their direct audience. If design is about memories,nothing like DIY to create them. Unbox did just that.

On its heels,was the India Design 2013,a stylish platform to establish India on the global design map,which had star designers and visionaries from India and abroad share their ideas and experiences,held at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla. While the seminar format hadn’t changed,something else was happening. The contemporary Indian exhibits by Indian designers seemed to have evolved to a global standard. Collaborations took place,new materials were explored and fresh idioms were translated into everyday living room objects.

The organisers,Ogaan Publications,showed what attention to detailing meant,with their colour-coordinated dining table chairs,paper windmills in corners and lounge areas that were crafted by modern Indian aesthetics. What we found particularly intriguing is the idea of love that every international designer emphasised on,something we don’t hear of in design circles in India. Italian designer Fabio Novembre,for instance,believes designers must make things for love,not to feed their egos.

While critics of the festival thought more Indian design could have been showcased rather than giant structures of Italian goods,others claim,for a first time,it was important to look good. Here’s where we would have wanted one of Daku’s signs,which would read —Stop Pretending.