Macro Cosmic to Micro Cosmic

and Things in-between

How Living Beings Design their Environment

Presentation of Elective Seminar, Monday, 18/02/2019, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, MP Hall

The title given here is a provisional one and with the evolving course structure it may change.
But the thrust suggested in the title will remain unaltered.
Our collaborative attempt would be to place ourselves within the larger context of the cosmic
forces and the elements. And how the twins have tended to influence the processes of
designed artifacts, particularly in the Indian cultural context but also the context of the world
at large.

Backdrop
The Indian geographic entity, being the most secure and abundant of natural resources, has
historically provided the lead, for others to follow. So it is imperative that we scan and
investigate the Indian design enclaves first. Approximately, there are more than three
thousand such Cultural enclaves or unique Republics of Design within the Indian sub-
continent. Taking some of these as cultural design proto-types, we together then can scan the
global corollary from the point of view of the Indian fountainhead.

Usually, living within the attributes of the surrounding natural environment and a very specific
material base, each confined enclave developed a separate range of products, initially to
meet basic human needs, but later on refined them as marks of identity.
Many of the design traits that a culture represented were the utilitarian objects and
ceremonial artifacts. These objects/artifacts that carried, contained, covered, held and stored
things were generally fashioned out of materials available in the immediate vicinity, thus
lending them a regional uniqueness.
The Purpose
The primary purpose of the investigative exercise of the course is to sensitize ourselves of,
• The need to understand design processes,
• Learn to study the properties of materials and optimization of use,
• Deeper understanding of the Need-base and
• The cultural parameters that dictate the design outcome.

The Structure of the Course

The elective course would be undertaken during the holidays and semester break. The
culmination of the course would be in the form of a 15-day long field trip during the summer
holidays. At the end of the exercise we are to produce an Almanac of processes and products
of a given cultural enclave. The itinerary would be presented with the introduction of the
course on Monday, the 18th of February at 4.00 pm.
The Elective has a capacity for 20 select students.
All Foundation students are requested to attend the presentation.

Learning can be fun

Prof. Hemen C. Sanghvi

Course Instructor