‘Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions’ said Coco Chanel, and rightly so. So why not let each be the inspiration for the other!
Orissa, a state widely known for its opulent cultural heritage and rich architecture has a history atypical from that of the northern plains. Unlike other parts of India, tribal customs and traditions have played a significant role in shaping the heritage of the state.
The unique and beautiful appliqué artwork of Pipili; silver filigree ornamental works and patta chitras; and tie and dye and Sambalpuri textiles in all its artistic grandeur awakens the imagination of creative minds.
An institute designed for budding designers and then the maestro, are the inner soul of the complex in very much the same way as the rich culture of Orissa is its inner soul.
The inner soul needs a shell. Shell and soul are interdependent and independent, belonging to each other and to themselves.
Here, the built form developed from climatic factors and conceptualized by elements of the crafts and nature, forms a shell for its soul providing them with spaces to imagine and innovate or simply to inspire.
REALITY
The site is located an uncongested area of Bhubaneswar. The architecture of Bhubaneswar is one of indoor and outdoor spaces merging into each other, the use of which is influenced by climate and season. It is an architecture which has risen from native soil-sacred and pure.
A simple yet modern architecture vocabulary has been adopted. The traditional courtyard here is in the form of a central stepped plaza, interspersed with trees and green patches, which leads to a water body. Keeping all climatic factors in mind, the central lotus water court acts as a natural exhaust, cooling the air passing over it, making the middle court a solace in the hot summer.
Designers dare to dream, to imagine, innovate and create that which is used, seen and felt by all. Someone once said “its not what you look at that matters, its what you see” and feel.
Dieter Rams rightly said:
“Good design is innovative.
Good design makes a product useful.
Good design is aesthetic.
Good design makes a product understandable.
Good design is unobtrusive.
Good design is honest.
Good design is long-lasting.
Good design is thorough down to the last detail.
Good design is environmentally friendly.
Good design is as little design as possible.”
We dream big and beyond the realms of imagination to create the unique. When soul and shell unite the destiny is ‘creation’.
Let us all dare to dream…
National Institute of Fashion Technology Campus Bhubaneswar images / information from Abin Design Studio