ARKIV: Furniture Design Exhibition of the National Institute of Design, Bhopal

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: ARKIV is a furniture design exhibition presented by the Industrial Design Batch 27 of the National Institute of Design, Bhopal, where thinking, craftsmanship, and structure come together in dialogue.

The exhibition showcases furniture projects developed during the academic year, shaped through hands-on making, continuous experimentation, and a learning-by-design process. Students’ reflections on this journey are summarized below:

“For this exhibition, my project—Orma Chair—is a contemporary interpretation of Kerala’s traditional Charukassera. This was my first journey into understanding bamboo as a material. The process involved extensive hands-on work, repeated failures, constant experimentation, and physical as well as technical challenges. Prolonged engagement with the material and interactions with artisans deepened my respect for craftsmanship. Navigating uncertainties, taking risks, and staying committed ultimately led this process to a more personal and meaningful outcome.”

— Gayatri Rakesh, Student, 6th Semester

“My long-standing interest in trucks has shaped my perspective on structure, color, and identity. Through my seating project, I attempted to present the often-overlooked beauty of Indian truck art through a contemporary lens. Rather than direct replication, I adopted the idea of ‘maximum in minimum,’ developing a culturally rooted and sustainable chair through restrained form, modular structure, and a balanced use of chrome and colors.”

— Navyash Saroha, Student, 6th Semester

“Growing up in Delhi, surrounded by grand monuments, I developed a deep sensitivity toward heritage. While defining the direction of the project, traditional thinking felt natural. This project became a personal challenge for me—to strike a balance between heritage and modern contemporary design—resulting in a seating furniture piece suitable for spacious interiors filled with natural light.”

— Bhavya Narayan, Student, 6th Semester