Future → Built Creatively
“THE KAVAD DWELLING” is a project by Sai Sikha Patra, an MSc Interior Design 2024 batch student at JD School of Design, powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru. Inspired by the traditional Kavad storytelling art form and its foldable, narrative-driven structure, the project explores the theme of adaptable urban living through the lens of Artisan 2.0. It aims to create compact, affordable, and culturally enriched housing solutions while responding to the growing demand for flexible and community-oriented micro-living environments in rapidly urbanising cities.
The project is designed for students, young professionals, and transient urban populations, keeping their need for affordability, adaptability, privacy, and social interaction at the core of the design process. Conceived as a micro-housing apartment with studio units and PG accommodations, the project balances personal living spaces with shared community amenities to create a meaningful and engaging residential experience.The design approach focuses on modularity, spatial efficiency, flexibility, and cultural integration, ensuring that the outcome is both functional and emotionally connected to traditional craftsmanship.
Through research into Kavad art and contemporary urban housing challenges, the project identifies the need for adaptable living systems that maximise usability within limited square footage while preserving cultural identity. Materials such as wood, metal, and textured finishes, along with techniques including movable partitions, foldable furniture systems, layered facades, and modular construction methods, were chosen to achieve flexibility, sustainability, and handcrafted aesthetics.Visually, the project is defined by layered forms, geometric patterns, textured surfaces, and vibrant accents inspired by Kavad storytelling panels. The final outcome, a community-oriented micro-housing complex, embodies adaptability, cultural continuity, and collective living, while seeking to transform compact urban housing into a more personalised and enriching experience.Through this project, the designer aims to highlight how traditional artisanal intelligence can inform innovative architectural solutions for contemporary urban issues, positioning design as a tool for sustainability, cultural preservation, and social connection. Ultimately, “THE KAVAD DWELLING” stands as a reflection of heritage reimagined for modern lifestyles, where storytelling, adaptability, and community become integral parts of everyday living.