TFOD Profile Of The Week: Studio Emergence, Mumbai

The work displayed by Studio Emergence on TFOD is enough to pique any curious mind; with fascinating images of algorithmic and parametric designs. Intriguing, to say the least, the creative outputs of the studio emerge as a rich, multi-layered palimpsest of design thoughts and philosophies. Their atypical approach to designing has seen them embark on a creative journey that is more of a collage of vastly diverse projects and products straddling the spectrum of art and design. Yet, the same design thought strings those diverse manifestations together in a sinlge, complex, vibrant, throbbing entity.

As the architects themselves explain: “We have a network of architects and designers, specializing in algorithmic and parametric design strategies. We also have a research cell which wherein we collaborate with designers and artists from across the globe. We offer collaboration to other architecture firms looking for parametric consultancy and also provide direct solutions to end-users and developers. Providing data driven design solutions and integrating these computation based technology to the existing workflow are one of our strong suits where we strive to increase the overall efficiency of the project.”

Also, besides architecture, interior design and urban planning, the studio is building a strong portfolio of art installations and products based on parametric design. Parametric Consultancy, then, is a company vertical that the founders seem to be keen on developing; with some stunning and prestigious jobs in high-profile locations/events already executed. “We believe in being hands on when it comes to exploring different fabricating techniques and love to work with all digital fabrication processes. Most of our works are derived from inspirations from nature and biomimicry or strong geometric forms.”

For example, the pineSKIN wave installation at Nehru Centre, in Mumbai is part of an explorative process which has seen different applications of a sine wave in various design processes as well as its structural capabilities. “Being architects, we are almost always obsessed with the connection between design and structure… Is one devoid of the other or does solving one aspect automatically resolve the other? Such are the questions we try to address with each of our installations and explorations.”

syncPAVILION was conceptualized for a music festival to create experiential portals being metaphorical for a transitional, yet rhythmic state of mind influenced by the music and dance. It involved an algorithmic process of design creating dramatic differentiation in spatial experiences through a linear movement slicing down the site. Sine waves are used in the X, Y and Z axes to explore the direct relationship between geometry and rhythmic movement of shadows and light throughout the day.

The 'Make In India' installation, however, could well be the flagship work in the portfolio of Studio Emergence! At the Defence Expo 2016 hosted in Goa, where the thrust was on the newly launched Make in India movement, Studio Emergence was approached by a company to create an installation for their stall at the Expo.  So they used the Lion logo for the Government of India initiative of 'Make In India' - and gave it a contemporary and thought-provoking twist with the multiple large and small gears placed in an interesting way - giving it a three-dimensional touch. Using digital prototyping, MDF sheets were laser-cut and glued together to create the ‘frame’ of the lion, and then painted with a metallic finish. Actual gears were then placed in it, and a 3D-printed eye-piece representing the nature of the products manufactured by the company was added to the installation. The four-and-a half feet long lion mounted on a majestic platform created quite an impact, at the Expo – garnering much attention and praise for its creators!

The Lion found its way into their portfolio once again – albeit in a highly reduced version – when Studio Emergence was commissioned to make a sculptural piece representing Indo-British collaborations! The idea came from high-profile restaurateur Riyaz Amlani, for a gift he wished to present to Prince William during the latter's visit to India! So, the designers fabricated a piece which shows the Imperial Lion and the Make in India Lion – coming face to face in a mood of friendly partnership!

We, at TFOD – The Future Of Design – celebrate the powerful creative processes employed by the very talented designer duo of Seeja Sudhakaran and Khushbu Davda, from Studio Emergence – and wish them a bright future ahead!