Wednesday 29 October 2014


A   R e t r e a t   i n   t h e   W i l d e r n e s s


Architecture that embraces its surroundings and evolves from the site is naturally enticing. Sensitive architecture responds to context - man-made, environmental and geographic. Architects can add another element with design : artfully created spaces.

India is a vast country with numerous climatic zones and varied geography. We hence get to see some exciting examples of 'contextual architectural responses' in many forms and materials.

We bring to you one such project today: INGADI, a countryside retreat in South India - A wonderfully designed home that invites nature inside and hugs the landscape it rises from.



This is a complex of three houses with a pool and pavilion. The structures are oriented to enable views of a holy mountain.


The interiors are serene, designed in a combination of wood & mud like plaster finish.


Designed by Mancini Architects (Chennai, India) in collaboration with Govinda Luke Bowley, the complex features a number of landscape features like suspended and sunken gardens.


Artifacts add beauty to detailed, sparse interiors.


I particularly like the kitchen/ dining area where the architects seem to have designed around original stones on site, incorporating a water body.



Traditional construction techniques like thick walls and large overhangs make for cool interiors. Elements like inbuilt open shelves (with terracotta utensils) are reminiscent of traditional kitchens which were roomy and had plenty of open storage.


The interiors have a zen like quality while the outdoor is engulfed by natural elements.


A heart warming space to call home.
Bird songs to wake up to each morning. 
Fragrance of flowers and leaves.
Grass to walk barefoot on.
Enjoying being one with nature..

A few benefits that come along with a space like this.
Images courtsey:  Mancini Architects

Text & creative layout copyrights: Onthedesignboat   


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Tuesday 21 October 2014


F e s t i v e    I N S P I R A T I O N S
Diwali is here. 
It's early morning and crackers are already booming! 
The slight morning chill in Mumbai air gives a Diwali feel in an otherwise hot day..

Homes, buildings, bazaars are all decked up for this very special occasion. Traffic has been dense and markets have been a maze, with families out for last minute preparations. Colorful kandeels, string lights, basketful of pretty diyas & puja items are on display in road side stalls, all an invitation to celebrate.

As I ready up to make rangolis, cook delicacies & light up my home and heart :) here's a very special collection of emotions and elements I associate with this grand festival, images that spell 'INDIA' and embody the spirit of festivity!


Images (L to R): beautiful-portals.tumblr.com; bharatdreams.tumblr.com;  indulgy.com

God, all portals lead to you

Images (clockwise from top left): rafimmedia photography;  source unknown;  noisypilgrims.com
Of flowers & devotion

Images (L to R): Pinterest (NomadicDecor);  Pinterest (dxr20);  sarahsarna.com

Colorful interiors & festive looks

Images (L to R): Pinterest (Prismma);  CoffeeCloud; trinetra.org.uk

Celebration, In and around

Images (L to R):    flickr;  flickr (hala2009);  verycoolphotoblog.com 

Prayer & reverence

Images (clockwise from top left): The East coast Desi;  Dhruv Singh Couture; indiaunimagined.com

Of beauty & tradition


Images (L to R): Raw Mango;  Flickr (Adrian Whelan);  viyahshadinikah.tumblr.com

Enriching, body & soul


Images (L to R): Pinterest (Prismma);  bing.com;  travel-ideas.makemytrip.com

The victory of good over evil

Images (L to R): thecuratedmagazine.com;  clothingandjewellery.blogspot.ca;  flickr (dinesh maneer)

All things Indian : Color, design


Images (L to R): mandeep nagi;  toryburch.com;  Flickr (dmglazebrook)

detailed & divine

Images (L to R):  cgtantra.com;  indianeagle.com;  Flickr (M Majakovskij)

And, to sum it up, 
'bhakti' - devotion and joy...


Text & creative layout copyrights: Onthedesignboat   

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Tuesday 14 October 2014

O N  T H E  S P I R I T U A L  P A T H 

Text: Hina Nitesh

Can God the almighty, all powerful, 
all knowing, be treated  like you and me? 

Well most people will say no 
till you mention Ganesha... 

There is something about this elephant head son of Shiva and Parvati that there are constant creative explorations with his form.

Known by many different names, Ganesha also has the distinction of having many names, each of which is related to his features. For instance he is known as 'Ekdant' because of a single tusk, 'Vakrtund' because of the round tummy etc.

In the minds of his followers, Ganesha takes many avataars which they interpret differently. Be it a graphic or a figure, Ganesha is interpreted in many ways. 

This festive season let us meet some avataars of Ganesha...

Starting with the regular figurines... 

Image courtesy - www.aliexpress.com
Image courtesy - www.cauveryhandicrafts.net

Image courtesy - www.ravissant.in 

Image courtesy - www.shalinindia.com
Image courtesy - www.tourmyindia.com

Exploring Ganesha graphically...




Image courtesy - www.atulsartgallery.com

Image courtesy - www.clipartbest.com


Image courtesy - www.thingsoftenspeaktome.blogspot.com
Image courtesy - www.thingsoftenspeaktome.blogspot.com

Image courtesy - www.tumblr.com
Image courtesy - art by Usha Rai from www.fineartamerica.com

Ganesha in street art...

Image courtesy - www.thedirtfloor.com
Image courtesy - Paul S stream from www.flickr.com
Image courtesy - www.pintrest.com
Ganesha has also been a medium to convey messages. However modern the message might be, when Ganesha speaks all hear. An ad in Times of India imploring faithfuls to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi is an eco friendly fashion has the God sculpted from old newspapers.

Image courtesy - www.adsoftheworld.com

Ganesha figures with a little twist..

Image courtesy - www.craftsvilla.com

Image courtesy - www.craftsvilla.com

Image courtesy - www.homeshop18.com 

Image courtesy - www.thebombaystore.com

Image courtesy - www.prweb.com
Image courtesy -www.redscarabtravelandmedia.wordpress.com


Image courtesy - www.global.rakuten.com

A different way to express...


Image courtesy - Designsbydinachopra at www.etsy.com

Image courtesy - Navanka Creations at www.etsy.com
Image courtesy - www.pintrest.com
Image courtesy - www.pinterest.com
Products with Ganesha...

Image courtesy - www.diwali-days.blogspot.com
Image courtesy - www.ebay.in 
Image courtesy - www.fabfurnish.com
Image courtesy - www.fabulloso.com
Image courtesy - www.funnfun.in 
Image courtesy - www.indiamart.com
Image courtesy - INSPIREMEtals at www.etsy.com
Image courtesy - landyachtsafari.typepad.com

Image courtesy - www.onetribe.nu 
  

Image courtesy - www.sweetcouch.com
Image courtesy - www.tarangarts.com
Lets end with Ganapatti Bappa Morya... 



Text & creative layout copyrights: Onthedesignboat  
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