Karavali & Ikea

When I was young and lived in Karwar, a coastal place near Goa, India, I used to go to this annual exhibition called Karavali. This exhibition was held on the beach, probably one of the town's biggest open spaces. This vast space could account for a large no. of population and gave space for houses, exhibits, joy rides, and kiosks for those three days.

The people who made these exhibitions possible were nomadic, traveling to different locations every week. Their livelihoods depended on these exhibitions/events and became a part of their survival. They constructed their homes using trampolines, sticks, and ropes, resembling their tents, highlighting their resourcefulness, adaptability and flexibility.

Architecture is a framework for human activities and how people engage with their surroundings/environment. In the context of 'Ikea Disobedients', the project focuses on the needs of families and children that aimed for a democratic approach. Although it gives a variety of interior and furniture options, it needs to be more community-driven. It forces corporate interest on people. 

Hence, this raises questions about 1. Inclusivity, and 2. Diversity in architectural design and how it underscores the importance of the built environment for the members of society. 

I included the exhibitions because there are many such individuals/communities that need independence in creating their own spaces that are unfulfilled by standardized products. These projects highlight the limitations of mass-produced consumer products. This contrast encourages us to re-evaluate how design, architecture and everyday life are interconnected and how they can be influenced by social and economic contexts.