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In a remarkable demonstration of creativity and resourcefulness, a man from Kerala has gained widespread attention for building a one-of-a-kind house entirely using spare parts from a garage. This innovative abode is capturing the imagination of social media users, sparking conversation about sustainable living and unique architectural design.

The house was conceived by a local resident who, driven by his passion for riding, decided to create a living space that not only reflected his personal interests but also made use of materials that would otherwise go to waste. Drawing from discarded spare parts from his garage, he crafted a structure that stands out for its distinct blend of industrial and rustic elements.

A post showcasing the house by a popular Instagram influencer with 1.1 million followers has helped amplify its visibility. The post has gone viral, with many praising the owner’s ingenuity in transforming simple garage parts into a fully functional living space.

Though the exact details of the house's design and construction are scarce, images of the structure reveal a striking combination of materials, blending the mechanical and the rustic in an unconventional yet functional way. Not only does the use of garage spare parts contribute to reducing waste, but it has also resulted in a highly unique and practical home.

This unusual project has drawn the attention of sustainability advocates, architectural enthusiasts, and those looking for innovative solutions in eco-friendly design. The house's success has sparked curiosity about how unconventional materials can be used creatively for construction, challenging the norms of traditional building practices.

As the house continues to garner interest, it remains to be seen whether this creative project will inspire a new wave of sustainable and imaginative construction projects in the region, encouraging others to think outside the box.

In the bustling town of Mapusa, Goa, a vibrant and thought-provoking mural has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike. The Mapusa Wall, created by renowned graphic novelist and artist Orijit Sen, is a stunning example of street art that tells the story of the town's rich history, culture, and identity.

The Mapusa Wall is a 100-foot-long mural that adorns the exterior of a building in the heart of the town. Orijit Sen's artwork is a visual narrative that weaves together elements of Mapusa's past, present, and future. From the town's ancient temples and traditional markets to its modern-day cafes and bustling streets, the mural is a vibrant celebration of Mapusa's unique character.

Orijit Sen, known for his critically acclaimed graphic novels such as "River of Stories" and "The Best Seller She Wrote", has brought his unique artistic vision to the Mapusa Wall. Sen's artwork is a testament to his ability to tell complex stories through simple yet powerful imagery.

The creation of the Mapusa Wall was a community-driven project that involved local residents, artists, and students. Orijit Sen worked closely with the community to ensure that the mural accurately represented the town's history, culture, and spirit.

The Mapusa Wall has become a landmark for the town, attracting visitors from all over the world. The mural has not only added to the town's aesthetic appeal but has also become a source of community pride. In the words of Orijit Sen, "The Mapusa Wall is a celebration of the town's unique identity and a testament to the power of art to bring people together."

India’s aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the enforcement of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. The legislation, which came into effect on January 1, 2025, replaces the nearly century-old Aircraft Act of 1934 and is set to catalyze innovation in both aviation and design education.
By prioritizing modern design principles, the law lays the groundwork for a new era in aircraft design and manufacturing. This shift is expected to drive educational institutions to revamp their curricula, introducing advanced courses in aerospace design, engineering, and manufacturing to meet the growing demands of the sector.

One of the Act's standout features is its encouragement of collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions. Such partnerships will offer students unparalleled opportunities to work on real-world projects, fostering practical skills critical for success. The legislation also emphasizes safety and sustainability—two key global aviation priorities—prompting design schools to incorporate these elements into their teaching frameworks.

The new legal framework also aims to stimulate entrepreneurship. Start-ups in the aviation sector are poised to flourish, creating fertile ground for designers and innovators to bring fresh ideas to life. Additionally, the law’s focus on research and development will enable professionals to explore cutting-edge materials and technologies, propelling India’s aviation capabilities forward.

As India’s aviation market expands, the legislation is expected to open doors for increased international collaborations. These partnerships will expose Indian designers to global best practices and trends, enhancing the nation’s reputation in the global aviation ecosystem.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, is more than just a policy update—it represents a visionary step forward. By aligning India’s aviation goals with global standards of innovation, safety, and sustainability, the law is set to nurture a generation of skilled designers and engineers equipped to define the future of the industry.

With this progressive legislation taking flight, India is not only strengthening its aviation infrastructure but also positioning itself as a global hub for aviation innovation and excellence, creating a wealth of opportunities for aspiring designers and industry professionals alike.

A groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Design has introduced a revolutionary approach to designing assistive technology by involving children in the co-design process. The study, which focused on creating an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, brought together children with complex communication needs, their caregivers, and professional designers in an unprecedented collaboration.

The primary goal of the project was to develop a communication device that would better serve children with speech and language difficulties, allowing them to communicate more effectively. Through the co-design process, the team not only created a more user-friendly device but also one that better aligns with the children’s individual needs and preferences.

By directly involving the children in the design, the research team was able to gain invaluable insights into their unique challenges and desires when it comes to communication. The children’s input proved vital in identifying features that could make the device more intuitive and enjoyable for them to use, while also improving its functionality and efficiency.

Preeti Rao, the lead researcher, emphasized the significance of the co-design approach, saying, “This study demonstrates the power of co-design in creating assistive technology devices that truly meet the needs of their users. By working closely with children and caregivers, we were able to design a device that is not only more effective but also more enjoyable to use.”

The project’s success challenges the traditional top-down approach to designing assistive devices, where experts often make decisions without input from the end users. The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for the future of assistive technology, reinforcing the idea that involving the users—particularly children in need of these devices—is crucial for creating solutions that truly address their needs.

As the field of assistive technology continues to evolve, this pioneering research is expected to inspire designers and researchers worldwide to adopt more inclusive and user-centered approaches. The project sets a new precedent in the design of AAC devices, highlighting the importance of collaboration with children and caregivers to improve the quality of life for those with communication challenges.

In today’s world, where the spaces we inhabit significantly influence our well-being, the integration of Vaastu, Feng Shui, and modern interior design has gained prominence. This fusion of ancient practices and contemporary aesthetics aims to create environments that foster harmony, productivity, and peace.

Vaastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural science, focuses on aligning spatial elements with the five natural forces: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. It offers guidelines for building and layout design to promote the seamless flow of energy. Similarly, Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese philosophy, centers on optimizing Chi, or life force energy, by balancing Yin (receptive) and Yang (dynamic) forces.

These time-tested philosophies are increasingly being integrated into modern design. By applying principles of Vaastu and Feng Shui, interior designers are reshaping spaces through strategic decisions involving layout, lighting, color schemes, and furniture placement. These thoughtful approaches enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of spaces.

Creating harmonious spaces goes beyond mere visual elements. It can positively influence mental and emotional well-being, boosting productivity and nurturing a sense of peace and balance. Incorporating natural materials, calming color palettes, and maximizing natural light are some ways to channel positive energy. Proper furniture arrangement, free of clutter, ensures an unobstructed flow of energy, making spaces more comfortable and welcoming.

For design students and professionals, understanding these principles offers an opportunity to innovate. The ability to merge ancient philosophies with modern techniques equips designers with tools to create environments that resonate on multiple levels. Whether designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, integrating Vaastu and Feng Shui principles into contemporary interiors can result in transformative outcomes.

The convergence of Vaastu, Feng Shui, and modern interior design reflects a growing demand for spaces that promote holistic well-being. By adopting this approach, designers not only enhance the quality of living and working environments but also contribute to a broader understanding of how thoughtful design can positively impact lives. This synergy underscores the importance of harmonized spaces in shaping a balanced and productive future.

As environmental concerns rise, the push for sustainable practices has extended to educational institutions. Sustainable school design not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates healthier, inspiring spaces for students. In India, where diverse climates and cultural heritage influence architecture, eco-friendly school designs have gained momentum, blending traditional wisdom with modern sustainability principles.

This article explores the key principles of sustainable school design and highlights examples from Indian schools leading the way in creating eco-conscious learning environments.

Why Sustainable School Design is Essential

Schools play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. By incorporating sustainability, schools can:

Reduce Environmental Impact

Efficient use of resources such as energy and water contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.

Enhance Health and Well-being

Natural light, ventilation, and non-toxic materials foster better concentration and overall health.

Promote Environmental Awareness

Eco-friendly schools serve as real-life classrooms, teaching students the value of sustainability through their surroundings.

Key Principles of Sustainable School Design

Energy Efficiency

Reducing energy consumption is a cornerstone of sustainable school design:

Solar Energy: Many Indian schools, such as the Amity International School in Noida, have installed solar panels to meet their energy needs.
Ventilated Classrooms: Schools in Kerala use passive cooling techniques, incorporating large windows and shaded corridors to reduce the reliance on air conditioning.
LED Lighting: Energy-saving bulbs are now common in green school initiatives across the country.

Water Conservation

India’s water scarcity challenges make conservation strategies critical:

Rainwater Harvesting: The Kendriya Vidyalayas in Chennai and other cities have implemented systems to collect and reuse rainwater.
Low-Flow Fixtures: Many private schools in urban areas use efficient taps and toilets to minimize water wastage.
Natural Water Management: Schools in Rajasthan adopt traditional stepwells (baoris) for storage and cooling purposes.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainable schools in India often use locally sourced and natural materials:

Mud and Bamboo: The Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh uses eco-friendly materials like mud bricks and bamboo, blending traditional construction techniques with modern design.
Green Roofs: Some schools in the Himalayan region use sod roofs for insulation and biodiversity.
Non-Toxic Paints: Many institutions have shifted to eco-friendly paints to ensure better indoor air quality.

Examples of Sustainable Schools in India

The Riverside School, Ahmedabad

Known for its minimalist design, this school uses natural ventilation and light to reduce energy consumption while creating a warm, welcoming environment.

The Akshar School, Assam

This school incorporates recycled materials and solar energy while offering sustainability education as part of its curriculum.

Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, Puducherry

Blending traditional Indian architecture with modern eco-practices, this school integrates open-air classrooms, natural cooling, and solar-powered energy systems.

Benefits of Sustainable School Design
Reduced Costs
Efficient energy and water systems save schools money in the long term.
Improved Learning Outcomes
Students in well-lit, naturally ventilated environments perform better academically.
Stronger Community Ties
Schools often inspire nearby communities to adopt sustainable practices.

Indian schools are setting a powerful example of how sustainable design can blend cultural heritage with modern eco-consciousness. From solar panels in Noida to mud-brick classrooms in Andhra Pradesh, these schools demonstrate how thoughtful architecture can benefit students and the planet.

By adopting energy-efficient systems, conserving water, and using locally sourced materials, architects can create schools that inspire the next generation while preserving resources for the future. Sustainable school design is not just an architectural trend; it is a commitment to shaping a better tomorrow.