Event Design - weaving stories into events

Facts are forgotten; stories stay with us forever. That’s why, when we conceptualize an event, at the heart of it is always a meaningful story and every aspect of the event design emerges from it. Every table setting, every light fixture, every shade of every colour must seamlessly come together to tell the tale of the brand. We don’t want the event to be a regular corporate affair but a celebration of the brand.

It’s crazy that it all begins with a blank computer screen and an idea. And, of course, the best creative minds in the business (who happen to be on our team!) It is to their credit that they are able to envision something magical, something extraordinary on that blank screen.

As Michelangelo said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”

The first step, however, is to decode the brief, which, as we all know, is the most enigmatic thing created by mankind. Is it a coincidence that ‘brief’ rhymes with ‘grief’? Maybe, maybe not. Well, the thing about briefs is that you just need to grasp the keywords and then give yourself wings to fly freely. We do just that – after several trips to the nearby tapri, of course. ??

Keywords lead to ideas and ideas to stories. The design team picks up the thread from there and begins to weave its magic.

Tate Linden says, “Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up.”

That’s what our design team tries to do as well. It tries to take the brand narrative forward through different elements of design.

In our designs, we focus a lot on Architecture which is a powerful medium of visual storytelling. It evokes a distinct sense of culture and history with which the brand wishes to associate.

We recently curated a special evening of Rajasthani folk music for DLF Independent Floors. To evoke a sense of royalty, we created a stage design inspired by the majestic havelis of Rajasthan. The central panel was adorned with Mughal inlay art which shone gloriously amidst the candlelit jharokhas. When the Manganiyars began to sing, one felt like one was transported to another era.

Décor ; another key element that we focus on, should never be generic. There must be a thought behind every little detail for the event to be truly memorable. It must all be tied to the story that one wishes to convey.

We recently created a CSR campaign for Indospace called the ‘The Cutlery Bank.’ It was about setting up a bank of reusable steel cutlery to check plastic pollution in the company’s local communities near Pune. So, the design for the launch event derived from the culture and traditions of the local people. Not only the décor but everything, from the invites to the dining experience, had a local flavour to it.

We asked the locals to make rangolis in their traditional style and we decked the venue with fresh flower torans which are used in every major celebration of the region. The table centrepieces had lots of big, bright marigolds put together in brass bowls. The 5-course Maharashtrian lunch was served in elegant brass cutlery. As they say, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Finally, it all comes down to execution. The team which executes the event must be as thoughtful and committed to the story as the creative and design teams. If they are in synch, they may tweak a few things on the spot and it may add that final magic touch. So, in a way, everyone on the team contributes to the design in some way or the other.

It’s really satisfying to see an idea come to life. And what is even more satisfying is to receive the look of appreciation from the client and the attendees. When we see them relishing the little details or clicking selfies with the décor, it makes our hearts swell with pride. They connect with the story and take back with them a cherished memory.

Cheers,

Wishmakers