How can design consciousness actively engage with and uplift the local community?

When these cookie-cut housing societies were established, one wondered will we ever call them our home.?

Culture is something which in some ways defines us as human beings. Culture defines us at different levels, from our parents, siblings, immediate community, educational institutions religion, festivals, geographical regions, physical boundaries and the list can be endless, where were are looking.?

In cities and especially cities like Dubai, culture takes on different meanings, we have distinct identities defining us and yet we come together in workplaces, in living communities and in entertainment.??

Design plays a key role in understanding multicultural settings to make all people feel safe, feel inclusive and create an atmosphere that caters to the requirements. It is so often we see that there are silos of ‘cultures’ created, primarily shutting off certain sections of society. Do we question this in our design process? Do we need to make places redefining our identities? We need to ask the question, whom are we designing for? The more sub-sets that are added, the more parameters need to be defined. How flexible is our place to handle these parameters??

This intellectual and psychological thought process defines our culture which is so unique to our being. Designing through a process is important for longevity leading to sustainable living.?

Do we go to places which make us uncomfortable, oh! I don’t belong here is the first thought. Are there places where you have been stared at, why is ‘she’ here? How many times does it happen??

A few years ago we were in a European country and we went to a vegan restaurant, the place was crowded and as everyone our names were written down, soon we realized the people after us we being called and we were not, when confronted, the manager told us that there was no place for us. The rest of course is history, vowed never to go to that restaurant and in a slightly biased decision, never to visit that country.?

I am so glad that we live in a country which values our ‘variedness’ and everyone is welcome everywhere.?

In conversation with our Founder, Ms. Indu Varanasi as we unwrap the layers of design consciousness together, acknowledging the interconnectedness of our actions within the intricate tapestry of humanity and the environment.