How can our design create inclusivity and accessibility?

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.

Design consciousness means recognizing that we build within natural environments, we build to last, we build to create communities, and sometimes, we build to create 'star' buildings. These iconic structures make a statement, but most buildings have a more practical purpose: to house people for living and working.

Such buildings are many and require significant resources, especially for climatic control. Climatology, the study of climate patterns around the world, helps us design to mitigate challenges posed by various weather conditions, whether it's rain, sun, or cold.

We can delve into numerous topics under this heading, like understanding local resources and using them to design sustainable living patterns. However, we will limit our discussion to buildings.

Living habitats in evolving societies have been greatly influenced by native architecture. For example, in Oman, buildings along the coast of Muscat feature ‘jharokhas’ (small windows with balconies), introduced by Gujarati merchants from India.

However, modern designs often seem agnostic of location, climate, and orientation. Driving along the newly built houses on Al-Ain road in Nad-al Sheba, I see houses without fenestration, lacking shading mechanisms, and with full glass facades. How do we justify east-west facades exposed to intense heat, relying heavily on air-conditioning? Sustainability starts with being sensitive to our environment, understanding our design objectives, and knowing our audience. Just because a design works elsewhere doesn’t mean it will work here.

The same principle applies to planting trees. We should choose trees that can withstand local weather conditions; there is beauty in a Ghaf tree as well as a palm.

In communities where date palms are planted, it’s unfortunate to see the fruits removed to prevent them from falling on the pavement. We need to find ways to embrace nature’s bounty and coexist with it.