From the specially curated exhibition for quality living in small plots, called Namma Mane
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Designuru,an amalgamation of the words design and ooru, is an exhibition by and for architects, interior designers, design students, craftsmen, innovators, and others.
Speaking to The Hindu, chairperson of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID) Bangalore Regional Chapter, one of the organisers of the festival, V Vishwanath says their vision is to make Bengaluru the design capital of India. “The Designuru festival celebrates the impact of design in everyday life,” he says.
Improving the quality of life through sustainable construction, indigenous architecture, and exploring women in architecture are some of the focus areas of this festival, Vishwanath adds. “Design is not a luxury or niche. If you don’t integrate design in your home, then the overall cost goes up. With proper planning, one can have control on quality, construction and finishes,” he says.
India does not rank well in the happiness index, Vishwanath says. “It’s because we don’t lead a quality life. We need to get our spaces designed by architects and designers to improve the happiness index and increase our quality of living.”
There will be panel discussions, exhibitions including Namma Mane (quality living in small plots), a live 3D printing (robotic) demonstration, student works exhibition, and folk performances such as Lambani, Lavani, Veeragase, with traditional Uttara Karnataka Chitra art and artisan corners showcasing crafts from across India. There will also be an exhibit on revitalising Toda huts (Nilgiris) through regenerative materials and modern amenities.
Panel discussions will explore conversations on women in architecture, alternate construction technologies, art and challenges of sustainable construction. There is an exhibit called ‘Woven Extraavanganza’ curated by Thomas Abraham and Prasad Bidapa. A book titled ‘Ancestral Homes of Tulunadu’ will also be released during the festival.
Vishwanath believes city infrastructure and design are as important as designing personal spaces. There will also be a panel discussion involving Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Maheshwar Rao, Bengaluru Business Corridor chairman L.K. Atheeq, among others, speaking on citizen-centric transformation.
“We want to to see what citizens can do to help architecture and infrastructure in the city. This city is expanding every day, and these conversations help us stay on the same page.”
The Designuru 5.0 is on till December 14 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
Published – December 11, 2025 05:03 pm IST
