RESEARCH
Integral part of Academics
Research is an integral part of the academic environment at Centre for Design Studies. For the faculty members working on research areas of their interest it provides an opportunity for self-growth. Current active areas of research at CDS are: Design Pedagogy in the Post-AI Context; Parametric Design; Indic Scripts; Fashion & Textiles Traditions Research and Form Generating Algorithms in Hindu Temple Architecture.
Design Pedagogy
CDS has been engaged in developing a new design pedagogy, introducing new topics and assignments beginning from its Foundation Program. An International Seminar on ‘Design Education in the Post-AI World’ organised in February 2024, with participation of top International and National Design Educationst kick-started the research.
Parametric & Process-driven Design
Following the form-creating algorithms of Nature, with its wonderful variety and ever-newness; Parametric Variation and Process Driven Form Generation are a major focus at CDS. This is in accordance with the Indian tradition which recognises ‘Vishwakarma’ – the Creator of the Universe as the source of inspiration for all form-givers.
Indic Scripts Research
Scripts which have their origin in the Brahmi script of Ashokan India, and which led to development of all major scripts of India and many of the South Asian countries, are the focus of attention of the Research Program in Indic Scripts. The focus is on letterforms research on handwritten manuscripts as a reference for future font development; and pan-Asian documentation of Indic Scripts.
Textile Traditions of India
A Documentation and Research program focusing on Textile and Garment Traditions of India is being undertaken at CDS since its inception, in association with ADARG (Asian Design & Art Research Group). The aim of the program is to develop a cadre of professionally trained researchers and design historians who could help document and preserve the countless textile traditions of India. Three Research Fellowships were awarded in the first year, leading to documentation of Maheshwar Handweaving Tradition; Kuthampalli- A Weaver’s Village; and Nandhana- Hand-block Printing Tradition of Tarapur in Madhya Pradesh. The Fellowships are of one year duration and applications can be made anytime.
Form Generating Algorithms in Hindu Temple Architecture
Ancient Indian temple architecture reflects a deeply procedural approach in its conceptualization, planning, instruction, and execution, which can be seen as inherently computational in nature. The temple forms research aims to explore this methodology to develop a system capable of algorithmically generating patterns based on temple elements; to allow for the creation of new forms and patterns that extend the expressive potential of Indian temple architecture.
