Studio Hinge (left) I Calicut Co. (right)
Four innovative designers whose work blends creativity with functionality, from handcrafted furniture and transformative sculptures to typography that bridges languages and architecture that redefines space.
Calicut Co.
Calicut Co. is the brainchild of Nityan Unnikrishnan and Rukminee Guha Thakurta, partners both in life and design. What began as crafting furniture for friends gradually blos- somed into a collection of distinctive designs that shaped the brand. Trained in graphic and industrial design, Guha Thakurta’s expertise in visual storytelling, paired with Unnikrishnan’s artistic flair and knowledge of materials, converged to create a unique furniture line. Their creative process is rooted in collaboration with skilled carpenters, starting with handmade sketches, testing rough models, and refining each piece. Driven by a commitment to func- tional beauty, their designs are inspired by both modern aesthetics and traditional Indian craftsmanship. Calicut Co. blends art and utility, evolving with each new project. The result is timeless, handcrafted furniture that speaks to both comfort and aesthetic harmony.
Radhika Sanghvi
Radhika Sanghvi’s sculptures embody a deep connection with nature, transforming organic materials into luminous works of art. Crafted from wood, reed, and paper, her creations resemble delicate flying insects or branches adorned with wild, gleaming petals. Each piece exudes fluidity, inviting an atmosphere of tranquility and awe into both private spaces and commercial settings. Sanghvi’s work captivates with its interplay of form and light, where illumination breathes life into her sculptures, revealing new patterns and movements as day turns to night. Growing up surrounded by art, Sanghvi’s love for creation led her to pursue sculptural design. Her fascination with the transformative power of materials fuels her artistic process, where the careful manipulation of natural elements forms the heart of her work.
Tanya George
Tanya George
Typography is something we encounter daily, yet its impact often goes unnoticed. Tanya George, a Mumbai- based typographer and type designer, is dedicated to highlighting the power of letters and language. From early doodles to a formal education in typography at JJ Institute of Applied Arts, Tanya has built a multifaceted career that spans type design, writing, and art. One of her most unique contributions is her type walks in Mumbai, where she takes participants through the city’s historic and modern typographic landscape, from century-old market signs to personal memorials. These walks offer a deeper under- standing of how typography shapes our surroundings and experiences. Tanya’s work also explores the intersection of languages, as seen in her kinetic sculpture Glottosaurus and the Hinglish font, which blends English and Hindi scripts. Her projects bridge design, history, and language, offering fresh perspectives on the written word.
Studio Hinge
Pravir Sethi, the visionary behind Studio Hinge, is redefining architecture with his unique approach that blends functionality with whimsy. His work transforms ordinary spaces into immersive environments, with one of his most captivating projects being the Forest of Knowledge—a library where concrete columns are reimagined as tree- like structures, offering readers a serene, nature-inspired experience. Sethi reflects on the journey of this project, from its humble beginnings as a shed-based library to its eventual redesign into a space within an administrative building. The final design integrates playful yet practical elements, such as circular bookshelves and natural lighting, creating a space that encourages both exploration and community engagement. As Studio Hinge looks toward future projects, Sethi continues to push architectural boundaries, merging design with social and environmental consciousness.
Words Platform Desk
Date 26.12.2024