Intelligent Design: A perfect balance of Beauty and Function

Ar. Milind Pai speaks on the holistic approach towards design and the functional as well as emotional needs of the end users.

Notion of Beauty is often derogatory. It is often confined to how pleasing it seems to your senses, especially sight. How do you take both aesthetics and functionality along?

It is said that ‘Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. There is no doubt that of all the five senses, beauty is all about the first look, followed by the feel and then the smell. But when it comes to designing, the same is not complete without considering functionality. A perfect balance of Beauty and function makes an intelligent design. We have seen this as a hallmark of all the great designers since immemorial. Whether it is ancient architecture that utilizes their essential tools or the latest computer-aided designs, function and aesthetics always go hand in hand. As a designer, the mantra of ‘Form follows function, mastered by our iconic architects, is grossly the guiding principle for all the work done by good design firms today.

Detailed Design is all about size, shape, material and tolerances. How do you think furniture plays a vital role in interiors?

Furniture interacts directly with the end users as this medium is touched, felt and experienced, while the larger elements in the background adds to the aesthetically pleasing ambience. ‘Anthropometry’, which has a lot to do with the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body, is a base we need to use for the furniture elements to adapt to the human scale and comforts. Shapes and sizes broadly define these criterias, whereas the material adds to the visual, touch, and feel component. Holistically the correct combination of all the above with the addition of colours and textures completes a well-designed space.

Interior Designing is all about curating comfort; according to you, what is a “good” design?

People have a very comparative approach to aesthetics. What is beautiful varies from person to person of different Age groups, Ideology, Professions, Family, Economic and even Geographic backgrounds. Moreover, it sometimes varies from person to person in the same group or family with many commonalities. Good Design is a very subjective matter but holistically speaking, the designs that satisfy the end users’ functional and emotional needs and go beyond expectations to create an awe value and comfort for the occupants or the user is a good design by all standards.

Keeping in mind all the complexities, needs and necessities, what should today’s kitchens look like?

Today’s kitchens are not just cooking spaces but places where family interacts, entertains, plans, and creates synergies. Spaces where all the above activities can be performed with maximum ease qualify for a good kitchen design. Today’s kitchens are loaded with gadgets for sophistication and comfort. Brilliant ideas and planning have also become an essential part of this space. The finishes have moved to be modern but high quality and maintenance-free. Assuming Gender Parity is now here to stay, the house owner is bound to spend a lot of quality time in this space.

Which materials do you prefer the most which are energy efficient and resemble the modern look and feel of your interiors?

Many new materials keep entering the design domain from time to time, and focusing on a limited palette is challenging. But the need of the hour is to use more energy-efficient and eco-friendly products, so they not only look modern but leave fewer carbon footprints behind. The use of materials delivered from replenishable natural materials like bamboo, rubber wood, etc., are popular these days, as well as the use of eco-friendly paints and natural stones. Gadgets that save water, fuel and power are common to a good section of the interior segment. Time-tested materials like glass and steel also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of contemporary interiors.

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