Designing Toward an Inclusive Culture with Reference to Aesthetics and Utility Issues of Floor Line Art
摘要
As cultures blend globally, concerns arise about the impact on distinct identities. This affects the sustainability of cultures and the inclusivity of societies, especially regarding gender equality. Ensuring equal opportunities for all genders is crucial for fostering sustainable and inclusive cultural development. As a reference to explore the usage and utility of cross-cultural design practice in such cases of intervention, reference has been taken of the ritual of marriage denoting the union of the genders. Among the various components concerning the aforesaid ceremony are the wedding seats or chowkis that are offered to the concerned to be weds. In various traditions, the seats (chowki) are offered to both the bride and groom. In others, seat is offered to only the groom (Var chowki) denoting the power relation prevalent in the society. While the chowki might symbolize a metaphoric power position, it is one of the popular components in a marriage and has much potential to influence public perception. Moreover, the designs on the chowki rendered identity to the chowki whether it belongs to the bride or the groom. However, in this context, question arises whether the chowki designs should reflect gender identity or be universal in representation? To foster inclusivity, sustainability and cultural exchange, this study aims to infuse knowledge from different cultures to create interventions. This consisted cultural import of design and motif ideas to intervene and make changes. This study sought to create a Kanya Chowki otherwise non-existent in the Kumauni culture through cross-cultural design practice infusing elements from Bengali marriage rituals tracing the design roots from the same origin. The study further tries to understand the perception of the populace on the same intervention to understand the impact of such interventions on the public psyche of the concerned culture.