The 'D Lane' Project

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A project in collaboration with German artist Markus Heinsdorff and MIT Institute of Design, Pune for the Indo German Urban Mela, a 10-day unique exhibition, centered on the theme of 'StadtRaume' or 'city spaces'.

About the Lane

Portrays the people living and working along the 1.2 km stretch of the "D-Lane", Koregaon Park, Pune. On 1100 meters, people of different social classes live side by side. The street, partly running parallel to the river, is depicting a complex picture of the city, its people, their environment, activities and professions. The stories and destinies of the residents, medical doctors, craftsmen, salesmen, mobile teashops, slum inhabitants and many more depict this urban area.

The Inhabitants

Stable symbiotic relationships of rich and poor along with various other religious groups have been established over the past years. The low income groups provide services and the high income provide employment resulting in high level of interaction across the lane. Thus an aspiration is built in the minds of the economically challenged due to the influence and exposure leading to quick progress and development. These relationships facilitate harmonious living resulting in new ways of life developing in the cities and creating numerous opportunities for art and culture.

The Exhibition

The exhibition showcases the life of the people residing in the 'D Lane'. As India is galloping towards higher economic growth, its cities and people struggle to keep up, it is perhaps only right that we take some time out to acknowledge the diverse culture and harmony around us. Therefore the exhibition was used as a platform to shed light on the stories that are buried under the impact of rapid urbanisation.

Explorations

The Final Concept

Panel Layout

Right Side

The panels are arranged paradoxically giving one the impression of walking through the lane at first glance. However, the stories begin to reveal themselves when one actually starts moving forward.