With an open brief to the Degree Project, on the grounds of creative mountain economy and geographical context initiated and sponsored by La/ Echostream Pvt Ltd, The project follows an insight-driven, deep-dive problem-solving approach through participatory consultation with stakeholders targeted at identification of problem areas that challenges the quality of life of people and the challenges of the growing, unplanned city of Gangtok, Sikkim.
The initial phase involves secondary research where insights and observations drawn from personal experiences in the city pre and post “ New Normal“ unfold the importance of shared spaces and communities.
Relying on the hypothesis generated, the project leads in the direction of a deeper understanding of the potential field of design interventions in the city of Gangtok. Some insights and observations are drawn as a form of case studies of different places and events that have been visited in the past and are relatable to potential solutions. Moving from macro to micro, different tools of research such as stakeholder mapping, citywide interactive workshops, City audits were used & conducted. The final audit takes as a pilot study of a neighborhood. The study involves numerous walking audits, interviews with residents, identifying the problem areas, and proposing design interventions. With Final Insights and Analysis, a model for implementation and strategy is developed for La, as product and service caterers to the people of Gangtok. The product is further developed as furniture being a medium to coexist together with a community in a shared space.
Community wellbeing, Creative Mountain Economy, Participatory design and planning, Smart city streets and neighbourhoods, Systems Thinking
