Name: Lavdeep Singh, Batch 2022-26
Department: Fashion and Lifestyle Accessory Design Department
Category: CBDP
Campus : NIFT Kangra

The Craft Based Design Project was undertaken by the 7th semester students of the department of Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories at NIFT Kangra in collaboration with bamboo artisans in 2025. The project focused on understanding bamboo as a sustainable material and exploring traditional weaving and construction techniques. Through field visits, material exploration, design development, and prototyping, students created contemporary products for hospitality, lifestyle, and interior spaces. The project helped students understand the complete craft ecosystem while generating market-relevant products that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design needs.

About the project

  • BAMBOO CRAFT, BHARANTA
  • Project: Craft Based Design Project (CBDP)
  • Year: 2025
  • Campus: Kangra
  • Department: F&LA
  • Batch: B.Des 2022-2026
  • Craft/Cluster: Bamboo Craft, Bharanta

Faculty mentors: Mr. Vineet Kumar and Mr. Anil Kumar Tirkey

Students:

  • Shruti Kathwar
  • Aadrika Jain
  • Aditi Bhardwaj
  • Ananya Gupta
  • Navya Gupta
  • Anuja Kapoor
  • Liza Bajaj
  • Monalisa Pradhan
  • Manya Mahajan
  • Muskan Kumari
  • Nandana Singh
  • Nikita Pal
  • Ambalika Choudhary
  • Arpana Kumari
  • Dhwani Dudhrejiya
  • Kriti Madan
  • Sanjivani Pande
  • Shubhangi Agrawal

The Craft Based Design Project was undertaken by the 7th semester students of the Department of Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories at NIFT Kangra with an opportunity to work closely with bamboo artisans in Bharanta and understand the craft from the perspectives of material, process, skill, and market potential. The project began with field research and documentation of bamboo craft practices, tools, techniques, and artisan livelihoods in a diagnostic study conducted by the same students in their semester 5 in 2024.

For this project, students visited the same cluster again for 5-7 days and explored bamboo through hands-on experimentation, studying weaving patterns, construction methods, surface treatments, and form development. Based on their research, they identified product opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, residential décor, lighting, lifestyle accessories, and utility products. Drawing inspiration from nature, geometry, cultural references, and everyday experiences, students developed contemporary design concepts while respecting the inherent qualities of bamboo and the traditional skills of artisans.

The design process involved ideation, prototyping, material testing, and iterative refinement, leading to a diverse range of products including lamps, mirrors, wall décor, organisers, baskets, furniture accessories, and interior accents. The project encouraged innovation while promoting the use of a sustainable and renewable material.

Overall, the CBDP strengthened students' understanding of craft-based design intervention, artisan collaboration, and responsible product development. It also demonstrated how traditional bamboo craftsmanship can be adapted to contemporary markets through thoughtful design and innovation.