In one of George Carlin's most famous bits about stuff, he explains how the feeling of home comes from being surrounded by 'our stuff' and how we are never quite comfortable in someone else's house because there's no space for 'our stuff'; it's all new, different, not ours. This sense of belonging also extends for our routines: where we keep our keys when we come home, where the clothes go when we change and where to reach for the towel after washing our hands. These gestures of habit that we perform every day in our homes is a kind of built relationship we form with objects and spaces that undercurrents what and why we call things 'our own'. The contexual and relational dynamic we have with our homes forms the basis of The Architecture Story's MO. Founded by the visionary duo Deepak Jawahar and Justine De Penning, TAS seamlessly blends the worlds of Architecture and Theatre to create contextualized social experiences within buildings, spaces, and objects.
Deepak Jawahar, with his extensive background in architecture spanning across global hubs like Amsterdam, Shanghai, Bangalore, London, and Doha, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to TAS. His recognition in prestigious awards such as the Lexus Design Awards and the Red Dot Design Award underscores his commitment to pushing boundaries in design.
Complementing Deepak's expertise is Justine De Penning, a luminary in performance art and theatre. Her fusion of theatrical sensibilities with spatial design, honed through experiences in New York City and academic pursuits at the California Institute of the Arts and the Architectural Association, London, enriches TAS's creative ethos.
One of TAS's notable projects, Forest of Images (2022), speaks to their ingenuity. Through modular units and joints, this design transforms linear tubes into a captivating three-dimensional tableau of images and movement paths. The interplay between voids and images, while embracing the concept of 'negative space,' creates a continuous loop of visual intrigue. Notably, the installation's circular design allows for easy dismantling and reassembly, embodying TAS's commitment to sustainable practices.
In-bodied Objects (2021) delves into the intricate relationship between body, space, and community. Collaborating with independent weavers producing Bhavani Jamakkalam, a renowned craft from Tamil Nadu, TAS explores the nuances of craft production and its societal impact. This project transcends mere design; it serves as a reflection on cultural heritage, labor dynamics, and spatial narratives, weaving a rich tapestry of meaning through design objects.
The Cosmic Circle installation further exemplifies TAS's ethos of creating social spaces that blur boundaries. This monumental seating installation, featured at Magnetic Fields Festival, intertwines functionality with artistry. Its interconnected circles and hand-knotted hammock invite communal gatherings, fostering interaction and dialogue among participants. By redefining the conventional notion of seating, TAS sparks conversations about interconnectedness, community engagement, and the cosmic dance of space and people.
The design of Doki Doki in Ballard Estate, Mumbai , is one the most incredible works by the studio. The store breathes new life into an old ice factory turned warehouse, blending history with Memphis design. TAS's creative vision transforms the space, keeping its rustic charm intact while introducing modern elements like a vibrant façade mural by local artist Narayan Kadam. Inside, fluid metal arches of red, blue & yellow create a dynamic journey, complemented by custom-designed furniture inspired by geometric lines.
TAS's design language goes deeper than aesthetics; it embodies purpose and narrative depth. From exploring the visual poetry of 'negative space' to celebrating cultural legacies through design objects, TAS crafts narratives that resonate beyond mere aesthetics.The Architecture Story as an entity is a storyteller weaving tales of human experience through spatial interventions. Deepak Jawahar and Justine De Penning's vision of immersive storytelling through architecture has birthed a narrative-rich approach to design, which is rooted in the interactive force of people, spaces and objects and the context in which they interact with each other.
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