A creative design experiment through games and activities offers an engaging and playful approach to awakening design sensibility. By encouraging participants to think beyond logic and embrace spontaneity, these activities tap into intuition, observation, and emotional response. Games like visual association, material exploration challenges, or storytelling with objects allow designers to break habitual thinking patterns and develop a deeper sensitivity to form, texture, color, and context. These experiments not only foster collaboration and curiosity but also create a safe space for exploration, where making mistakes becomes part of the learning process. Ultimately, they open up new ways of seeing, feeling, and connecting with the world—essential qualities for any creative practitioner.

A calligraphy workshop was conducted for design students to enhance their understanding of typography, letterform design, and artistic handwriting. The event aimed to introduce participants to the art of calligraphy and its significance in the field of design.

The calligraphy workshop successfully introduced design students to the artistic and technical aspects of calligraphy. It provided a valuable learning experience and encouraged students to integrate hand-lettering into their creative projects. Future workshops could explore advanced techniques and digital calligraphy tools.

AAREKH, the annual design fest, was held on 24th and 25th March, bringing together students, faculty, and design professionals to celebrate creativity and innovation. The event featured guest lectures, speeches from chief guests, exhibitions of student work, wall paintings, and a cyanotype exhibition. Prior to the main fest, on 20th and 21st March, students participated in a series of hands-on workshops, including block and thread work, tie and dye, vegetable printing, and pottery.

The AAREKH Design Fest successfully blended traditional and contemporary design practices, offering students a comprehensive learning and exhibition platform. The event emphasized craftsmanship, artistic exploration, and professional engagement, paving the way for future editions to incorporate more interactive sessions, collaborative projects, and experimental design formats.

The Mask-Making Workshop was conducted over three days as part of the material exploration subject for design foundation students. This hands-on workshop introduced students to sculpting and moulding techniques using gypsum and plaster bandage, materials commonly used in mask making. Students explored the process of creating mask from different kinds of materials, learning about form, texture and finishing techniques while ensuring proper material handling and safety precautions.

The 3-day Mask-Making Workshop successfully combined material exploration, sculpting, and decorative techniques, giving students a comprehensive understanding of mask-making as an artistic practice. The workshop provided a practical and interactive learning experience, reinforcing material safety, craftsmanship, and creative design thinking. Future workshops could explore more advanced techniques such as latex moulding, resin casting, or theatrical mask design to further expand skill development.

The Cyanotype Workshop was conducted over two days as part of the open elective subject for design foundation students. This hands-on workshop introduced students to cyanotype printing, an alternative photographic process that creates blue-toned prints using sunlight. Participants explored the chemical process, experimented with compositions, and created unique cyanotype prints using natural and man-made objects.

The two-day Cyanotype Workshop successfully combined history, chemistry, and creativity, offering students a unique artistic and experimental process. The engagement and curiosity shown throughout the workshop reflected its effectiveness in enhancing hands-on learning. Future workshops on alternative printmaking techniques could further expand students’ exploration of material-based design practices.

A calligraphy workshop was conducted for design students to enhance their understanding of typography, letterform design, and artistic handwriting. The event aimed to introduce participants to the art of calligraphy and its significance in the field of design.

The calligraphy workshop successfully introduced design students to the artistic and technical aspects of calligraphy. It provided a valuable learning experience and encouraged students to integrate hand-lettering into their creative projects. Future workshops could explore advanced techniques and digital calligraphy tools.

The “Garment Making Through Paper” workshop aimed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of garment design and construction using paper as the primary medium. The objective was to blend creativity with basic fashion design principles, offering hands-on experience in creating wearable or miniature paper garments while promoting sustainable, low-waste practices.

Participants gained an understanding of garment structure and form. Each participant created a unique paper-based garment. The session sparked creativity, innovation, and sustainable thinking. 

On 18th and 19th February, a Lamp Making workshop was conducted at PCU Pune Design School for the design students. The workshop featured expert speaker and facilitator, Akash Shah, founder and architect from Manavkruti Architecture, who led a practical session on lamp making. His in-depth knowledge and practical experience added immense value to the sessions. The primary objective of this workshop was to enhance technical skills, foster the creativity of the students, and improve their understanding of geometric design. The event aimed to provide students with hands-on experience in parametric design.

Akash Shah himself gave a detailed description of platonic solids and parametric principles used in product design. On the first day, he explained the relationship between platonic solids and parametric design—how lines, faces, height, edges, and many other factors correlate in creating a product. Students were divided into eight groups for the workshop, where they brainstormed their design ideas.

On the second day, students were encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge with guidance from the facilitator. Each group designed and crafted two lamps, integrating all the factors learned in the previous session. The lamps were made from MDF sheets and wooden sticks, and the students got the opportunity to work with advanced tools, including a laser cutting machine. This exposure allowed them to explore precise techniques and material manipulation, elevating the quality of their final products.

The dedication and passion for creating something innovative were evident among the students throughout the workshop. They had the opportunity to network with an industry professional and gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between geometric forms and design applications.

The major takeaways from this workshop were exploring materials, mastering techniques used in product creation, and developing knowledge of platonic solids and parametric design. The workshop concluded with an expression of gratitude to the facilitator, students, and mentors. This event proved to be successful in achieving its objectives, providing valuable learning experiences to all involved.

The Bamboo Craft workshop introduced students to bamboo as a versatile material, exploring its wide-ranging applications in product design and architectural model making. Students learned about bamboo's properties and techniques for crafting, shaping, and joining it effectively. Through hands-on practice, they created unique products and architectural scale models, gaining practical skills and a deep appreciation for bamboo's sustainability and flexibility in design.

Comic Jam & Zine Making workshop introduced participants to the full process of creating zines and comics, from brainstorming ideas to final printing. Covering both the artistic and technical aspects, students learned about zine culture, layout design, and essential materials. Through hands-on exercises, they crafted storyboards, designed personal name tags, and participated in a rule-based comic challenge, completing 45 comics in 45 minutes. The workshop left participants with valuable skills and finished products, offering a practical and creative dive into the world of zine and comic making.

Origami workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals of origami, guiding them from basic folds like the valley and mountain fold to more intricate designs. Students practiced their new skills by creating original pieces, exploring different materials, and crafting lifestyle products from single sheets. The workshop successfully fostered creativity, mindfulness, and hands-on knowledge in this ancient Japanese art form.

Terracotta workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in terracotta art, exploring basic techniques and the cultural significance of terracotta. Led by Janhavi Ghospurikar, the workshop covered historical insights and techniques such as sculpting, pinching, and clay mixing. Participants created their own pieces, experimented with different styles, and received constructive feedback, leaving with valuable skills and a deeper appreciation for this ancient art form.