SPACES June issue_3July16

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participants had to work on the theme of
a modern BBQ restaurant with a generous
cultural feel to it.
The students were enthusiastic. They
worked hard, did their homework,
researched and learnt. The top three
students assert that the competition was
definitely a learning experience. Lasata
Shrestha from IEC won the top prize for her
project, which had elements of traditional
Newari design and architecture.
“It was just like a real project and we took
the opportunity to learn and research as
best as we could,” she says, recalling the
competition. “I took inspiration from my
own culture and used basic elements of
a typical Newari home with its warm mud
color and wooden posts in the ceiling.”
Shrestha says she worked hard to win and
that managing to do so was a validation of
her hard work.
The competition proved to be the perfect
platform to test the students’ theoretical
knowledge, according to Shrawan Thakuri,
who won the first runner up award. The
KEC student’s project included interesting
ingredients of traditional Nepali art like cobbled
courtyards, stone spouts, and the famous
Durbar Squares. “The contest gave us a
chance to put our learning to practical use.
All the theories and principles we were taught
were finally put into action. We approached it
like a real project,” says Thakuri.
KEC student Pratik Lohani, who won
the second runner up award says the
competition taught him about market
trends, correct budgeting, working on mood
boards, and using the right materials. He
adds that he also learnt the art of interacting
and handling of clients, “I’m an architecture
student, so this was a great opportunity to
learn about interior designing. I worked on
a rustic theme for my BBQ restaurant using
timber and stone in my designs.”
The second IDC had its share of triumphs and
disadvantages. The year 2015 was to be an
eventful year for Nepalis as the country was
first rocked by earthquakes followed by the
Indian border blockade. It can be said that IDC
2015 was an example of the Nepali resilience,
with the organizing committee doing their
best to prepare a great second innings.
Interior architect Sabin Shakya, a member
of the executive committee, believes that
the team did really well despite the barriers.
“The show must go on regardless of what’s
happening,” he says. “So it was tough to
convince sponsors and those directly related
to the competition that we had to keep going.
Given the problems of last year, I think we did
a good job. Of course, there are certain gaps
we have to bridge the next time. But overall, it
was a good collective effort.”
Shakya says lessons for next time includes
being prepared well before hand so as
to avoid last minute rush and decision
making. “It’s also important to educate the
country about the interior design market so
the role of the mainstream media is really
important here,” he says. “This will also
help us connect with clients. Accordingly,
it’s a must to have an effective promotion
package in place, not just IDC but for the
entire interior design industry. Otherwise it
will be a Herculean task to take the industry
to the next level.”
The jury members say that it was quite clear
that students lacked proper grooming. The
panel comprised interior designer, Sabita
16 / SPACES June 2016