Future Perfect: Creating An Artful Imprint Wins India’s Best Design Project Award 2023

The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), possibly the most celebrated business school in the country, lacked an art and cultural imprint on the campus. It wished to create an environment at the new campus (IMDC) that could project the institute as a versatile thought leader. Through interweaving cultural art forms and modern-day art in their public spaces, the new environment would propel thinking, build curiosity and inspire students, visitors and faculty.

Creating a plausible “futurescape” for 2050 was no small feat, especially when it came to ensuring the artworks were unique to IIMA. The installation of large artworks, some weighing over 400 and 1200 kilograms and standing as tall as 15 feet, presented significant logistical challenges. Narrow entryways complicated the process of bringing in these massive pieces, and the walls needed to support their considerable weight. Additionally, translating complex textile patterns onto a 3D surface was a daunting task. The artworks would also have to endure semi-exposed conditions, withstanding sun and rain, for decades without fading or damage.

Overcoming Challenges

To tackle these challenges, a speculative design approach and meticulous research were employed. The artworks incorporated circular elements of IIMA’s architecture and utilised red brick and grey cement materials to emphasise the institute’s unique identity. The pieces were carefully sectioned and then assembled on-site to distribute weight and allow entry through narrow passageways. Advanced 3D modelling techniques mapped tessellated forms of textile motifs, which were then translated into ceramic tile surfaces for the sculptures. Anti-fade glass and highly durable materials like cement, ceramics, and resin were used for external artworks, each piece coated for longevity.

An Inspiring Environment

The new art installations have brought a fresh and holistic ambience to the IIMA campus, highlighting the institute’s thought leadership and its role in shaping the best business and industry leaders. The artworks reflect the values IIMA upholds today and for the future, creating an inspiring environment for students and faculty alike. Each artwork in the project has been carefully curated, incorporating perspectives from cultural artists to contemporary mixed media artworks.

This transformative project ensures that IIMA continues to inspire and lead for decades to come.

Credit: Baaya Design