New Delhi, 12 February 2025 – The India Design ID 2025, the country’s most prestigious design and architecture event, is set to feature a unique special project titled TRANSITION. This exhibition is a deep exploration of one of the simplest yet most profound objects in human history: the Chair. Designed to showcase the intersection of functionality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression, this curated exhibition will bring together 45 uniquely designed Chairs created in India between 2020 and 2025.
With a focus on the post-pandemic era, TRANSITION aims to highlight how creativity and innovation have evolved in recent years, reflecting cultural shifts and new design ideologies. The exhibition will be held at NSIC Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi, from February 20 to 23, 2025.
The Essence of TRANSITION: More Than Just a Chair
The Chair, a seemingly mundane object, has transcended its basic utility to become an emblem of design philosophy, artistic vision, and societal transformation. The TRANSITION exhibition reimagines the Chair as a canvas of creativity, where each designer brings forward a unique interpretation of this everyday object.
This collection will bring together 45 diverse perspectives, from minimalist functional designs to experimental sculptural pieces, each reflecting the shifting paradigms of craftsmanship, sustainability, and human experience.
As the exhibition challenges visitors to reconsider their perception of this household staple, it prompts an intriguing question: Is a Chair merely an object, or does it embody a larger narrative of evolution, tradition, and reinvention?
Exploring the Theme: To Sit or Not to Sit?
A Chair is never just an object; it carries the weight of its history, craftsmanship, and the stories of those who create and use it. TRANSITION is an invitation to think beyond the obvious, exploring how material, design, and concept can transform a simple seat into a thought-provoking artifact.
In literature and art, the Chair has long been a symbol of power, presence, and permanence. From royal thrones to modern ergonomic workstations, the Chair represents vastly different experiences and eras. French-Romanian playwright Eugène Ionesco, in his play The Chairs, famously linked the object to the futility of existence. However, in the post-pandemic world, designers have reclaimed the Chair as a metaphor for adaptability, resilience, and transformation.
This exhibition challenges traditional notions of design by offering a fresh perspective on form, function, and meaning. By embracing both heritage craftsmanship and futuristic materials, these designs blur the boundary between furniture and fine art.
Sculptural achallenge - File | Photo Credit: The Trending People
A Showcase of Indian Design Talent
Featuring the work of 45 Indian designers, TRANSITION offers a glimpse into the contemporary design landscape of India. These designers bring diverse influences from across the country, integrating traditional artisanal techniques with modern innovation.
Each designer’s Chair is a statement piece, reflecting their philosophy, craftsmanship, and experimentation with materials. Some designs pay tribute to heritage woodwork and indigenous weaving, while others embrace new-age materials like sustainable bio-composites, upcycled metals, and 3D-printed components.
Notable highlights include:
- Craftsmanship Revival – Designs that showcase intricate hand-carving, weaving, and age-old joinery techniques.
- Sustainable Innovations – Chairs crafted from recycled, biodegradable, or environmentally responsible materials.
- Conceptual Artistry – Sculptural and avant-garde designs that challenge conventional ergonomics and aesthetic norms.
This wide-ranging approach ensures that the exhibition appeals to architects, designers, collectors, and anyone interested in the evolving nature of Indian design.
Post-Pandemic Creativity and the Future of Design
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted industries worldwide, and design was no exception. The lockdowns, remote work culture, and shifting lifestyle priorities significantly impacted the way designers think about space, utility, and comfort. As a result, furniture design has undergone a radical transformation, embracing flexibility, sustainability, and emotional connectivity.
TRANSITION captures this spirit of reinvention, showcasing how the pandemic has influenced contemporary furniture aesthetics. The exhibition’s Chairs reflect newfound perspectives on comfort, multipurpose functionality, and environmentally conscious production.
Additionally, technological advancements in materials and production methods have allowed designers to experiment with AI-driven design, robotics, and digital fabrication, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern furniture-making.
India’s Growing Presence in Global Design
As India’s design landscape evolves, platforms like India Design ID play a crucial role in highlighting homegrown talent on an international stage. The country's design identity is being reshaped by a mix of heritage and innovation, making India an emerging powerhouse in global furniture design.
Events like TRANSITION foster dialogue about India’s contribution to global design discourse, celebrating the blend of contemporary vision and traditional artistry that defines the nation’s creative spirit.
Masha Art Booth at ID 2024 - File | Photo Credit: The Trending People
India Design ID 2025: What to Expect
Apart from TRANSITION, India Design ID 2025 will showcase:
- ID Symposium: Engaging discussions with leading architects, designers, and thought leaders.
- Exhibitor Pavilions: Featuring the latest in furniture, décor, lighting, and interior innovation.
- Art Installations: Celebrating the intersection of design, technology, and sustainability.
- Student and Emerging Designer Showcases: Encouraging fresh talent to present their work to a larger audience.
Visitors can experience firsthand the transformative power of design, with immersive exhibits and hands-on interactions with some of India’s most renowned and upcoming designers.
Event Details and Ticket Information
- Dates: February 20-23, 2025
- Venue: NSIC Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi
- Tickets: Available on BookMyShow
This is a must-visit event for design enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone eager to explore the future of furniture and interior innovation.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Design Evolution
TRANSITION at India Design ID 2025 is more than just an exhibition; it is a philosophical and artistic inquiry into the role of design in shaping human experience. By reinterpreting an everyday object like a Chair, the exhibition encourages visitors to reconsider their own relationship with design, creativity, and functionality.
Through heritage revival, material exploration, and experimental forms, TRANSITION embodies the evolution of Indian design, presenting a captivating narrative of change, culture, and craftsmanship.
Whether you are an industry professional, a design student, or simply a curious observer, this exhibition will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the humble yet powerful Chair.
For more information and ticket bookings, visit India Design ID’s official website or BookMyShow. Don’t miss the chance to witness the future of furniture design at one of the most exciting design events of the year!
