The Travel and Learn Series organized by the Faculty of Architecture, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute offered an enriching off-campus learning experience for B.Design I Year and III Year students, combining industry exposure, material exploration, and sustainable design learning.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Honourable President Sir for his constant encouragement and academic support, which continues to enable such experiential learning initiatives.
Day 1: Visit to IKEA, Bangalore
Industry Exposure to Contemporary Interior Design
On the first day of the series, students visited IKEA, Bangalore, gaining practical exposure to lighting design, architectural hardware, furniture design, and fabrics used in contemporary interiors.
Students closely examined modular furniture systems, ergonomic design solutions, and functional fittings, understanding how global design standards are adapted to real-world spaces. Special focus was given to lighting design, where students explored ambient, task, and accent lighting and learned how colour temperature, intensity, and placement influence spatial experience and user comfort.
The kitchen layouts and hardware displays helped students bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-life application. Exposure to the latest furniture materials and design trends enabled students to relate their studio projects to commercially viable design solutions.
Day 2: Visit to National Institute of Design (NID), Bangalore
Centre for Bamboo – Sustainable Material Exploration
On Day 2, students visited the Centre for Bamboo at the National Institute of Design (NID), Bangalore, where they explored bamboo as a sustainable and versatile design material.
The visit offered hands-on exposure to bamboo processing techniques, construction methods, and product applications. Through live demonstrations and expert interactions, students gained valuable insights into bamboo’s structural strength, aesthetic qualities, and ecological benefits.
This experience broadened students’ material understanding and inspired them to explore eco-friendly and innovative design solutions in future academic and professional projects.
Building on the meaningful exposure gained, the Faculty looks forward to future collaborations with the Centre for Bamboo at NID, including joint cluster workshops, hands-on skill development sessions, and expert-led training modules. Such initiatives align with our commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and responsible design education.
Day 3: Visit to Advanced Wood Working Training Centre (AWTC), Bangalore
Afternoon Session – Wood Technology and Craftsmanship
On Day 3, during the afternoon session, B.Design students visited the Advanced Wood Working Training Centre (AWTC), Bangalore, a Central Government organization specializing in modern wood processing and tool training.
Students received an introductory session on wooden joinery techniques and explored contemporary wood processing technologies. A visit to the Wood Museum allowed them to study the properties, applications, and characteristics of various wood typologies.
Experts highlighted the importance of sustainable material practices, precision fabrication, modular wood applications, and technology-driven craftsmanship in contemporary interiors. The visit enhanced students’ understanding of wood innovation, environmentally responsible design approaches, and material efficiency.
Learning Outcomes
The Travel and Learn Series successfully strengthened students’ understanding of:
- Contemporary interior and furniture design practices
- Sustainable materials such as bamboo and wood
- Industry-standard fabrication techniques
- User-centric and environmentally responsible design approaches
The series played a key role in bridging academic learning with industry realities, empowering students to approach future design projects with confidence, responsibility, and creativity.
👉Watch the glimpses on Instagram!