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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTS

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FROM

CRAFTSMANSHIP TO CONVENIENCE: A

SHIFT FROM HANDMADE TO MODULAR

FURNITURE IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

The Indian residential furniture sector is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional handmade
furniture to modular systems, driven by rapid urbanisation, evolving consumer preferences, and
technological advancements in design and production. This study investigates the extent and impact
of this transition in Pune, a Tier-2 city that has both traditional and contemporary lifestyles. By
Prachi Pande and Shiva Shishodia, S. B. Patil College of Architecture & Design

groups like nuclear families and professionals who value cost-
© 2017 by Alexander Paul & Susanne Porzelt effectiveness, ease of transport, and quick assembly, especially

in small urban spaces.
The impact of worldwide design trends and the growth of
online shopping have sped up this transition, with companies like
IKEA making modular furniture more accessible in Indian cities.
Conversely, handmade furniture is still cherished for its

longevity, customisation options, and craftsmanship—attributes
that particularly appeal to older consumers and those with
greater disposable income.
he furniture industry, both globally and in India, is Nevertheless, it confronts considerable hurdles in the current
experiencing a fundamental transformation shaped market, such as extended production timelines, elevated costs,
Tby urbanisation, evolving consumer lifestyles, and and a decreasing number of skilled artisans.
increasing technological integration in design and production As consumer needs change, the conflict between the lasting
processes. nature and heritage of handmade items and the adaptability and
A key trend within this transformation is the shift from cost-effectiveness of modular options becomes increasingly evident.

traditional, handcrafted furniture—created by skilled artisans Pune, a swiftly urbanising Tier-2 city, offers an intriguing
using natural materials and culturally embedded techniques—to setting for this research because of its varied population of
modular furniture systems that offer efficiency, scalability, and professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and traditional artisans.
a degree of mass. This blend of demographics makes it an excellent small-
This shift is primarily influenced by the evolving needs scale representation to analyse shifting furniture consumption
of contemporary city life. Modular furniture, usually made up behaviours and the changing relationships between traditional
of prefab, flat-pack parts, is particularly attractive to younger and contemporary design approaches.