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36   DESIGN                                                                       MAR/APR 2026 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com






            Through data triangulation one can find the common aspects   This transition raises concern for the traditional skills and
          on which all the three modules stress on.          craftsmanship and the challenges the artisans face to keep
            Firstly, it establishes the shift that modular furniture is going   up with the changing times.
          to dominate the industry, secondly it highlights pros and cons   In  spite  of  these  obstacles,  manufacturers  of  modular
          for handmade and modular furniture and lastly it demands of   furniture have found ways to include customisable elements,
          hybrid solution that can satiate both where modern consumer   simulating  the  distinctiveness  of  handmade  items  within  a

          demands are responded to while preserving tradition thus   standardised manufacturing framework.
          enhancing unique value and functional appeal and the artisans’   The  findings  support  the  hypothesis  and  show  that  age
          values in tradition.                               and everyday lifestyle needs, more than design preferences,
            Triangulation  of  the  three  data  sources  strengthens  this   are driving this change in the furniture market.
          argument: survey data reveal clear age-wise preference variations.  This transition raises concern for the traditional skills and
            While interviews explain why these patterns occur and the   craftsmanship and the challenges the artisans face to keep
          literature  confirms  that  urbanisation  and  market  globalisation   up with the changing times.
          favour modular expansion. Together, these form strong evidence   In  spite  of  these  obstacles,  manufacturers  of  modular
          to  support  modular  furniture’s  growth  while  highlighting  the   furniture have found ways to include customisable elements,

          relevance of handmade craftsmanship.               simulating  the  distinctiveness  of  handmade  items  within  a
            In conclusion, the shift from handmade furniture to modular   standardised manufacturing framework.
          furniture  signifies  societal  change  due  to  lifestyle  changes,   The analysis also points towards a combination of the
          technological advancements, trends and evolving consumer   two  systems  to  form  a  hybrid  solution  which  shall  cater
          preferences.                                       to  the  issues  faced  by  both  the  systems.  This  approach
            It  also  highlights  that  practicality  and  affordability  have   suggests a blend between mass production and uniqueness,
          taken a higher ground than art and tradition.      satisfying  todays  customer’s  needs  and  transforming  the

            Although handmade furniture is everyone’s desire due to   furniture sector.
          its distinctive craftsmanship, emotional ties and unique value,   The  future  is  not  about  which  system  or  style  shall  hold
          modular furniture adapts to the modern, fast paced, impatient   the  stakes  but  in  development  of  a  hybrid  furniture  system
          lifestyle. It offers affordability, accommodates space constraint,   that  combines  efficiency  of  modular  design  with  uniqueness
          and gives a feel of customisation.                 of tradition.
            The analysis indicates the younger population tends more   To remain competitive, a bridge between tradition and trend
          towards  modular  furniture  and  are  likely  to  buy  from  online   needs to form to create more sustainable, scalable, customised
          portals such as IKEA, Amazon, Livspace, etc. for the newness   product to appeal the present fast paced life.
          it delivers and for the permutations it offers for smaller living   The  findings  suggest  that  modular  manufacturers  must

          environments.                                      invest in material quality, repairability, and modular–handmade
            The older generation, although lean towards the handmade   hybrid options to maintain long-term market relevance.
          furniture, still accept modular’s functionality it offers in specific   For  policymakers,  supporting  artisan  training  programs,
          areas such as kitchen,                             cluster development, and integration of digital fabrication tools
            sofas, etc. the increasing popularity of modular furniture   could  help  sustain  traditional  craftsmanship  while  enabling  it
          is  not  just  about  change  of  preferences,  but  a  reaction  to   to participate in modern supply chains.  FDM
          modern lifestyle.                                                                     ENQUIRY NO. 2301
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