The jhoola has been a part of Indian homes for generations, providing comfort and relaxation to its users. The traditional Indian swing seat, often suspended from ropes or chains, has been reinterpreted by five established Indian architects using American hardwoods in a meaningful project called REIMAGINE, orchestrated by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) in partnership with THINK! Design. 

The project stands as AHEC’s most ambitious design collaboration in India. Prominent names such as Annkur Khosla, Naresh V Narasimhan, Prem Nath, Sanjay Puri and Sonali & Manit Rastogi were put to the challenge, resulting in avant-garde designs that draw from their nostalgic memories. Debuted at INDEX Mumbai 2023, the collective designs also considered the environmental impact and human well-being.

Skilfully utilising American cherry, maple and red oak, the swings were expertly crafted by Bram Woodcrafting Studio in Mysore. Guiding this creative endeavour was mentor Adam Markowitz from Melbourne, contributing his expertise to this remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation. Below are further details of each exceptional design.

Annkur Khosla drew inspiration for her design from the intricate art of weaving, delving into the interplay of warp and weft threads. Recognising that traditional woodworking doesn’t inherently follow this woven process, her goal was to break free from these constraints. Simultaneously, she aimed to challenge the material’s boundaries and elevate the possibilities of woodworking to new horizons.

Sanjay Puri’s jhoola embodies a dual essence, seamlessly blending the monolithic and the fluid. The seat, armrests, and back harmoniously converge, crafting a sculptural masterpiece. Beyond its functional role as a swing, this design transcends into an artistic creation, captivating the eye with its visual allure.

Naresh V Narasimhan’s jhoola takes inspiration from the iconic Veena instrument featured in Hindola Raga art. Historically, swings were symbols of luxury, gracing royal gardens and verandas in Indian culture. Ragamala paintings, depicting musical modes, historically showcased swings in royal settings. Naresh’s design incorporates movement, rhythm, and asymmetry from these paintings, offering a dynamic seating experience. It aims to evoke feelings of fun, relaxation, and playfulness, echoing the versatility of swings in historical contexts.

Prem Nath envisions the jhoola as an embodiment of outdoor playfulness, where strings and planks sway from tree branches or grace interior spaces as ornate furniture. Reflecting prosperity and comfort in Indian homes, his design preserves the swing’s traditional essence in contrast to new generation homes, which lean towards contemporary aesthetics. His creation combines neo-classical elements with subtle Indian embellishments, harmonising tradition with minimalist elegance.

Sonali and Manit Rastogi’s design is a poignant response to the transformed communication landscape brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It centres on facilitating safe reconnections among friends and close companions through a thoughtfully designed jhoola. Balancing comfort and aesthetics, it offers a secure space for distanced conversations while doubling as an eye-catching art piece when not in use.

Photography by Govind Vishwanath, unless otherwise specified

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