Indian music and visual communication has developed through ages. It always incorporated western and technological influences to create new forms. Similarly, with the rise of information technology and knowledge sharing at the speed of lightening, the new forms are emerging. The idea is to look into the mentioned fields in the present scenario, cumulatively and then simultaneously. The contemporary music scene in India is an ocean itself. The rock music has also found its way and scope within a larger domain of “music from India”. The musicians are attempting to communicate not just musically but also visually. So, the research attempts to understand the philosophy of contemporary Indian Rock Bands through their Visual Identity and Representations.

The UNESCO New Delhi Office’ Social and Human Sciences Sector has commissioned an Indian adaptation of the generic Guide, Historic Districts for All – a Social and Human approach for Urban Actors The generic guide is the result of the work carried out at UNESCO between 1997 and 2007 and has been produced as a teaching tool to address the pressing need of local decision makers in large and medium sized cities, and to strengthen the capacities of city professionals, architects and urban planners across the world. Considering the specifity of the Indian Urban context, UNESCO has decided to develop a Guide for Urban Actors in India that reflects the country’s complex urban scenarios, the structure of local governance, the decision making chain and the urban reform currently underway through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission ( JNNURM). An official interview was taken on 7th May 2009 by Ms. Marina Faetanini, Programme Specialist , Social and Human Sciences Sector. A Current Project, Historic District for All – India, was explained by her. After learning the internship duration is just a month, she insisted that I should stay at the organization as much as possible. A City Walk invitation by a private NGO, Salaam Baalak, to slums and grey areas near the New Delhi Railway Station was an eye opener. The Constraints in which people live and their will not just to survive but also to excel was inspiring. This City Walk had a different flavour to offer from the Traditional Heritage City Walks in different cities around the World.

Today, when the western images dominate design and architecture students’ minds, they become disassociated with indigenous practices. With a jargonized consciousness around, the inspirations need to come from the self. Especially, when there is a wave of sustainability in design environment, and complex facial approaches towards it, there is a need to come up with relevant and simple methods. Architect Laurie Baker’s work lies in the relevant domain of indigenous geniuses. His wide variety of works handled with not so common ‘common sense’ is boon for this century. Being an architecture and design student, I always heard and acknowledged Laurie Baker’s work, but never realised the strength of his way of building, which lie in the power of simplicity. So, I see this project as an opportunity to present, to our generation, a relevant philosophy towards design and life.

Being old is a tough truth of life. It is inevitable. One cannot avoid it, but one can definitely live it! The silvering of life can make people lose their contact with their internal and external world, as there is a gradual deterioration in the mind-body coordination. The physiological strength declines with time, which most of the times effects the overall psychology and vice-versa. Whereas, if one attempts to keep the mind engaged in creative pursuits, the deteriorating nature can be neutralized. A good mind, therefore can help in maintaining a good physique. Eventually, the state of wellbeing is the most important factor towards, living it! When in my first year of studies, the project “Design for Elderly” was introduced, I had hazy ideas about the approaches towards the subject. I was not clear how will I really contribute. With time as I discovered the general process of user specific design, I realised one can really attempt towards designing for this newly emerging segment. Initially, I was trying to relate only with physiological problems. Later, I realized my scope of work is more toward the psychological aspect. The boundaries are thin, and one needs to walk over them cautiously. One really needs to understand, what this user group really would like to have. Not a radical change, which makes the benefits them to a level of isolation, and not the same pulp which makes them struggle for finding the context and association. Just a balance, a design, which makes them feel special.