X Alexander Mihel

Ajith Andagere, of Kaikale approached Alexander prompting a response to the shared similarities and spirits between Scandinavian and Indian Materiality and its experience. With an in-depth visit to the region.

Alexander Mihel, then worked closely with the artisans of Kaikale, at Magadi. Developing a series of seatings, that became a genuine dialogue and exploration between Alexander and Kaikale. At the heart of this discovery, lies the intent to explore commonality in human emotions with materials, across different geographies and roots.

Upon the visit, Alexander and Ajith engaged in a local conversation, with acknowledging Coconut Wood as the immediate material with context to the geography, something innate to Ajith through his independent architectural practice.

This marked an initiation of experiments with Coconut Wood, that embarked beyond typical form exercises also covering technical load bearing and joinery details. The wood sourcing follows the spirit of ethical sourcing, while also providing an option of non forest timber. Palmyra Wood along with Coconut Wood is an active example of this. Once these trees stop bearing fruits after 60-70 years of life span, they are harvested and replaced with new saplings.

the sensibilities of the regional materials and shared value of working with four limbs is shared in Scandanavian approach of making

Presented at India Design ID and later at 3daysofdesign, the Kaikale × Alexander Mihel collaboration explored shared sensibilities between Indian and Scandinavian approaches to material, craft, and living.

Kaikale welcomes designers and creatives who value material, process, & place.