Course: Design Studio I (R) – BAID24301
Semester: III (BAID – Interior Design & Decoration)
Date of Visit: 16th July 2025
Time: 1:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Kibo Modular Furniture Showroom, Pune
Accompanying Faculty: Prof. (Ar.) Ateka Nulwala
Objective of the Visit
The visit was organized as part of Project 1: Studio Apartment Design, with the aim to:
- Expose students to modular furniture systems and their application in compact homes
- Study joinery techniques, storage logic, and ergonomic standards
- Understand space-saving strategies relevant to small residential layouts
- Document live case studies that can be used as references in academic projects
About Kibo Modular Furniture
Kibo is a leading brand in modular furniture and interior solutions, offering customizable kitchens, wardrobes, beds, and multipurpose furniture designed for efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Their products demonstrate precision joinery, material variety, and modular adaptability, making them a relevant study resource for interior design students.
Key Observations by Students
1. Modular Kitchens
- The kitchen work triangle was effectively demonstrated in various layouts (L-shaped, parallel, island).
- Drawer mechanisms included soft-close channels, tandem boxes, and corner carousel units.
- Finishes ranged from laminate and acrylic shutters to PU-painted surfaces.
2. Wardrobes & Storage Systems
- Observed sliding vs. hinged shutters, internal partitions for folded/hanging storage.
- Use of pull-down hangers, shoe racks, tie/scarf organizers.
- Modular units allowed flexibility in sizing and easy installation.
3. Beds & Multi-Functional Furniture
- Hydraulic beds with storage and wall-mounted study units.
- Sofa-cum-beds demonstrated transformability for compact living.
4. Material Palette & Finishes
- A variety of veneers, laminates, acrylics, and glass finishes were explored.
- Students noted tactile differences between matte vs. glossy finishes.
5. Ergonomics & Anthropometry
- Standard kitchen counter height: 820–860 mm.
- Wardrobe depths: 550–600 mm for hanging, 450 mm for folded storage.
- Bed sizes and circulation clearances demonstrated adherence to ergonomic standards.
Student Activities
- Documentation through sketches, dimension notes, and photography.
- Preparation of a live case study sheet (A3/A2) highlighting observations.
- Group discussions on how modular strategies can be translated into their Project 1 layouts.
Learning Outcomes
- Students understood how modular furniture enhances space efficiency in compact residences.
- Gained clarity on material choices, finishes, and ergonomics for studio apartment layouts.
- Realized the importance of flexibility and transformability in design.
- Connected showroom observations directly to their academic project sheets (data collection,case study, and design inferences).
Evidence of Visit
- Group photos with faculty and Kibo staff
- Sketches and notes made during the walkthrough
- Annotated case study sheets to be submitted by students as part of Project 1
Conclusion
The visit to Kibo Modular Furniture Showroom provided students with practical exposure to contemporary modular solutions, aligning with the objectives of Project 1: Studio Apartment Design. It bridged the gap between theoretical standards (anthropometry, ergonomics) and real-world product applications, thereby enhancing the quality of student outputs.
