IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL IDENTITY IN DESIGN PROCESSES

Design is not just about spaces and aesthetics—it’s about people. And people are shaped by their cultural roots. Whether it's a home, a workspace, or a public space, designs that reflect cultural identity feel more authentic, emotionally resonant, and inclusive.

Culture as the Soul of Design

Culture influences how people interact with space—how they sit, cook, celebrate, grieve, and gather. A design that ignores cultural nuances can feel cold or even dysfunctional. For example, designing a traditional Indian home without a designated space for a pooja (prayer) room, or ignoring courtyard culture in tropical climates, can make a home feel incomplete.

More Than Just Aesthetic

Incorporating cultural identity isn’t about adding a token motif or decorative element. It’s about understanding deeper values: community vs. privacy, hierarchy vs. informality, permanence vs. adaptability. In Japanese design, for instance, minimalism reflects Zen philosophy, while African tribal design often celebrates communal living and bold storytelling through form and color.

Preserving Identity in a Global World

In today’s globalized design scene, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “Instagrammable” sameness. But what truly stands out is a space rooted in identity—spaces that tell a story, hold memory, and evoke a sense of belonging. For clients, this is often a way to stay connected to their roots, especially when living abroad or in multicultural cities.

A Responsibility for Designers

As designers, we’re not just creating environments—we’re shaping experiences. Respecting and celebrating cultural identity during the design process isn’t optional; it’s a responsibility. It allows us to co-create spaces that are inclusive, personal, and timeless.

Real-World Example

In the design of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, cultural symbolism wasn’tjust ornamentation—it informed the structure, layout, rituals, and spatial flow. The result? A space that is not just visited, but deeply felt.

Designing with cultural consciousness leads to spaces that are not only functional but deeply human.

References:

• Rapoport, A. (1969). House Form and Culture. Prentice-Hall.

• Oliver, P. (2006). Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture.

  Architectural Press.

• Kumar, A. (2014). “Cultural Sustainability in Architecture.” International Journal of

  Sustainable Built Environment.!