Design in Action

An odd procession makes its way to Mariamma Nagar, Worli, on a not-too-cold winter morn. Two gigantic metal containers, 26 kids, mosquito nets in varying sizes, three teachers, a 2x3-foot metal sheet comprising nine-blocks of orange-painted metal soldered onto a metal net, seven volunteers, a lockable tin with a postbox-like opening, an architect, a kitchen garden in a plastic crate and a pregnant woman. They first stop under a tree just outside Mariamma Nagar. The tree is one of just five in the neighbourhood, according to a survey previously conducted by the kids. Here the kids set up door- and window-sized mosquito nets velcroed to wooden frames. They proceed to explain the benefits of mosquito nets in a locality landscaped with construction work and stagnant water. Idlers make their way to the tree and people on their way to work stop and listen. Disease-preventive properties aside, the nets also have aesthetic value the kids say, highlighting a gigantic sequinned mosquito and other embroidered designs on the net. How much do they cost? The kids don't seem too sure; but are smart enough to tell the gathering crowd that they can be made at home with leftover net or fabric and could cost 'nothing'.
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