Amrita Takhar is a design student whose projects clearly indicate an avid interest in sustainability. Her Museum Chair is one whose original cane seat has been painstakingly restored and encased to protect it from further damage while having it endure as a functional part of the design. Her Endangered Structures Pillows encourage us to physically embrace the past in order to realize its value in an effort to preserve it. Some of her ideas are obviously about recycling, like the Reflect jewellery made out of broken light reflectors from cars and bikes or the macramé plant hangers from net bags, but Takhar is not afraid to provoke or upset the viewer to get her point across. Flying Blind is just such a project. In an attempt to call attention to the plight of birds in urban areas who are disoriented by the lights of city buildings and end up injured or worse, Takhar has created an innocuous-looking nest. The viewer peers in, only to set off a motion sensor that trips a bright light for a temporary shock. We wanted to know more about Takhar’s motivation.

Museum Chair.

Amrita, obviously your previous studies in human ecology have shaped many decisions made during the design process. Do you intend to continue to marry the two disciplines?
Human Ecology is the study of the interrelationships of life and identifying how to enhance these relationships for the better. It's about finding a balance within your environment. It is definitely an asset in design.