SVa-Des volunteers and impact
Design influences one’s learning, communication, movement and many more. While in most areas of India, children do not encounter classrooms and design as a way of thinking. To recognise this gap, Arcause has initiated Sva-Des (See Value in Design), a design literacy outreach program to carry this conversation directly into the schools. The idea to introduce students to design thinking has been steadily evolving.
The initiative has so far onboarded 16+ Catalysts, each bringing expertise and enthusiasm to every classroom. These catalysts have engaged with 40+ schools nationwide and built meaningful connections with the students, teachers and institutions. The response has been encouraging through interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and real-world design discussions. Each school engagement is designed to be immersive and interactive. Young learners are beginning to see their surroundings differently.
The sessions move beyond theory, creating an impact beyond awareness. By introducing design literacy in schools, students can balance critical thinking and creativity. SVa-Des started as a response to a gap in education, but now encourages young learners to see value in design, and in their own ability to shape the future.
Future Professionals - 4-day intense workshop on UDita
Ethos Foundation is conducting its first 4-day offline intensive workshop(11–14 March 2026) across DSCA, DSATM and Acharya in Bangalore, followed by an online final review on 21 March.
This practice-led elective introduces architecture students to Universal Design, Accessibility, and Inclusive Practice through site learning, expert inputs, and applied studio work. The journey moves from awareness to action, beginning with on-site mapping of points in an inclusive environment and progressing into design rooted in social inclusion.
We intend to go beyond ramps and railing. Our cohort of experts include Dr. Gaurav Raheja, Ar. Kavita Murugkar and Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, the workshop bridges principles, technology, urban thresholds, and invisible disabilities. Representatives from NGOs, including Dr. Alice Jeba from APD and occupational therapists from the Spastics Society, will also participate in the sessions, bringing lived perspectives and grounded insights into the learning process.
Themes include:
• Foundations of Universal Design
• Sensory Landscapes
• Architecture of Autonomy
• The Inclusive City
This Universal Design immersive elective will transform a “basic structure” into a responsive environment. Students will work with layered client profiles, ensuring design responses go beyond compliance and address real-life realities.