Page 154 - Design Thinking C11

These techniques i.e. fractals and parameterization, do more than decorate. They add symbolism - a design
can represent growth, movement, or spirituality. They show creativity, even within strict rules or traditions,
artists made their work look new and fresh. Lastly, they make the design more meaningful and beautiful,
inviting the viewer to look deeper.
Look around you. Nature is full of fractals!

21 st #Critical Thinking
Century
Skills #Creativity
Choose a natural object like a tree, flower, fern, or even a cauliflower.
• Draw its repeating pattern.
• Identify which part repeats and how it gets smaller each time.
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A • How could you use this pattern in a building, a fabric design, or a wall decoration?
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K
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Human Body and Movement
Indian design places a strong focus on the human body—how it moves, how it is shaped, and how it connects
with the universe. From ancient sculptures to classical dance, the body has been treated as a central part
of design thinking. It is not just about drawing a human figure. It’s about understanding proportions, posture,
emotion, and energy.

The Chakra Grid: A Tool for Balance and Movement
One of the tools used in Indian design is the Chakra Grid. This is a circular design guide, usually centered
around the navel (belly button), because the navel is believed to be the center of energy and balance in the
human body. Artists used this grid to create figures that looked balanced, powerful, and alive.
This grid helped sculptors and dancers design poses that weren’t stiff or flat. Instead, the body would curve,
shift, or lean to one side to show movement, rhythm, or calmness. One of the best examples of using the
human body in design is the famous sculpture of Nataraja, or Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. The posture of
Nataraja shows a perfect balance between stillness and motion. The raised foot, bent knee, swinging arms,
and turning torso all show a dynamic pose that follows the curves of the Chakra grid. The circle of flames
around Shiva represents the universe, while his balanced posture at the center shows control and harmony.

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