It is the domain of architecture and design, where aesthetics rule over functionality most of the times; Pooja Bihani’s journey at Prana Homes brings a transformational perspective to the design domain. Heralded from her broad practice of spirituality, meditation, and pranic healing, Pooja approaches design as a means to create eclecticism, harmony, and wellness-a boundary that separates mindful living and practical design.
In this interview with Nikitha Sunil, on behalf of The Ideal Home & Garden, Pooja talks at length about her philosophy and how principles such as balance, accessibility, and universal design guide her work. She shows how to create places that resonate universally and embrace diverse needs while infusing profound oneness that defines the human experience. Through her thoughtful insights, Pooja unfolds the transformative potential of inclusive design in India, shaping environments that are as empathetic as they are purposeful.
Nikitha: What inspired you to establish Prana Homes, and how has your vision evolved to embrace inclusive design for differently-abled individuals?
Pooja: My personal journey with spirituality, meditation, and Pranic Healing over thelast 18 years led me to Prana Homes. This practice instilled in me a deep appreciation for theprinciples of universality and oneness that lie at the heart of spirituality— values that I believe design should reflect. Our focus on inclusive design arises from the belief that design, like spirituality, should resonate with everyone. It is about designing spaces that represent accessibility and unity in every sense, so they meet the needs of diverse groups with grace and purpose.
Nikitha: Inclusive design often involves addressing needs that are not immediately visible. How do you uncover and respond to these hidden aspects in your projects?
Pooja: We approach inclusive design with a keen eye for detail, carefully selecting materials and forms to create spaces that are universally welcoming and functional. Our designs are deeply rooted in the principles of spirituality, which emphasize inclusivity and accessibility. By integrating these principles, we ensure that our spaces are not only visually appealing but also inherently practical and accommodating for people of all abilities.
Nikitha: The concept of ‘Yin and Yang’ symbolizes balance and harmony. How do you incorporate this philosophy into user-centric design elements that address diverse needs?
Pooja: The Yin and Yang philosophy leads us to design spaces that express balance and duality in meaningful ways. This could be through contrasting yet complementary materials or the designing of spaces where aesthetic beauty balances with functional utility. At Prana Homes, we strive to craft environments that support varied needs while offering areas for active engagement, providing spaces for calm and reflection.
Nikitha: How have advancements in technology or collaborations with experts in fields like healthcare or therapy influenced your design approach? Are there any tools or methods that have been particularly transformative?
Pooja: The principles of Pranic Healing are central to our design ethos,encouraging us to incorporate elements that promote physical and energetic well-being. While we actively seek collaborations with experts in healthcare, therapy, and related fields, our true game-changer has been our unwavering focus on integrating healing and wellness into our designs. This ensures that every space we create is not only visually stunning but also feels harmonious and restorative.
Nikitha: How do you see your philosophy shaping the future of inclusive design in India?
Pooja: I believe that the philosophy of inclusivity, rooted in spiritual principles, has the potential to transform India’s design landscape. By creating spaces that cater to a wide range of needs and promoting environments that nurture and support all individuals, Prana Homes aims to lead a movement toward more empathetic and universally accessible living spaces. This approach not only sets a new standard for inclusive design but also encourages a deeper appreciation for spaces that celebrate the diversity of human experiences.
