In a quiet yet meaningful intervention, a community centre in Sector 19, Chandigarh was recently transformed into a “living room” — an open, welcoming space designed for conversation, reflection, and human connection.
The initiative, titled The Chandigarh Living Room, was conceptualised and facilitated by architect Srishti Raizada as part of her ongoing exploration into how belonging can be intentionally designed within everyday spaces.
Rather than a formal event, the gathering brought together people across different age groups — many of them strangers — to sit in a circle, share experiences, listen, and reflect. Simple elements such as rugs, circular seating, and soft lighting helped shift the atmosphere from a conventional venue to a more intimate, human setting.
“What emerged was – when people come together in simple, intentional ways, a sense of belonging begins to form naturally. The space itself starts to feel different,” said Raizada.
The initiative reflects a broader inquiry into how public infrastructure can support not only functional needs, but also emotional and social well-being. By gently transforming an existing community centre into a space of connection, the project demonstrates how small spatial and social interventions can influence the quality of everyday life.
The gathering also integrated elements of local sustainability — including a seasonal, plant-based high tea prepared using locally sourced organic ingredients — reinforcing the idea of interconnected systems between people, food, and place.
The Chandigarh Living Room is part of a larger initiative under RECOM (Revitalizing Community-life) for Sustainability, which explores how community-based models can contribute to more self-reliant, socially cohesive, and sustainable ways of living. The work is also connected to the broader SUR (Sustainable Urban-Rural) Health Program, recognised by the Government of India.
The initiative was supported by the WICCI Safety, Security & Reforms Council, which recognises that stronger community relationships play a critical role in enhancing social safety and resilience.
Following the gathering, the conceptual exploration was also presented as an artwork titled “The Architecture of Belonging” at a public exhibition, extending the lived experience into a broader dialogue on how belonging shapes the system that sustain our life.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, such initiatives highlight the importance of rethinking not just how spaces are built, but how they are experienced — and how they can support more connected and meaningful ways of living.
About The Chandigarh Living Room
The Chandigarh Living Room is a community-led initiative that explores how everyday public spaces can be transformed into inclusive environments for connection, reflection, and shared experience.
About RECOM for Sustainability
RECOM (Revitalizing Community-life) for Sustainability focuses on developing community-based models that integrate social well-being, environmental sustainability, and local self-reliance.
About WICCI Safety, Security & Reforms Council
The WICCI Safety, Security & Reforms Council works to advance initiatives that strengthen community safety, social cohesion, and systemic reforms across society.
