unown is a transdisciplinary design practice that constructs metaphysical spaces to inhabit different frameworks of time by transcending the body toward an undivided space embodying limitless possibilities and new ways of being. We build environments focusing on sociocultural, ecological and multisensory approaches to foster collective empathy and equitable futures. 

Upcoming debut of "Transcendental Phenomenology"

In New York City, WantedDesign, International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) at the Javits Center, May 19-21, 2024.

In Paris, Maison&Objet - September 05-09, 2024.




Contact : swati@unownspace.com

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Swati Jain is a transdisciplinary architectural designer, artist, and researcher focusing on sociocultural, ecological, and multisensory approaches to foster collective empathy and equitable design solutions for the future. Her work revolves around themes of gender, identity, and phenomenological embodiment.

She has over seven years of diverse experience in exhibition design, institutional, historic preservation, residential, and urban design projects in both New York City and Mumbai.

Jain holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architecture Design from Columbia University ; Scholarship recipient at The New Centre in Transdisciplinary Studies & Curatorial Practice ; Artist in residence at the School of Visual Arts NYC ; Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mumbai ; Datatopia fellowship at Floating University. She has also pursued post-graduate degrees in Indian aesthetics; critical theory, aesthetics, and practice from Jnanapravaha Mumbai.

In 2022, She wrote and directed a film titled “Kitchen Evolution” that was exhibited at The Kitchen NYC (July 2023), SAWCC (Oct 2022) and The Tank NYC (Nov 2023, off-Broadway theater) and distributed by Mubi (July 2023), Printed Matter (Oct 2022), most recently presented at AIA WIA at the Centre for Architecture, New York (Nov 2023). 


CV

swati@unownspace.com

   

Himil Ramani is an architectural designer, researcher & artist based in Mumbai & New York. His research focuses on intersection between the field of performance art & architecture. Looking at architectural buildings as bodies in the field of performance art, he has developed a series of projects that questions the current notion of architecture as a dynamic built environment.

During his independent architecture practice, he has designed & executed several projects in architectural design, art exhibitions, art installations, interior design & film-making. Recent work as an installation designer and production head for Rhizome Exhibition at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum in Kalaghoda notable collaboration with artists such as Sumakshi Singh, Ratna Gupta, Aditi Joshi, and Reena Kallat. His association with Nine Fish Art Gallery and Great Eastern Home has resulted in several Interior Design projects, Art Festivals and Exhibitions.

Director & Writer of a short film "Ends in Architecture" based on the weathering of abandoned buildings.

Himil is currently pursuing Masters of Science in Critical, Curatorial, and Conceptual Practices in Architecture at Columbia GSAPP.

Transcendental Phenomenology

Swati Jain (unown),
Principal Investigator and Creative Director 

Himil Ramani (unown),
Project Manager and Studio Partner

Neelesh Borkar,
Execution Consultant

Abhishek Patole,
Adviser

Interns :
Harsh Karani
Vidhi Bhabra
Natasha Turkar

Performer : Akanksha Dev

Photography:
Hunar Daga
Niharika Chauhan
Elton Pinto / Glen Dodd

Sound: Neil Khopkar