Tulia Grove by Aliya Siyad
Diploma in Interior Design
“Tulia Grove” this Project is designed by Aliya Siyad, student from Diploma in Interior Design at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Kochi and winner of “BEST CONCEPT OF THE YEAR ” Award, celebrates an innovative interior design project inspired by the African philosophy – Ubuntu, which emphasizes humanity, compassion, and collective well-being.
Tulia Grove is a thoughtfully envisioned community center located in Palarivattom, Kochi, Kerala, spread across approximately 4000 sq ft. This commercial interior design project is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment for the elderly—particularly retired residents in the neighborhood—offering them a place to feel valued, engaged, and connected. The project is inspired by the African philosophy – Ubuntu, which emphasizes humanity, compassion, and collective well-being. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the design, encouraging a sense of togetherness, emotional support, and intergenerational connection.
The project is inspired by the African philosophy – Ubuntu, which emphasizes humanity, compassion, and collective well-being. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the design, encouraging a sense of togetherness, emotional support, and intergenerational connection. developed this concept after conducting both online and offline surveys with elderly people asking them what they truly wanted to do at this stage of their life, how they preferred to spend their time, and whether they wished for a space like this where they could be with like-minded people. Based on their responses, I understood their needs, interests, and desires, which helped me shape the idea of creating a place like Tulia Grove.
Tulia Grove is not just a space to spend time—it is a meaningful destination for reflection, relaxation, and reconnection. It provides an opportunity for the elderly to continue engaging in hobbies, storytelling, learning, and leisure activities. Spaces are thoughtfully divided into various functional zones including a leisure lounge, storytelling tree, reflective writing wall, creative activity corners, and group discussion areas. These zones allow users to explore their passions, express themselves, and find community.
Organic forms, natural textures, and a calming color palette dominate the design language, creating a sensory-rich environment that supports emotional wellness. All furniture and materials are chosen with elderly users in mind—featuring soft, curved edges, ergonomic proportions, and non-slip, tactile surfaces. The color schemes are gentle on the eyes and inspired by nature, using earthy tones, sage greens, terracotta, and warm neutrals to foster a grounded and serene atmosphere. Through
The scope of the project includes space planning, material and fabric selection, detailed design features, plumbing and electrical layout development, and high-quality rendered visualizations with 3D modeling. Tulia Grove is designed to shift perceptions of aging—it views this stage of life not as a time of slowing down but as a beautiful beginning filled with joy, purpose, connection, and continued personal growth.
