The Sensory Landscape: Translating the Experience of Ranthambore into Interior Design

Abstract

The research, The Sensory Landscape: Translating the Experience of Ranthambore into Interior Design, explores how the natural, architectural and experiential qualities of Ranthambore can be interpreted within contemporary interior spaces. Ranthambore is recognised for its dry deciduous forests, rocky terrain, lakes, wildlife and historic Ranthambore Fort, creating a distinctive environment shaped by the interaction of nature and built heritage. The study addresses the limitation of conventional Rajasthan-inspired interiors, which often focus primarily on visual elements such as colours, motifs and decorative forms, while overlooking the multisensory experience of a place. The aim of this research is to identify the sensory characteristics that contribute to the experience of Ranthambore and investigate how they can be translated into interior design through materials, textures, colour, natural light, shadow, sound, temperature, spatial movement and connection with nature. The research will adopt a qualitative approach combining secondary and primary research. Secondary research will draw upon academic papers, books, architectural studies and reliable sources. Primary research will involve site observation, photographic documentation, mapping, sketches, material studies and documentation of environmental and spatial conditions. Selected architectural and interior case studies are analysed to understand methods of sensory and place-based design. The research aims to establish a design framework in which the sensory and experiential qualities of Ranthambore are interpreted rather than directly replicated, demonstrating how interior design can create a meaningful sense of place through atmosphere, materiality, light, sound, texture and spatial experience.