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Kanishka Naresh Singh

Origen

Theme: Craftsmanship · Modernity · Nature · Movement

Origen was conceived as a fictional yet deeply authentic bike atelier for the city of Nantes, a space where handcrafted wooden bicycles, natural fibres, and modern design sensibilities coexist. The project required us to build the identity of an imagined brand from the ground up while integrating it seamlessly into a real urban site.

The central idea was clear:
to revive the forgotten art of handcrafted wooden bicycles, each model handmade, unique, and shaped by the quiet dialogue between tradition and contemporary technology.

Group Members: Kanishka Naresh Singh, Kaustav Sarmah, Joanna Catton & Vanshika Aggarwal

(03)
Nantes, France
Brand & Space Design
2025

The brand concept began by expanding the initial philosophy into a complete identity rooted in wood, craftsmanship, and movement. The visual language was shaped through a logo and typography that express warmth, natural materiality, and the character of handmade work. A moodboard built around organic forms, fluid lines, natural fibres, wood textures, and warm minimalism established the tone of the brand. This identity positions Origen not simply as a retail space but as a place where cycles are crafted rather than manufactured , each bicycle becoming a story shaped by hands, time, and skill.

For the spatial direction, we conducted a detailed study of Place de la République in Nantes, a 2,120 m² site defined by a central road of 3.75 m and bordered by two mature trees, natural brush, and low vegetation along its circular edge. Instead of altering these features, the design embraced them, allowing the existing landscape to guide an approach that feels fluid, open, and rhythmically connected to the site’s natural character.

The brand concept began by expanding the initial philosophy into a complete identity rooted in wood, craftsmanship, and movement. The visual language was shaped through a logo and typography that express warmth, natural materiality, and the character of handmade work. A moodboard built around organic forms, fluid lines, natural fibres, wood textures, and warm minimalism established the tone of the brand. This identity positions Origen not simply as a retail space but as a place where cycles are crafted rather than manufactured , each bicycle becoming a story shaped by hands, time, and skill. For the spatial direction, we conducted a detailed study of Place de la République in Nantes, a 2,120 m² site defined by a central road of 3.75 m and bordered by two mature trees, natural brush, and low vegetation along its circular edge. Instead of altering these features, the design embraced them, allowing the existing landscape to guide an approach that feels fluid, open, and rhythmically connected to the site’s natural character.

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”
— John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” — John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice

The spatial concept was shaped by the themes of nature, craftsmanship, fluidity, and movement, leading to a space envisioned as a floating workshop rather than a traditional store. Inspired by the delicacy of handmade bicycles and the soft circulation patterns of the site, we explored light, organic structural systems and circular movement flows that mirror the motion of cycling. The layout intentionally blurs the boundaries between workshop, retail, and experience, creating an open, breathable environment immersed in nature. As visitors move through the space, they follow gentle curves reminiscent of a turning wheel, encountering moments that reveal and celebrate the artistry of hand-crafted bicycles at every step.

The spatial concept was shaped by the themes of nature, craftsmanship, fluidity, and movement, leading to a space envisioned as a floating workshop rather than a traditional store. Inspired by the delicacy of handmade bicycles and the soft circulation patterns of the site, we explored light, organic structural systems and circular movement flows that mirror the motion of cycling. The layout intentionally blurs the boundaries between workshop, retail, and experience, creating an open, breathable environment immersed in nature. As visitors move through the space, they follow gentle curves reminiscent of a turning wheel, encountering moments that reveal and celebrate the artistry of hand-crafted bicycles at every step.

The digital realisation of the project was developed using SketchUp and Twinmotion, allowing us to accurately simulate light, materiality, and ambience within the real context of Nantes. These tools helped bring Origen to life as an immersive and believable environment warm, atmospheric, and grounded in its surroundings.

Project Essence
"Origen is envisioned as a ceremony of craft, where the bike is not just sold but told its story unfolding through material, movement, and memory. The space celebrates motion, tradition, and the natural elegance of handmade work."

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