Kolkata, 20th December 2023 – Merino Industries Ltd. hosted the inaugural edition of Merino Manan, an exclusive evening celebrating thoughtful design solutions, on 4th December at the elegant Raajkutir Boutique Hotel, Kolkata. With the theme “Thoughtful Design Solutions by Merino,” the event brought together the crème de la crème of the city’s architect and interior design community, along with their partners, to explore how thoughtful designs can redefine user experiences.
Merino Manan aimed to strengthen relationships with key decision-makers and influencers within the industry. Speaking at the event, Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director, Merino Industries Ltd., remarked, “At Merino, we believe that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality; it is about creating meaningful solutions that resonate with the diverse needs of users. Through Merino Manan, we aim to foster conversations that inspire empathy and thoughtfulness in design, ensuring it meets both stated and unstated user expectations. This journey begins here in Kolkata, the City of Joy, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant design sensibilities.”
The event, held in a setting that echoed a museum or art gallery, showcased some of Merino’s latest offerings, reflecting the company’s commitment to thoughtful innovation. The Sampada Laminate Collection, inspired by Indian textiles such as Ikkat and Chikankari, stood out as a celebration of heritage craftsmanship fused with modern design. Additionally, Mystik, a new restroom cubicle model offering full height and privacy with a glossy finish—an industry first in India—captured attention as a testament to Merino’s dedication to addressing both functional and aesthetic needs.
Adding to the intellectual richness of the evening, two leading architects shared their philosophies on thoughtfulness in design, emphasizing how it can cater to diverse human experiences. Their insights highlighted the importance of empathy and inclusivity in creating spaces that go beyond functionality.
The evening’s highlight was a keynote address by Mr. Sanjoy Nag, renowned actor, director, and National Award-winning filmmaker. Drawing parallels between storytelling and design, he shared his thoughts on how empathy and thoughtfulness are vital to creating narratives—be it in cinema or architecture—that connect deeply with audiences. The keynote was followed by an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to explore these themes further in a collaborative discussion.
Merino Manan provided an intimate platform for architects, designers, and thought leaders to share stories and ideas that embody the essence of empathy in design. The discussions explored how thoughtful design can shape future spaces by addressing the needs of diverse user groups in terms of gender, language, food preferences, and more.
With this successful launch, Merino Manan promises to be a traveling platform, continuing to engage the design community across India’s major metros, fostering dialogue and partnerships that push the boundaries of design excellence.
About Merino Industries Ltd.
Merino is a versatile manufacturer and marketer of Interiors Solutions with a wide collection of products for homes, offices, commercial and public areas. Sustainability is at the core of Merino’s strategy as they incorporate practices to minimize wastage and conserve water during production. Merino Group has come a long way since the launch of plywood in 1974 and subsequently with the launch of the high pressure laminates in 1981. Today Merino Group has a beautifully strong presence in over 80 countries with an annual turnover of over 245 million USD with diverse business interests that expand from Interior Architectural products to Information Technology to Food & Agro products. The Group has achieved the current leadership position by following its vision to compete at global level and has adapted the international technology while maintaining Indian ethos.
