This thesis explores the notion of damage being perceived as unsettling. The act of repair is not always about concealing the disfiguration, it rather adds value back to the damaged object/ person/ space.

This thesis challenges the common perception of damage being perceived as unaesthetic.

The physical damage done to acid attack survivors can not be restored to its original glory. They are not easily accepted in society due to their physical appearance, resulting in them going through inevitable psychological damage and being socially isolated.

Furniture has been designed inspired by the narratives of a few acid attack survivors.

Abid Tanoli was attacked by his qari sahab (religious teacher) from his madrasah. His crime was that he rejected sexual demands from his teacher. The incident turned him blind permanently, however Abid found solace in education and is currently employed as a substitute teacher at a government girl’s school. Abid currently resides at Gulshan-e-maymar, Karachi.

Process of making the furniture

Technical drawings of the desks

Nayaz Bano was attacked by her second husband. The incident turned her blind from one eye, however nothing held her back from working and being the sole breadwinner for her children.

Process of making the furniture

Technical drawings of the cage and dressers

Ahmar Iqbal was attacked by his fiance’s lover. Just like Abid, Ahmar turned permanently blind due to the incident resulting in him struggling. However despite being blind, Ahmar continued working as an IT instructor and is currently an entrepreneur of a small scale business, dealing in locally made plastic products. Ahmar currently resides at Shah faisal, Karachi.

Process of making the furniture

Technical drawings of the chairs