Shamiana was first conceived as a conceptual canopy, bringing people together through immersive public art. Our structural inspiration came from the banyan tree and its use throughout South Asia as a communal and natural third space.

This vision expanded to include a garden with plants relevant to the South Asian diaspora, and a soundscape that reflects the environment. Our inspiration from the natural environment continued in the petal-shaped planters for the garden, which also serve as additional seating.

Based on our previous work on Devon, we envision Shamiana as an accessible public space to sit, rest, commune, and share ideas. We see Shamiana spanning the intersection of Devon and Artesian avenues as connecting points or portals to each other and to other neighborhoods, places and times.