Innovation that truly matters goes beyond trends—it transforms lives. In its latest milestone, Asian Paints has teamed up with the St+art India Foundation to launch Project Udaan, an inclusive design initiative under the Asian Paints St+art Care platform that blends creativity, care, and purpose.

Bringing Inclusion to Life Through Sensory Design

Now in its 10th year, the partnership between Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation has consistently championed accessible public art. Project Udaan marks their third initiative under the St+art Care umbrella, turning an ordinary space at Arpan Charitable Trust in Vadodara into a sanctuary for neurodivergent children.

The space was redesigned to meet the emotional and sensory needs of children with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Using color psychology, texture innovation, and spatial design, the building now offers not just visual appeal but emotional safety. Matte finishes minimize glare, tactile surfaces aid motor skills, and cocoon-like areas provide comfort for overstimulated minds.

A key contributor to this effort was Amrit Khurana, an artist on the autism spectrum. Her innate understanding of sensory perception played a vital role in crafting an environment that’s not just accessible—but deeply personal. Collaborating with artist Anikesa, therapists, and educators, the design team ensured every inch of the space aligned with the children’s unique experiences.

Art as a Catalyst for Social Impact

According to Amit Syngle, MD and CEO of Asian Paints, the project is a natural extension of the company’s core values. “Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about care, comfort, and human connection,” he said. The company used materials like Royale Play textures and Nilaya wallpapers to create a tactile, soothing atmosphere, supporting both emotional regulation and creative exploration.

Previous St+art Care projects have already shown the power of inclusive design. A children’s hospital in Noida saw stark emotional improvements after its artistic makeover, while Project Sparsh in Rajasthan made tactile art accessible to visually impaired students. Each initiative demonstrates how thoughtful design can remove psychological and sensory barriers in everyday environments.

The transformation at Arpan has been met with overwhelming positivity. Educators reported that children who once felt disconnected now express a strong sense of ownership and joy in their space. The vibrant environment has turned passive learning into active engagement, underscoring the importance of designing for inclusion—not just function.

Looking ahead, Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation aim to expand such initiatives across more schools, hospitals, and community centers. With art and design as their tools, their vision is clear: to create environments that speak to everyone, especially those often left unheard.

For more on Project Udaan and other socially impactful programs, visit Asian Paints St+art Care.