The Connect 4 Collection: Jhula by Nethra Ganesan

2026. Jhula.
Swing.
Solid wood, veneered plywood, steel, glass.
186 x 85 x 73 cm.
Limited Edition.

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The Connect 4 Collection: Jhula reimagines the traditional South Asian courtyard jhoola within contemporary Gulf interiors. Once a familiar fixture in South Asian homes and a central gathering point, the jhoola has evolved from a simple wooden plank suspended by brass chains into a sophisticated, collectable design statement. The Connect 4 Collection: Jhula traces this evolution, bringing together hand-carving traditions of the South Asian diaspora with the geometric breezeblock motifs of the Gulf’s early modernist architectural boom to create a contemporary, culturally resonant heirloom.

The swing’s structural form is directly inspired by the bold circle-in-square façade of Abu Dhabi’s iconic "Connect 4" building. Conceptually, it references Gulf modernism (1960s–1980s) and the arrival of South Asian communities, allowing Jhula to act as a historical bridge acknowledging the migrant workers who shaped the region’s urban landscape.

Drawing on nudge theory, the design uses the swing's gentle, rhythmic motion as a subtle anchor for relaxation and reflection. By offering a shared, plush seat without rigid divisions, the design removes physical barriers to foster intimacy, transforming static furniture into a dynamic space for daily rituals and communal storytelling.

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Lead time for production: 8 weeks