Ar. Gaurav Roy Choudhury Principal Architect, GRCA
Redefining architecture through a process of re-invention and storytelling
"Our main aim has always been to articulate various movements that assimilate context, taking the project brief from the 'said' to the 'unsaid," says Ar.Gaurav Roy Choudhury, founder of Gaurav Roy Choudhury Architects (GRCA), a young firm with experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing projects. The practice strives to absorb all domains of influence and exposure, with the hopes of redefining honest architecture through a process of re-invention and storytelling. Its path lies in the understood, and its eyes on the unexplored.
Ar.Gaurav started the practice in 2007 with an idea to keep a balance of dreaming and achieving it. At GRCA, he always looks to strike this balance and create a culture of getting better with each project. He feels that breaking every brief, context into its constituents and then building it back again is important to achieve pragmatic design. "The idea that space narrates feel and experience is the most interesting part of design. And as architects, we can make people feel how we wish them to feel, through space, connect, and context."
He is of the view that Architecture needs to shelve all its ego and fast move towards holistic sensitivity, and benevolence. "The days of emblematic architecture are over. Architecture through space needs to engage and lead to shifts in perception of society. It needs to become more inclusive and universal as a language of metaphysical presence. Architects must resist superficiality and move towards the meaningful and dynamic," he suggests.
At GRCA, Ar.Gaurav follows the design philosophy of expression. He says, "Our growth as an architectural firm is in terms of how we are able to articulate our feelings, nurture our sensitivity to feel more and fuel our inquisitiveness to ask the relevant questions. We are prepared to deal with complexity without simplifying it and would always love to take any project that gives us a challenge."
"For each of the project," he says, "We get the inspirations from society, stories, narratives and also from normal lives. We do not go out looking for inspiration; we try to look for it within, by asking questions.
Further he adds, "Most importantly we believe in working on a limited number of projects at a time for making it more customized and unique." The firm belief of 'less is more' is congruent with the kind of practice it is today.
Giving his views on the mantras of a successful life, he says that the word 'Success' itself is questionable. "To me, it doesn't ever mean money or fame but my peace of mind, my energy, my thoughts and my dialogue with the life I live." He feels success is achieved when one pursues what make him feel happiest and fulfilled.
He recalls his excruciating struggle periods which taught him to believe in doing and made him feel alive and brimming with life. Today, GRCA after being a young firm with very little work, has gained a lot of recognition for the work it had done so far. The firm, under the leadership of Ar. Gaurav, hopes to do better work always and become an expert in creating elegant and welcoming spaces, be it residential, institutional or commercial work space.
Ar. Shailendra Arbole, Founder, enso Architects
Architecture is an Art of articulating spatial volumes.
enso Architects is a young, dynamic and a forward thinking firm, specializing in architecture & interior design. Founded in 2008 by Ar. Shailendra Arbole, the firm believes in being responsible towards ecology and practices sustainable methods in architecture.
After graduating from Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur, Bangalore University in 2000, Ar. Shailendra joined Chandavarkar and Thacker Architects Pvt, Ltd., (CnT), Bangalore in February 2001 and worked there on different types and sizes of projects till 2004. Later he moved out of CnT and became a part of Mindspace Architects, Bangalore and worked there as senior Architect till june 2008.
With over 8 years of experience in the well-known and design oriented firms, Ar. Shailendra decided to set up his own firm enso (a Japanese word which signifies a circle) Architects with a concept that is strongly associated with 'ZEN' and symbolizes Enlightenment, Strength, Elegance, and moves on further to capture the essence of the Universe, and the Void.
As explained by Ar. Shailendra, 'enso represents a moment when the mind is free to let the body and spirit create'. For him, "Architecture is an art of articulating spatial volumes." Spaces that give the occupants a joy of being in that space at that time.
He firmly believes in sustainable architecture and design. For this, he keeps educating his clients about the green concepts and the importance of preserving the resources. In all his projects, he works with and around nature, by bringing natural light, greenery and breeze into the building. He strives to make each of his projects unique and different by responding to the existing context.
Ar. Shailendra and his firm have been duly recognized for their work and also have number of awards and recognitions to their credit. The firm is looking forward to earn more recognition through its innovative concepts and ideas.
Ar. Anika Mittal Founder and Director mold design studio
"Architecture is a tool to express ourselves and our culture. It is also a reflection of the social, cultural, environmental conditions that unite with aesthetics & function."
Anika Mittal is an Architect and an Urban Designer with over 8 years of experience across all the facets of design and construction industry in India and UK. Graduated from Sushant School of Art & Architecture, New Delhi and MSc in Urban design from The Bartlett, UCL, London, she is currently the founding director of mold design studio, based in New Delhi and founding Partner of Amalgam, a design studio that specializes in using the traditional Indian craft of inlay to redefine the contemporary Indian aesthetic as a blend of convention and modernity.
Her mold design studio is a multi-disciplinary design practice that provide consultancy in the field of Architecture, Urban Design, Interiors, and Product Design. The firm works with the principle of the user being the most significant aspect of any design exercise. Each project is a unique challenge, and hence, a result of an in-depth design process that involves the user and consultants, to create an optimized and dynamic solution. Ar. Anika asserts, "The will to innovate and create enhanced built environments through design, and ensures that it is detailed to perfection is what drives us at mold."
Ar. Anika's design philosophy is that all objects, from large cities, spaces to products can be sculpted and molded, as per the needs and requirements of the users. She explained that we, at mold understand the needs and requirements of our clients, their aspirations, to produce design-led solutions that are specifically personalized to individual needs. Through our projects, we explore and innovate with traditional prototype and blend them with contemporary techniques and technology to conceive pragmatic design that fits well within the global, multi-cultural design agenda, with sustainability as a core, inherent value. mold's approach to every project is utilitarian while being modest with a key emphasis on the establishment of an integral relationship of the Built with nature and context.
She is open to work on any project in any field, be it architecture, interiors, urban design or even product design, as long as the underlying vision of the client is good design. Current projects at her hand include residential, service apartments, recreational and offices across the NCR, Uttarakand & Punjab. Leveraging her past experiences gained as project Architect across a multitude of projects ranging from boutique, residences to commercial complexes and hospitality to master planning projects; Anika is providing comprehensive solutions across all stages of design and construction through mold design studios. For her, "Architecture is a tool to express ourselves and our culture. It is also a reflection of the social, cultural, environmental conditions that unite with aesthetics & function."
She feels that architecture and history together provide a real character to any place/city and thereby entice people to travel and discover. During her growing up years, Ar. Anika through travelling, found architecture exciting and wished to explore more in this domain. Her greatest experiences have always been while travelling around Europe-"These cities breathe architecture. The character of the streets, the history – all make for a great architectural experience."
Anika is also a visiting faculty at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. She is a keen photographer, and her design and photographic work has been published in journals in India and abroad. She is of the opinion that 'Minimalism' is the real mantra of a successful life.
Ar. Sachin Bandukwala & Ar. Melissa Smith banduksmithstudio
“banduksmithstudio combines a materially sensitive approach to design with respect for the context into which each project is placed. Each celebrates its context through a considered relationship with the physical and social condition of its surroundings.”
Ahmedabad – based banduksmithstudio is an architecture, urban design, and research practice founded by Sachin Bandukwala and Melissa Smith. Their work engages processes of making through research on unique construction methods, both institutionalized and inventive, and built projects that explore the boundaries of material and craft in the context of contemporary Indian construction.
Ar. Bandukwala holds a B.Arch from CEPT University, where in 2003 he completed a research thesis that compared the structure of natural and manmade elements in architecture through the lenses of perception and formation. Before founding the firm, he worked and collaborated as an independent architect in Ahmedabad, and also documented a number of architectural significant temple complexes and stepwells around western India. Throughout his career he has explored the subject of the person and his inspiration from nature. He is perpetually in pursuit of understanding, through primary observation, the ageing of material and its effect on tectonics, and the institutionalization of rituals in architecture.
Ar. Bandukwala entered architecture with an idea that buildings affect our lives, aiming to make them better. His interest was in the possibility of serving for something so basic, yet at the same time so celebrated. His approach to design, like the rest of life, is that “To make something, you have to break something, so make sure you connect it well to your needs, purposes, intentions and celebrations. Try to stay close to the original form of the material as much as possible, so that it may easily return to nature or be adapted for reuse. What you make must have a purpose of beauty and efficiency whether it is a tea cup, a column or a sugar factory.”
The forms and structures that inspire him reflect self-similarity found in different formations in nature—the silhouette of changes that happen on ones' skin, the building forms, in flower blossom and a tree, every jungle that are losing to cities—which address how much better one can make it with steel, concrete, and wood. How little can be built to serve maximum, is the idea.
He sees architecture as a means to appropriate things, ideas, buildings, and cities for the human habitat while responsibly using these resources in harmony with natural and built environment. “This is because architecture is about the changes that we make in our existing situations sometimes purely functional (industries etc.) or sometimes more spiritual (houses, temples, mosques, churches etc). What we make is a derivation of our understanding of the existing past and it is going to affect lives beyond the reach of our time.”
The other partner, Smith, is an architect and urban planner who holds M.Arch and M.C.P. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was a John K. Branner Fellow. She is a continuing visiting faculty member in the Architecture and Planning Faculties at CEPT University. Her research, begun by investigating the incremental, unplanned transformation of aging modernist planned cities, and continued by examining settlement formation in India, follows how inhabitants tend to restructure their built environments over time.
Before moving to India, Ar. Smith worked in architecture firms in Grand Rapids and San Francisco, where she worked on residential and institutional projects. While a graduate student at Berkeley, she was involved in research and documentation of traditional housing in Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhujiajiao, and was part of the design and installation of an exhibition of this work in the Hong Kong Shenzhen Biennale in 2008. She also used a year-long traveling research fellowship to investigate the transformation of aging modernist planned cities through incremental, unplanned alterations, a project that included Chandigarh, Brasilia, New Belgrade, and several other mid-twentieth century cities around Europe and the Middle East.
Ar. Smith pursued architecture as a career because of its location at the nexus of a number of disciplines. An architect, for her, works as an interpreter of the urban and the human condition, one who works in conversation with clients' desires and needs, with agencies' skills and consultants' perspectives, bringing together multiple specialties to create a physical thing…an addition or a transformation to the space that we occupy. What is more, an architect has a specific lens—the optimistic and earthy view of the maker—through which to interpret competing forces of people or nature, that act on our environment. She admires projects that reflect this process of engagement, that look at the building not as an object but as the combination, at a particular point in time, of a series of systems that create it. This also reflects the dynamic state in which buildings exist. They are changed throughout their life by the people who inhabit them and the weather they inhabit.
With these ideas in mind, Ar. Bandukwala and Ar. Smith joined hands to form banduksmithstudio, and work together through their practice, a mode through which they explore these multiple queries at the same time. Their questions are linked by the way they see the world, but the variety of scale, place, material, let them explore the uncharted, discover the unexpected, and surprise themselves with what they make.
banduksmithstudio combines a materially sensitive approach to design with respect to the context into which each project is placed. Each celebrates its context through a considered relationship with the physical and social condition of its surroundings. It looks at design as a series of systems of pieces working together whose addition and combination adds to a whole that works in conjunction with human created, urban or rural networks, and with the natural systems of sun, wind, rain, growth and decay that permeate our lives.
Projects come at any scale, and the practice shifts from furniture and object design, to interiors, renovations, additions, residential, institutional, and commercial architecture. In each, the practice looks at how to transform the existing one through the introduction of the new, attempting to redefine the context and rediscover possibilities.
Ar. Jay Shah Director, Access Architects
"To be innovative in our designs and design processes looking beyond the set norms. The future of architecture lies solely in innovation and the better use of technology."
Ar. Jay Shah grew up travelling to various places in India and abroad with a varying and rich cultural history. He recognized a part of him that was sensitively aware of the effect that great buildings had on the people within them. The internal optimist in him believes that great architecture helps enrich the soul.
He is a dynamic young man whose interests lay in architecture since his early years. He studied Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in New York City under the tutelage of architects such as Steven Holl, Bernard Tschumi and Kenneth Frampton. One of the reasons Jay chose to attend Graduate School, was to be exposed to the cutting edge Design and Technology. He recalled that during the orientation, the Dean said, "This is not design studio, this is a design laboratory." The goal is to 'realize' the future of design. The Software being used in movie studios and architectural offices today was partly developed in his college, Columbia University, in the 1990s.
In his endeavor to have the same research mindset to continually design better buildings, Ar. Jay Shah keeps thinking and innovating new designs. After completing his studies, he joined Access Architects which was established in 1981 by his father Ar. Atul Shah, with a focus in creating a new style for every design and transforming the ones that are alreadyexisting. The firm has evolved into a design studio that believes in innovation and modernization while keeping the traditional principles of design intact and Jay feels that this is the right place to bring his ideas into reality.
He believes in Looking Beyond where every effort is made for continuous improvement to ensure that clients receive cutting edge innovation, design and implementation. He works closely with clients to develop initial concepts that complement their overall strategy. He is an innovative architect who draws inspiration not only from his travels to different places around the world but also from the daily surroundings that he lives in.
He is a huge believer in using technology that allows in analyzing, designing, and visualizing buildings.
One of the things that he learnt to aide his creative process is parametric design - which allows one to design their own tools through computer coding. Moreover, this enables one to harness unlimited potential of computing, not relying on frameworks of software available today. He believes that the future of architecture lies solely in innovation and the better use of technology.
Apart from these, he believes in the "four a.m. miracle" and explains it as "an unexplainable and unusual event that happens around 4 a.m. where sleep deprivation erodes your internal censors and allows you to come out of yourself and create something amazing. When you spend enough time designing something, the mind tends to merge the left brain – right brain thinking. And then you're able to use the left and right brain at the same time, which sometimes leads to Eureka moments in design."
The reason, he enjoys designing buildings in a city like Mumbai, is because no matter how many one builds, the next one is always a new challenge. Commercial buildings, for example, don't allow a lot of freedom to express creativity when it comes to designing. There are a huge number of municipal guidelines, developer requirements, and general structural stipulations that need to be adhered to when an architect designs this kind of a structure. But what is more important is that even with all these parameters and challenges, if one is still able to create a building that has an eclectic and admiral value, then the goal has been achieved.
Access Architects believes in India-inspired designs hence they design and execute structures that are constructed keeping Indian culture, climate, and surroundings in mind. The firm has its own in-house research cell 'Derive' that focuses on how to innovate while designing buildings and help achieve economies in costing with an efficient utilization of natural resources besides being environmental–friendly, without compromising on utility. Presently, Derive has been working on a research project that is very close to Jay's heart – Affordable Housing. For three and half years, the research that has been done for this has been used by Jay to conceptualize a design that investigates various means and ways to deliver an apartment to a client that is not only profitable and valuable to them, but also viable for developers to build without special government support.
Ar. Jay firmly believes that no one expects to live forever but hopes to be a part of future. For this he tries his best to incorporate his aspiration into every design, he creates.
Ar. Amit Khanna, Founder & Design Principal, AKDA
'Architecture is not really a profession to me but it is a manner of experiencing life,' shares Ar. Amit Khanna, the Founder & Design Principal at AKDA (Amit Khanna Design Associates) - a design firm that integrates the disciplines of architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting and product design.
Fascinated by one of his parent's friend's life who was an architect by profession and with whom he spent his childhood in Kenya, Ar Amit always wanted to be an architect what seemed to him at that time, an interesting life and which later also proved to be very interesting to him indeed. After graduating from the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi in 2002, he established his own design studio AKDA in 2004 and heads the same, combining day-to-day involvement in design with his primary responsibilities for the strategic direction of the practice.
He loves building things and unlike some of the more theoretical practitioners today, he derives most of his joy from the actual process of construction. He is of the opinion that 50% of the world's population now lives in urban areas, putting incredible pressures on resources. "Sustainable Urban development and mitigating climate change are going to be the key challenges of the current generation and this must reflect in our individual decisions about design, architecture, and the way we choose to build."
His design philosophy is 'to make regional specificity and sustainability intrinsic to the design process and product.' Every object produced at the studio, be it a 60,000SF office building or a 0.5sf light fixture, undergoes the same scrutiny of process and exactitude – A process that is founded in suitable materiality and innovation, irrespective of appearance. "In the quest for absolute quality, we follow a unique system of design development, wherein we allow ourselves to learn and imbibe from the skills and experience of people who actually craft the buildings and objects that we design. Their early involvement acknowledges them as equal stakeholders in the process, and allows us as a studio to better predict construction outcomes and quality control," explains Ar. Amit.
He apprises, "Each project has its own challenges and site forces. It is that unique combination that allows us to invent customized solutions for each project. We try not to look at others, or even our own earlier projects for inspiration, but allow the design process to unfold." Currently, Ar. Amit is working on some institutional projects that embody several Low Carbon and Energy Efficiency strategies to create a building that will be able to generate most of its energy needs on-site. "All buildings will have to become resilient and dynamic enough to supply their own energy needs." After travelling to many architectural masterpieces over the years, he realized that none has left a more memorable impression on his mind than the Kimbell Art Museum at Fort Worth which is one of Kahn's finest buildings and certainly one of the finest buildings of the 20th century.
Ar Amit is a recipient of the Moira Barrie Award (UK) & holds a Kellogg Scholarship at the University of Oxford. As a student, he won a national design competition for the concept of a Highway Resort, 2000 (ArchiDesign Perspective). He was chosen as one of the only five architects among 20 designers in India under the age of 35 to exhibit his work in February 2013 (DxD, Alliance Francaise), selected as one of the Young Designers of 2013 and one of the Superstars of Design in 2014, besides he got shortlisted as one of the top 50 emerging architects in the country (iGen, Mumbai).
Apart from these, Ar. Amit serves as a teacher at his alma mater, the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi with diverse responsibilities related to design, research and theoretical exploration. Through his initiatives in education, he engages in research as a tool for design innovation to craft buildings that work with the local environment, both at the school and the studio. Moreover, apart from being an acclaimed photographer, he writes extensively for both online and offline media. For him, mantra of a successful life is: Eat plenty of chocolate and do what you love every day.
Ar. Jagdish Mistry, Founder, Jagdish Mistry and Associates
Designs are not just for footing an impression on guest, but also something which affect mood and health. A synchronized and comfortable space makes you feel revitalized and enthusiastic. Don't just ignore it.
With this thought Ar. Jagdish Mistry entered into the world of architecture and design. Architecture is not just his profession but also his passion. He says, "It's in my blood, of course not genetic but acquired, I love my job." He feels that he has been lucky to get good clients who not only value his work but also infuse zeal in him by the acknowledgement and a simple thank you.
His design philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that success is the result of the collaboration of good design & strategic planning. The study of people's well-being lays the foundation for the strategic planning and design. He begins with: Life, then Space, and Finally Buildings. Everything the firm produces from buildings to an interior space is characterized by its legibility. Ar. Mistry's designs are innovative; they often surprise but are always precisely tuned to the requirements of the client. Being in the profession for around 30 years he has a flavor of almost everything. He has an ability to read client's mind which he has gained from his experience over the years. This helps him to customize things as per clients' aspirations.
He apprises, "As this profession demands to walk with time, I keep brushing up my knowledge with current trends and style and the contours to enhance it and not geographically restricted. I do equip myself with styles from Italy and London to Rajasthan and Tamil Naidu. I feel that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and that inspiration and ideas can be catered from everywhere. It's on an individual to take it. What inspires me is the aura around me and appreciation I get from my clients, i.e. single token of 'thank you' inspires me to walk star mile."
The firm Jagdish Mistry and Associates which was founded in 1986, renders architectural & interior design consultancy pan India. The work of design studio is characterized by strong conceptual legibility, innovation and a rigorous approach to detailing, all underpinned by the principles of humane, enduring, and sustainable design. The practice with team of highly qualified professionals equipped with state of art systems and processes is dedicated to the deepest level of involvement in the design of their buildings in order to deliver projects, which meet the highest possible standards of excellence. Spearheaded by Ar. Mistry, the firm has successfully completed several corporate & residential projects along with some prize winning exhibition stalls across India. It is continuously expanding and now planning to enter in to retail sector as well.
Recently, Ar. Mistry had acquired a larger office space at Boomerang, Chandivali, Andheri (East) Mumbai where shifted with a bigger team. His daughter Neha, with her visual communication and color consultancy skills, has joined his team. Now henceforth, the firm wishes to design chain of retail outlets.
Ar. Mistry, who is bestowed with several awards and recognition such as 'Accommodation times award for best interior designer, 1996; Shree Gurjar Yuvak Mandal (Mumbai) award for Best Architect of the Year 2001, Award for Retail Design Excellence by Construction Source India etc, wishes to showcase India's beauty to the world. He says, "I haven't drawn any parameters for my design. I will just like to excel and reach at the helm of my profession. Having served nationally, I wish to take India's sacrosanct style across the globe. The purity and simplicity of India needs to be showcased to the world from the right platform and I wish to be the part of that platform. For that, I have already taken an initiative in the name of ALM INSTITUTE, which helps under privileged students to transform their dreams into reality. It is the beginning; we have a long way to go with ALM (for more details on courses and admissions, kindly visit: www.almtech.org)."
He says, "At Jagdish Mistry and Associates, we work with passion, dedication, and precision. We believe that to get success one should feel free to express oneself and keep his/her body and mind healthy."
Ar. Ahmed Shaikh Founder, Ahmed and Associates
"Designs are simply an interpretation of one's dreams. This philosophy drives us to conquer what is in the mind and deliver dreams through a strong backbone of planning and implementation exercise."
Ahmed and Associates was founded in 1998 by Ar. Ahmed Shaikh. Today, the firm houses an experienced team of design professionals that bear a unique understanding of interior and architectural designing-from cultural and geographical conditions to financial and program requirements. This knowledge encompasses projects such as hotels, luxury resorts and bungalows, clubs, office buildings, hospitals, executive offices, boutique hotels, branded showrooms as well as specialty restaurants.
Ar. Ahmed was fascinated by the world of design since an early age and decided to pursue Architecture. Even before getting admission into a design school, he joined Architect Hafeez Contractor in 1988 and spent the first five years of his professional practice working on different interior and architectural projects. In the beginning of his career, he used to work until midnight and also follow up his college work early the very next day. According to him, "It was tedious and hectic but not impossible for him to manage between office and college hours and yet he was punctual and stood out from the rest of his classmates in his academics."
He became an Associate architect at Architect Hafeez Contractor within a few months of graduating from college and went on to work there till 1998 and later on in the same year opened his own practice 'Ahmed and Associates' where he follows the Design Philosophy 'Function follows form'- Architecture has persisted as one of the most profoundly important reflections of culture and tradition, and he truly believes in that.
His belief in seeking and sharing knowledge led him to become a visiting faculty at M.H. Saboo Siddik Polytechnic, Mumbai from 1994-1997 and also a visiting jury member at SNDT college at Churchgate since 2006. Ahmed and Associates has revolutionized the practice of hotel design with over a decade of experience with projects all over India and parts of South Africa.
Sharing his view about the current architectural trends, he said that there has been a realization in the industry for a need of function in architecture. The trend has changed from copying and applying to smart thinking and modifying. The concept of living has evolved with the needs of the people. With lots of adjustments and less land, the solution is 'high rise buildings' with sensual minimalism and dynamic spaces. The technology and innovation also plays an important role which further contributes to 'value for money concept'. Apart from this, people are more conscious of the environmental issues and prefer eco-friendly concepts along with luxury. This, the firm has implemented in its recent project of Hyatt Place Hinjewadi where they have made sure to implement the use of water harvesting and solar panels to generate electricity. In short, the latest trends are still evolving between space and people, since today's clients are more creative in their own sense.
Over the years, Ahmed and Associates has won many awards. To name a few are Ace Tech design wall 2014, Ace Tech design wall for eminent jury 2013, Connect 2013, IIID copper award 2011 for excellence in design with copper and so on. Together with their clients, the firm has successfully addressed every design challenge, to create what has been mutually conceived and beyond their clients' expectations and has become a landmark in their own sense. Some of the firm's unique projects include: Hyatt Place, Pune; Evershine resort Mahabaleshwar; Hospital-The Umrao Institute of Medical Science and Research; Rajmal Lakhichand Jewellers, Pune etc.
In the years to come, Ar. Ahmed is looking forward to create a 'lifestyle resort' which is based on the concept of 'paradise living–'A concept that is so apt to India which is one of the culturally richest countries in the world but so threatened by the forces of globalization that it can only grow out of a poetic way of thinking.
On being asked about the mantras of a successful life, he recites "Surat ki haseen ho, sirat fazool hai; jis phool mai khusbho nahi, wo kagaz ka phool hai" and explained that these are his mother's words which have been and will stay with him for life. For Ar. Ahmed, 'Good design is the topmost priority, but a unique experience is always the Holy Grail.'
Ar. Sourabh Gupta, Principal Architect, Archohm
Archohm's design philosophy propagates a ‘mad and fun' out-of-the-box approach to spatiality, with play of light, volumes and materials.
"Architecture is a strong measure for development in any nation. Currently, the new order is the disorder. Architecture of today needs to be more generic – adoptive and adaptive," says Ar. Sourabh Gupta, Managing Director, Archohm design studio which is offering consultancy for architecture, urban design, interiors, landscape and product design, working across diverse scales, from products and furniture to residential, institutional and urban projects.
Following its inception in 1999 by virtue of a design competition, Archohm's design philosophy has been one that creates a dialogue of pure functional forms exaggerated by the use of individual materials. To Ar. Sourabh, architecture was always about the space and light, the volume and the play and this interesting co-existence and conversation of various materials is utilized in all his projects to create responsive and responsible architecture that is climatically and contextually relevant. He plays with mediums and their textures in coordination or in contradiction. This is where principles of the Indian context and its contemporary interpretations become clear to him. Sustainability issues are also addressed in his projects through materiality and technology. With no specific partiality to textures and techniques, the non-vocabulary is perhaps the evolving language. Unconventional materials with identifiable techniques, common substances with unexplored textures, all applied in surprising contexts bring a degree of fun into the functional spaces.
Ar. Sourabh says, "The aesthetic architecture in India today follows a typology that is either the modern indigenous or just contemporary irrespective of the Indian reference and its context. In such a scenario, our projects sit as an example of the forward-looking Indian contemporary; in materiality and functionality. Archohm therefore, stands for a young, mad and fun approach to spatiality, which enables a play of light, volumes and materials."
Archohm (derives its name from architecture and ohm-the electrical resistance) has a fairly 2D organization structure, which is democratic in many ways because of the 'design' nature of the practise. Ar. Sourabh personally leads all design discussions that evolve out of closely held brainstorming sessions. Thereafter, team leaders handle projects, a mix of architects, interior designers and technical people to facilitate an interesting interdisciplinary flavour that helps evolve innovative solutions. Project heads take the responsibility, from client interaction to communications and delivery.
Sharing his love for Architecture, he says, "I perceived from the beginning that life for me has been a process of continuous evolution and learning. The school of architecture, Ahmedabad gave me the necessary skill set to pursue a career in architecture and design. My passion towards this field and my understanding of design matured from my exposure at Bouwkunde, the highly acclaimed design school at the technical university of delft, the Netherlands. This acquaintance to another, international school of thought at an impressionable age was invaluable. This is where I was addicted to exploration, architecture, and architectural explorations."
While talking about his most special moments he shared that inauguration of the Dilli Haat at Janakpuri, was the most memorable experience as he got a chance to help the Social sector by researching and rebuilding farmer markets (mandis) in the state of UP. Moreover, the Awards like the IIA and IBC for infrastructure design have been special.
He says, "Dilli Haat project addresses a design challenge as well as a social one. It needs to spatially and programmatically attract the urban mindset towards lost cultural roots of craft. The nature of the project was a huge asset for Archohm, since it lends a dialogue of contemporary and traditional - materials and technologies–in line with urban haats that celebrate tradition and culture. The project attempts to empower artisans, bringing art and craft from the villages to the city with no middlemen, to ensure authenticity and profitability. The play of programs and spaces to make the project aspirational, bringing in interest for all age groups to making this a destination and then exposing various facets of our craft and culture to larger urban audience." The studio is currently working on a lot of cultural projects – haats, museums and landscaped parks, housings, hospitals etc.
For all his projects, Ar. Sourabh got inspiration from Design and travels - experiencing architecture. He avers that mantras of a successful life are 'Beg borrow steal, get the job done', the provocative cast in concrete gospel in my studio reinforces that one needs to beg for wisdom, borrow experience, steal time, and kill egos; to practice and perform.
Ar. Sabeena Khanna Creative Head, Studio KIA
Recipient of Le-Corbusier Gold Medal in 1987 from Chandigarh College of Architecture, Ar. Sabeena topped the University with her in-depth creative intellect. Immediately after graduation, she was selected by late Prof. R.N. Dogra, former Chief Engineer, Chandigarh Capitol project to work on the Master Planning of PGI, Chandigarh.
Presently, a Fellow member of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) and Associate member of Institute of Interior Designers (IIID), Ar. Sabeena is on the Juries for many a renowned architectural awards, recognizing fresh talent. With an inclination & flare for writing, she has authored various articles and papers subjected to Architecture for leading publication houses in the country.
Architectural inspiration came to her at an early age from her architect father, V.N Shah. Spearheading Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for almost 20 years as Chief Architect, Sabeena travelled the length and breadth of these states with him and was fascinated to see new places & cultures, meet people and even visit construction sites. Little did she realize that via participating in daily discussions or travelling with her father, she was subtly being exposed to the design environment long before her formal education was to be in architecture.
Architecture, for Sabeena, is a way of life. Her architectural lineage includes her illustrious father, Ajay -her brother, Rajiv-her husband as well as Sakshi-her daughter. She says, "Architecture to some is an Art, to some an inhabited sculpture, to some it is frozen music, while to others it is fluid poetry" but "To me Architecture is an ever encompassing feeling which we experience all the time."
She believes in Leonardo Da Vinci's "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" and her works resonate this design philosophy. Immense thought is given to detailing and creating meaningful spaces. With a consistent record of delivering designs close to original intent and within the stipulated time & budget, she won many accolades and received much acclaim from the press, profession and general public alike like the ICI-Ultratech Awards 2012 for Outstanding Concrete Structure. Doing repeat projects with satisfied developer clients speaks volumes for the work being done by the studio.
Ar. Sabeena does not rest on her laurels as she is of the strong belief that "Life is short. Let's build stuff that matters." Under her able leadership, Studio KIA has done projects of all types and magnitude globally for renowned business houses, developers and government organizations, marking its presence in diverse sectors of Infrastructure development, mixed land use planning, residential, commercial, institutional, interiors, hospitality, recreational and leisure. Each project designed is unique to its site and setting, planning and purpose, having a strong sense of belonging. She believes that a successful design hinges on site conditions, technology and communication.
Studio KIA has a diversely elaborate portfolio owing to its rich expertise, experience and excellence in the profession over the last three decades. Ar. Sabeena says, "For us, everyday is a learning experience and we seek inspiration from everything around us. For Studio KIA, it is always about people; hence, all our designs are people- centric. Each completed project which is appreciated by the client and end users, is a recognition and an award in itself. Our accomplishment and accolades rest on the fact that we become a part of our client team to deliver successful projects."
Studio KIA's current focus is majorly on High Rise Residential environments ranging from affordable to luxury and ultra luxury segments. KIA has an international design team which brings value to each project via its expertise on cost savings, decreased construction time, quality control and efficiency. Its residential developments focus not only on the visual aesthetics but also value the functionality & space creation for its end users. The studio team envisages making the end user as comfortable in the surroundings created, by giving special attention to spatial character, efficient planning, material maintenance, functional quality as well as aesthetic enhancement.
While sharing her most memorable moments Ar. Sabeena said that Studio KIA Team had burnt enough midnight oil through endless nights to research for the competition for District Headquarters for South Goa Collectorate, Goa on Portuguese and Goan architecture styles, colors, textures as also to put-to-paper, a design which best converted the clients' brief into a workable, practical solution. "We went through a rigorous Jury for the presentation of our design proposal as also one to the Chief Minister of Goa who greatly appreciated the design. Winning this competition was a joyous and memorable moment. This was a very prestigious project for Goa government owing to its scale, quantum and stature. Studio KIA feels proud to have successfully completed the project as envisaged in the competition entry with minor internal tweaking and it stands today as a landmark of Goa."
"Nothing succeeds like success and living is all about winning! Winning, not from people around you but from your own self, every day" voices Ar. Sabeena. As a professional she believes, "Passions and curiosities aren't always in search of an immediate outcome. Ultimately, it's about observing situations—whether it's process, an object, or a place—and having a belief that it can be better."
Following this theory Ar. Sabeena Khanna seamlessly creates new designs for the future generations to come without compromising on the present and learning from the past. "I take great pride in all my architectural projects and more so when they become a reality" she says. Residential and mixed land use developments are Studio KIA's forte and it is very satisfying to create meaningful, people centric spaces which are actually lived-in. "We look forward to challenging projects where our creativity is stimulated, demanding nothing but the best of our skill set to produce satisfactory designs."
Talking about the current technological trend she said that technological advancements have revolutionized the profession today. Architectural trends could range from tall, glitzy buildings of Dubai which defy all standard practices of structural design to the green, vernacular architecture imbibing the need for sustainability in today's times. The current designing scenario is vast and varied. India is spearheading the development of 'Smart Cities' today and we hope the progressive vision envisaged is futuristic with awareness from the past.
In the year 2014, Studio KIA has spread its wings globally. 'Space Creative Design & Engineering LLC' came into being in the Middle East with comprehensive offerings of Architectural Design, Development and Project Management. Space Creative Design hopes to set new standards of design and bring the best of International practices with rich and varied expertise, experience and excellence to the Middle East region.
Ar. Dikshu C. Kukreja, C.P. Kukreja Architects
As a child, his passion was encouraged by his mother who used to take him to visit monuments. Subconsciously, it triggered off an affinity to buildings and spaces, and the interest continued as he grew. Later, as a teenager, his father had always challenged his interest in being an architect, which strengthened his resolve to join the profession to prove his credentials to him.
He studied architecture and after completing his graduation from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, his fleeting dreams to delve deep into the discipline took him to Taliesin, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in United States of America followed by receiving a Masters from Harvard University, which fuelled his passion for making a difference in the Built Environment, rather than simply making a building. The working experience in France strengthened his design skills, enriched his taste for architectural and artistic aesthetics. Most of all, it inspired him to take the responsibility of contributing to the 'city-building' in his own country through good architecture that might raise the social value of "Architectural Design" in the Indian context. So he returned to India to join C.P. Kukreja Architects, a Delhi-based multi-disciplinary architectural and design firm, owned by his father Ar. C.P. Kukreja.
On following the design philosophy while working on the projects he says, "For me designing any building is more a thrill than work, I enjoy all aspects of designing of a building including the experiential qualities of the physical environment. I find it interesting to visualize how my building fits at a macro level into the context of the city and its immediate surroundings and right down to the micro level of intimate spaces which give a certain joy to the occupants such as a glorious view from a window."
While his passion to see the building around the world continues but Fatehpur Sikri will always remain his first love. Ar. Dikshu describes it as, "It is truly a remarkable example of urban design and architecture and he can write pages about this complex."
Sharing his views on the current Architectural trend, he says "Architecture today just like any other field is also strongly influenced by global trends. The world around us is shrinking and therefore architectural trends being followed anywhere in the world tend to have their influence here as well. In India, the availability of palette of building materials has increased tremendously, and therefore, the architectural designs today reflect the choices available in terms of selection of materials. Another important aspect is the advancement in technology– be it electrical systems such as lighting, security, mechanical systems such as advanced Air-conditioning, passive cooling, and many other aspects, all influence our architectural designs."
Though he has been bestowed with number of awards and recognitions but he doesn't see awards/recognitions as a means of satiating his personal glory. Rather, he feels that it is an opportunity to reflect on the right initiatives and be a source of inspiration to strive for higher goals. Ar. Dikshu Kukreja has been fortunate to consistently receive national and international awards. From often being selected as Best Architects in India to the top 100 in the world, from being felicitated as young and the most sought after Architect in India by Union Minister of Urban Development to being chosen as face of 21st Century Architecture in India and receiving Best Architects award several times, it is a continuing journey of following his convictions to create a meaningful note in the profession.
He feels that passion and hard work are the two simple mantras for a successful life so he suggests to keep working hard with passion.
Ar. Manish Gulati, Principal Architect, MOFA
"There is no single written philosophy to M:OFA but it is an open ended, constantly evolving work in progress, guided by a vision that drives it to excel in whatever it does."
Manish Gulati, Principal Architect for Manifestation of Fluid Architecture (M:OFA), has graduated from CEPT, Ahmedabad in 1999. After three years of work experience in Retail, Exhibition and Event Design, he set up his Architectural and Interior Design practice in 2002 in New Delhi along with his wife as a partner, Tanushree Gulati, a civil engineer and alumnae of the same institution.
The name M:OFA was formalized in 2007 as the practice expanded to include Urbanism within its expertise. Starting from a pure architectural practice, today, the firm is dealing with projects of infrastructure, urban design, environmental planning, product design and even interaction design through multiple analysis, strategies and systems all designed to give the best design solution to every project.
Under the stewardship of Ar. Manish, who is an explorer and a keen observer, M:OFA works with an underlying goal of excellence and innovation. Conceptual thinking, art, technology, innovation and creativity are few of his inherent qualities which keep him driving. Crafts, sustainability, planning, infrastructure, indigenous practices/systems, technology and its application are some of the influences that the Think Tank tries to integrate in design and research.
Apart from having a scientific bent of mind, Ar. Manish was always extremely good with fine arts. His childhood is dotted with days filled with all things creative. Intuitively, he was already on this path and it came together to him as a realization in high school when he understood what Architects actually do. "I knew that this felt more right than anything else I had ever known."
He says, "What still keeps me going on is that as a Designer, by giving enough thought to my research and creativity I feel I can make a difference. It is one the fields where I have always felt that we as professionals can accomplish anything, with our knowledge and interest in almost everything around us. To me, design is everything and solution to any problem in the world can be achieved through good design. It is this drive, that inspires all of us working with M:OFA to accomplish something new through innovation every day."
"Having named the practice 'Manifestation of Fluid Architecture', it was always clear that there would be no single written philosophy to the practice but it will be an open ended, constantly evolving work in progress, practice that would be always guided by a vision that drives us to excel in whatever we do," added Ar. Manish.
Talking about the inspirations he gets for his projects, he explains, "When you observe the world around you; its hues, textures, psyches, people, diversity, landscape, all become a part of a collective consciousness. The next stage is abstraction or intuition.....free flowing....everything excites me, energizes me and I am forever willing to learn not scared of walking of unknown paths.....observation, intuition, and this sense of exploration is perhaps what led to many a unknown paths and projects... Also our own aspirations play a very important part in all this. We are a very driven firm; we look at design intrinsically and push ourselves and others to think out of the box. Collaborate, Innovate."
Ar. Manish is completely agreed with the statement often said that Architect and Architecture are greatly influenced by the context and their biographies. "Architecture is going back to its basics....people...all styles, technology, trends and movements are receding in the background somewhere as mere tools as they always ought to have been.....Across the world people are embracing their individual context. Be it Australia, Asia, Africa, indigenous practices and languages are coming up across the world mixing with technology, people, issues....It is a very creative time to be practicing Design...."
He informed that various design faculties, along with professional from various fields be it, scientists, economists, and engineers, are all collaborating with architects to provide better solutions to the world every day. "It is this modern renaissance that we feel very lucky to be a part of where the design sparks all around us are creating these grand symphonies that we are enjoying constantly while working on them simultaneously. Understanding our own roots, context, economies, need of the hour and a very sincere desire to be a part of and contribute towards change, we at our end are exploring and understanding from our own context and evolve indigenous architectural and design expression + solutions."
Ar. Manish shows willingness to work on such projects which make him think, relook, and redefine the basics. He feels that if one changes the smallest cell then everything around it gets changed. To know, understand and experience Architecture as a whole there is no categorization in the type of projects, everything is design whether it is the design of a city or a single dustbin within it, they both need to function efficiently, simultaneously through the virtue of their design. Hence he suggests all to keep learning and absorbing more from everything around while constantly evolving design, not as a subject to discuss over cups of tea but as an everyday practices frequently as breathing the air out and in.
For him, Mantras of a successful life are "never quit in the face of adversity, courage to take risks, immense passion and perseverance to keep walking the path, come what may. Walk alone, walk against the tide, against conformity and cliché's but walk for what you believe in....everyday. Being a strong non-conformists it helps him to question his own notions keeping the thoughts and the mind fluid constantly."
Ar. Manish believes that the present, always is constantly changing....as it is still unraveling...keeps forming newer impressions and experiences every day. It's extremely important being a designer to start afresh every day as becoming static and appreciating one experience would lead to getting trapped in it preventing from moving beyond and further.
Ar. Gurpreet Singh Shah, Principal Architect, Creative Group
"In the current scenario of rapid urbanization, I believe that 'less' truly could be 'more.' We aim to be catalysts in the bilateral relationship between Architecture and its user, by creating unrestricted designs."
Ar. Gurpreet Singh Shah, Principal Architect, M.S in Urban Design and recipient of William Kinne Fellowship award, Columbia University, New York, gained his early experience while associated with International Architects of repute in USA. Here he led the development of future campus planning frameworks for Indiana University, Bloomington and Princeton University, New Jersey and was involved in Master Planning of Washington D.C. Vision 2025 as well as the urban design proposal for dual cities of Bucharest and Costanta in Romania. He revolutionized the scale and methodology and expanded the boundaries of practice globally. He has more than a decade of local and international architecture and urban design experience. With his vision to deliver a new generation of Global Infrastructure, Mass Transit Facilities like Airports, Metro Stations and Railways, Housing projects, Educational Campuses including the First Smart City School in Kochi, and Health Environments that are sustainable and also give a world class user experience, Ar. Shah has pioneered sustainable infrastructure designs in India.
About Creative Group
Founded by Prof. Charanjit Shah in 1973, Creative Group started its journey through various steps of professional achievements and landmarks by winning the National Design Competition for Jawaharlal Nehru National Co-operation Complex, New Delhi (1973), Flatted factory complex for DSIIDC, New Delhi (1971) and Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur (1980); the initial achievements of Prof. Shah, that endowed him with eminent recognition and established Creative Group's place as a leading architecture firm in the design community. Following the footsteps of his indomitably passionate and extremely hardworking father, Ar. Gurpreet Shah after finishing his M.Arch in Urban Design from Columbia University decided to join hands with Creative Group, taking the firm up a notch by adding a corporate lateral to the firm's vision, which led to the firm making a niche globally by winning many National and International Design Competitions and Awards in various fields like Urban Transport, Real Estate, Corporate, Institutional, Commercial and Residential sectors. Soon after Er. Prabhpreet Shah, with his Management specialization in Finance & Marketing from the Indian Scool of Business (Hyderabad), setup independent verticals for Project Management, Real Estate and Transaction Advisory making Creative Group one of the few firms in India providing end-to-end single-window services from concept to commissioning.His Vision
"Today's architecture has the power to grasp the viewer's mind in such a way that either it can be termed as a blockbuster or as a disaster. We, as architects, have the responsibility of making this art a force for mobilizing cities and rejuvenating cultures. We focus on the performance of architecture responding firstly and primarily to its ecology and available resources; this criteria will change how the design performs throughout its life cycle. Our endeavour is to create meaningful architecture which is open ended thus giving a chance to the users to make their own small insertions," asserts Ar. Gurpreet Shah.As the general public become more aware of the benefits of green buildings, the architects will find new ways to create a conducive atmosphere for the sector to grow. Since the beginning of its practice, Creative Group always believes in "learning from nature."
"Our impulse is to sensitize our designs towards passive strategies of green architecture. Not only do we try to derive our inspiration from nature, but also we let the building breathe with nature," explains Ar. Shah.
During their professional journey, the team's understanding of the nuances of the Indian Diaspora with respect to urbanization and renewal movement across the country enabled them to successfully implement net zero & sustainable models in various green-rated buildings.
With this ambition in mind, they have been able to successfully deliver a range of Projects like a small sustainable residence to a mega project like the airport. Though these mega projects are considered energy guzzlers, Creative Group has led the project to achieve green rating in terms of water & energy conservation, creating global facilities which are preserved as landmarks of the subcontinent.
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Founded in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1986 by architects Morten Schmidt, Bjarne Hammer and John F. Lassen, schmidt hammer lassen (SHL) architects has grown substantially with offices in Aarhus, Copenhagen, London, and Shanghai and employs over 140 staff. The practice is deeply rooted in the Scandinavian architectural traditions based on democracy, welfare, aesthetics, light, sustainability and social responsibility.
The company which has a track record for being a designer of high-profile cultural buildings, art galleries, educational complexes and libraries, is led by CEO Bente Damgaard with reference to a professional board of directors. The creative management is led by the Creative Director Bjarne Hammer together with the other four partners John F. Lassen, Morten Schmidt, Kim Holst Jensen and Kristian Ahlmark, along with the four associated partners Trine Berthold, Kasper Heiberg Frandsen, Chris Hardie and Rasmus Kierkegaard.
With more than 25 years of experience, SHL architects is one of Scandinavia's most recognised, award-winning architectural practices committed to innovative and sustainable design. The practice has established an international reputation for projects that interact with their urban context. It places particular emphasis on the use of natural light as an integral part of the design process. The functionality – meeting the specific needs of the users – is also key, as are all aspects of sustainability. Where possible, the practice will explore the vital relationship between art, design and architecture.
The Practice Architectural Philosophy
Common to all the practice's work is a democratic approach to architecture which creates modern, open and multi-functional spaces that are consistent with schmidt hammer lassen architects' ethical considerations – a building revolves around people and is not merely an architectonic shape. Architecture should be closely integrated with its surroundings, with close consideration of its functions and social context. SHL architects designs buildings that are essentially open to the outside world.According to the practice, the great things always happen when an artist and an architect have the opportunity to collaborate from the outset on a given project. At SHL architects, we have always tried to ensure that each project enshrines the possibility for a real collaborative effort. We know how to deal with complex architecture.
Alongside our collaborators, we develop entire sustainable solutions with high emotional value that benefits the environment, the users and the overall economy. Working many years on cultural buildings, office buildings, mixed use and master planning, we are used to solve complex and contradictive issues.
We develop integrated end-to-end solutions of the highest quality in a constant search for new ways and answers. We embrace the idea that architecture at its best creates unique, indefinable emotions and values, both from form, space, light and materials. SML creates architecture with a powerful, straightforward and significant attitude and constantly challenge the concept of sustainability, because each project must reach new standards.
In addition to above, the practice believes in architecture within a budget. All planning and building stages are tasked to achieve the most value for money, without compromising building size, construction methods, and quality of materials, technical equipment, and sustainability.
Prestigious Projects
In Scandinavia, schmidt hammer lassen architects is best known for the prestigious extension to the Royal Library – The Black Diamond, the ARoS Aarhus Museum of Art and the Cultural Centre of Greenland in Nuuk. The practice has a distinguished track record as designers of high-profile cultural buildings, such as art galleries, educational complexes and libraries. Recent projects include the Amazon Court office building in Prague, the City of Westminster College in London, the Thor Heyerdahl School in Norway, Aberdeen University New Library in Scotland and a number of construction projects and master plans in China and Eastern Europe, with a total of approximately two million square metres currently under development.The firm has also recently won the international architectural competition to design a 188 meter office tower in the financial district of central Warsaw, Poland. The 60,000 m2 highrise building is to replace the existing 'Ilmet' building and will stand out as a modern landmark clearly identifiable in the Warsaw skyline by its unique elegant shape and appearance. The Jury was impressed by the high quality and innovation evident in the urban, architectural and technical concepts of the winning design.
schmidt hammer lassen architects is a member of the Danish Association of Architectural Firms (DANSKE ARK) and is a RIBA Chartered Practice. More than 50% of the company turnover comes from international projects.
Awards
The firm had its major breakthrough with the Katuaq Culture Centre in Nuuk, Greenland, completed in 1997. The project in Nuuk was followed by first prize in the international competition for the extension of the Danish Royal Library on the harbourfront in Copenhagen. Completed in 1999, the library extension, colequally known as the Black Diamond, has become one of the practice's most known buildings.The practice has won number of awards and recognition. The recent ones include: the Concrete Society Awards, shortlisted for City of Westminster College, Aarhus Municipality Award for Villa Busk/ Vibevej 27, Denmark, LEAF Award for The Crystal, Denmark, World Architecture Festival Awards, shortlisted in the categories learning for City of Westminster College, England and offices for The Crystal, Denmark, European Steel Design Award for The Crystal, Denmark, New London Award for City of Westminster College, England, LEAF, shortlisted in the category public buildings for City of Westminster College, England, RIBA Award in London for City of Westminster College, England, and many more.
Studio AVT: From Thought into Reality..
According to the Design Consultancy firm, 'An-V-Thot' is a hybrid of two words, (anvit) Sanskrit & (thought) English. "Anvit" means followed by, so it is actually a studio followed by a thought, and as the name suggests, the firm is always eager to and strives to define its endeavors in a thought evolving and settling manner.
It is the firm's endeavor to design and develop an environment for storeys to take birth and remain, where true feelings are captured and felt with a sense of belonging, only to resonate through time. "We intend to breathe" is what the firm's motto is.
Born in 1985, Ankita Sweety is graduated with a distinction in her Architectural Degree from NIT Patna and during the course, also won numerous National and State level Design Contests of repute. She was associated with the leading design firms before starting her own studio.
Pratyoosh Chandan (D.O.B. 01.11.1984), the other partner, after graduating in Architectural Technology & Construction Management from Rai University, worked with an established firm in Delhi for three years wherein he led various design projects of diverse nature. He then went to UK to further pursue his architectural critique, from University of Brighton, UK. Thereafter he co-created Studio an-v-thot with Ankita to provide design solutions and won several awards and recognitions.
Architect Hafeez Contractor - An Icon
Who could believe that a student who was once scolded by his teacher for drawing structures of forts, bikes, guns, etc. in his notebook and also got prophecy out of anger and frustration that 'you will grow only as an architect', has today become the most famous icon of architecture in India who hardly needs any introduction. He is none other than Ar. Hafeez Contractor who at that time was not even aware with the meaning of the word 'architect'.
Demand Triggers Innovation from Architects
Today with over four decades of successful stint in Architecture and innumerable projects to his credit, Ar. Hafeez Contractor had just not grown only as a well-known face in the architecture fraternity for his avant garde and surrealistic designs but also as a man whose design approaches are in response to current demand. His vision has given a new meaning to highrise construction in India. He believed that architecture should be honest and respond to the spirit of times characterized by distinct ideas, disparate mission, contrasting conviction and divergent preferences.Being a controversial architect for unrealistic ideas and thoughts, his designs are not bound to one set of beliefs but he keeps playing with infinite possibilities and out of the box concepts. Speaking to Maria R. about his stints in the architecture world, flight of imaginations, and generation of innovative ideas with changing demand trends, Ar. Hafeez Contractor says, "Dreaming for anything is completely open as I'm dreaming for houses without water supply pipes and hopeful also to get them soon. 'I think demand is a vital thing which triggers innovation from architects. Vertical and sustainable construction is the need of the hour considering accommodation to huge population, thus maintaining a perfect harmony between increasing population and limited land. Architect while designing for today, should always keep future in mind. My desire is to work on such projects where a design and construction gives shelter to more people at a time as my wish is to see every Indian have his own house to live in." Excerpts:
Minerva
Since my childhood I was fond of sketching, drawing and designing sections of buildings, fort etc. So in short I will say that my passion drew me here.
Will you please give an overview of your journey since inception to present stature?
Firstly, I would like to say that there were lots of hurdles in my way to become an architect as my mother was not in a financial position to bear the expenses of my architectural studies which was quite expensive that time as per the income of my family. Secondly, I was also weak in studies and scored low marks up to SSC which refrained me from getting admission in any architecture college but I didn't leave the hope and kept trying and finally after a short time came to know about the Academy of architecture where admission was possible only if I qualified the entrance test. And I did it. I believe that creativity is vital to become an architect, not the marks.
After completing the architectural studies from the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai my career began in 1968 as an apprentice with my uncle Architect T. Khareghat. Later, after I completed my Master from New York's Columbia University, I became an associate partner in my uncle's firm in 1977.
In 1982, I started my own practice, with dedication to design excellence, efficient delivery and sophistication in building technology. We have over 550 employees, comprising architects, town planners, interior designers, landscape artists, civil engineers, CAD operators, and graphic designers.
Main - ONGC, Dehradun
So far, I have worked in executing wide range of architectural projects like bungalows, residential developments, hospitals, hotels, corporate offices, banking and financial institutions, commercial complexes, shopping malls, educational institutions, recreational and sports facilities, townships, airports, railway stations, urban planning and civic redevelopment, and infrastructure projects. The firm has to its credit over 2500 satisfied clients with 72 crores square feet of ongoing projects in 100 cities and 5 countries.
ONGC, Mumbai
What architecture means to you? A word about your Design Philosophy?
Architecture is a part and parcel of my life.' It is something to me which is priceless and can't be expressed in words what I feel for it. Keep creating and designing something innovative and out of self- expectation is my passion. Moreover, I believe that architecture should be honest and should respond to the spirit of time characterized by distinct ideas, disparate missions, contrasting convictions, and divergent preferences.
My design philosophy is not restricted to one but it varies from project to project, construction sites, clients' demand, budget, etc. I am an architect, who has always felt that the need of a client is of paramount significance because it comes out of necessity and my role is to satisfy that need rationally.
An architect should be very clear for whom (clients) he is creating; what should be incorporated in design that becomes unique once completed and draws others' attention and also he should consider what will be its impact on the society, people and environment. Architect should design for today, keeping future in mind.
Do you have any particular role model in the architectural and technological industries that have inspired you most?
Universal Majestic, Mumbai
How do you see at the current architectural trends?
Architecture is always based on current demand which inspires architects to think innovative ideas that meet the demand by coming into reality. Seeing the huge population of our country, I am advocating for layered infrastructure, vertical growth of cities, judicious land use and the need for sustainable compact cities to maintain a perfect harmony between increasing population and limited land resources.
As we are living in such a country which has a huge population so it is our moral duty being an architect to design in such a way that gives shelter to many at a time. Vertical construction is one way we can provide accommodation to lots of people on limited space. For the past 25 years, I have been propagating that we need to expand vertically and not be restricted by limited FSI (Floor Space Index). I would like to say that limiting FSI and restricting height of structure has been the biggest cancer destroying our cities. I had worked with a developer in Gurgaon and convinced the government that highrise development had more advantages in terms of quality life versus intense low rise structures dotting the landscape.
Moreover, with land becoming a scarce resource, we need new imaginative policies which preserve land, pave the way for new compact cities with intense development. We have to find out new ways and have a new approach towards designing our cities. For me a sustainable compact green city is the answer. We need compact cities and intense development for better taxation, connected centers of social and commercial activities, community based society, rich urban landscaping and proximity reducing waste of energy. Special emphasis should be on social housing to irradiate the housing shortage. These cities would be cheaper and easier to run rather than sprawled out, evolved existing cities.
MIAL- CSI - T1C
Your name is associated with several iconic projects including the recent Infosys software development block in mysore, global education centre infoys Mysore or other projects such as DLF Aralias, Gurgaon, Imperial Tower, Mumbai, GIFT Gujarat and many more. What always inspired you to think and design out of the box concept? How do you get the ideas?
I think demand is the most important thing which triggers innovation from architects. I will also say that the capability to think out of the box is God gifted and one has to keep it polishing and nourishing through his/her firm determination, dedication, and passion.
As you are seeing that today for most of the mega projects in India, developer/contractor are generally contacting international renowned architects like moshe safdie (khalsa heritage-punjab), ADRAIN Smith (imperial tower or Mumbai master plan), John Portman (park hyatt hotel Hyderabad), Ar. James Cybertecture (cybertecture egg, Ohm Tower in Mumbai) etc. Do you think it will be a drawback for the Indian architects as they will not get chance to show their creativities?
Competition is any way better. We have to show the world that we are the best. But my only concern is that why we are allowing the international architects to compete in our land when we are not getting chance in their country.
The Aralias- PAN
What is your take on Green construction?
Many people think that I am against the green building construction or development. But I want to make it clear that I am also advocating for green construction. Only there is a difference of definitions. I think that green or sustainable construction means not just to use energy efficient building materials and products in your projects but it should be in your design too where emphasis should be on judicious use of land to save it as much as possible. As once exhausted, land can't be produced or replenished anyhow.
I feel that Green construction is of no value when just to win gold or platinum rating, we will misuse our precious commodity i.e land but it would be worth when land along with energy will be preserved. Optimum use of land is Green and Sustainable to me and I must say that Architect should design for today, keeping future in mind.
Which building material such as glass, steel etc you love to work with?
All materials are good and nothing wrong with anyone. The only thing is that you should know its proper usage and method to apply. I believe that glass is a material of future.
Being reputed as one of the most innovative designers who is committed to create unique, inspirational, path breaking and sustainable structures; what new idea/theme is in your mind that you are looking for to work on?
Currently, my focus is also on social housing as I have a dream that every Indian should have his own house and in this government role and support is of utmost importance.
What according to you are the mantras/secrets of your successful life?
Hardwork, dedication, understanding of the social & environment needs and client's demand are the vital elements to get success in life. One should also keep abreast with changes and always adopt changes with time.
Architect Suman Sorg
"By designing in India I feel I have come full circle. Having been brought up here during my childhood and then being trained in architecture in the US I think I can stride that cultural gap through my designs. Architecture has given me the medium through which I can express Indian philosophy of being in a modern idiom." - Architect Suman Sorg
Born in New Delhi, India, Suman Sorg, FAIA emigrated to the United States in 1968 and settled in Washington, DC. After completing her architectural studies and serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa, she started her practice in 1986 which has grown to be one of the largest solely woman owned architecture firms in the United States. With a portfolio rooted in the design of complex and public buildings in the US and abroad, Suman Sorg guides Sorg Architects as Principal in-Charge and Chief Designer. In 2010, Suman's journey came full circle with the expansion of her practice in a branch office in New Delhi, geared toward assisting the firm's expanding portfolio of significant projects throughout India.
Suman Sorg's work has been recognized with numerous honors, including 28 awards from the American Institute of Architects, among others. She has lectured extensively and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
Suman began her studies at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, India and completed her Bachelor of Architecture at Howard University in Washington, DC. She went on to study Design and Historic Preservation at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Design Philosophy
Suman's overall philosophy of design is characterized by a strong commitment to thoughtful modern architecture that explores spatial, material and visual experience. Rather than imposing a style irrespective of context, she carefully examines the unique characteristics of each place (site, climate, culture, community), along with programmatic requirements, and looks to this intersection as the catalyst for an architectural concept. A long-standing practice in historic preservation and interest in vernacular architecture complement her modernist leanings. By combining contemporary techniques and design strategies with the innovative handling of traditional architectural language and indigenous buildings materials, she endeavors to create architectural compositions that relate to their extended contexts in a meaningful way.Suman emphasizes a philosophy of "light touch," striving for simplicity and clarity of design. She advocates an integrated approach to preserving and protecting the environment which is focused on an examination of project specific relationships to our core sustainability concepts. She believes that when a building serves its function and the people who inhabit it, the project is successful in providing a transparent solution that reflects its human purpose.
Architect Dieter Blocher, Blocher Blocher India
"Architecture needs visions. It must fulfil its responsibility and serve the people. This is why aesthetics, functionality and sustainability determine our way of thinking." – Ar. Dieter Blocher.
Ethereal lights whiz over the facade. They bath the night in warm colours, sparkling like the millions of lights on Diwali. There's no doubt about it: Mondeal Square is a unique building ensemble in the 3.5 million city Ahmedabad, a witness of a new era which raises the epicenter of Gujarat on one level with other world metropolises. Responsible for the architecture was the internationally renowned office Blocher Blocher India. "Architecture," says International Chairman Dieter Blocher, "is always influencing the character of a city and, at the same time, an echo of a social movement. Some projects even have a guiding function besides their actual purpose. They stand for a departure, an evolution, a paradigm shift." Dieter Blocher is an architect by passion. His buildings always form a harmonious unit with their surrounding; at the same time they radiate self-confident individuality. A balancing act which the German architect early learned to master. After his studies in Germany and the USA, he gathered experience at different architecture firms. In 1989, he founded the office Blocher Blocher Partners in Stuttgart, Germany - together with his wife, an interior designer.
After a short time, the course towards the international reputation was set, thanks to the success at two huge architectural competitions – one for the new conception of an urban health quarter, the other for the modernization of one of Europe's most influential retail companies. As a consequence, first European jobs came in addition and then worldwide tasks. Until today, many clients from back then have remained faithful to Blocher Blocher Partners - which is by no means self-evident in such a hard-fought market. "The balance between consistency and innovation has made a long-lasting impression on our clients," explains Mr Blocher.
Today, the internationally renowned office employs 160 architects, interior designers, site managers, product designers, graphic designers, visual merchandisers, and journalists. Together with the subsidiary firms Blocher Blocher Shops and Blocher Blocher View, the group offers a wide range of services like brand development, monobrand concepts, corporate design, retail graphics, publishing or public relations.
Set off for new shores
The German office community answered to the growing requests from Asia with the foundation of a subsidiary firm in Delhi. Especially for the Indian clients it was important to have an office on location. So, Dieter Blocher founded Blocher Blocher India – together with Angela Kreutz who took over the management. The special competence of the office is the interlocking of structural design and interior design. The business activities involve all facets of design, reaching from building construction, façade design, site development and interior design. This holistic approach is hardly reached by any other architectural firm. "We are convinced, that such a one-stop concept is the best solution for companies, because all areas fit together like the parts of a puzzle", explains Dieter Blocher. To stay true to the own demands, the 12-headed team around Head-of Hartmut Wurster and CEO Angela Kreutz never stands still. "We are always up-to-date regarding current developments and trends. This is why we travel to the world's most interesting hotspots; to be close to the action," Mrs Kreutz says. Another secret of success: the architects and interior designers work closely with their clients, always deeply committed. "Architecture can set a statement. Not only by creative design but also by the detailed execution. We stand for both," explains Mrs Kreutz. Evidently a smart and successful strategy: quite recently, Blocher Blocher India has been awarded with the prestigious VM&RD Award. But the Indian office does not only convince juries. Companies and private persons from around the world also praise its competencies and abilities. Amongst the well-known Asian clients of Blocher Blocher India are Reid & Taylor, Central or Odel.Additionally, the office develops and realizes concepts for the Future Group, SKNL and Adityabirla, to name a few.
2013 was another successful year for Blocher Blocher India. From all the thrilling projects of this year, one especially shines out: The Mondeal Retail Park. The architects provided the building ensemble with an absolutely original and beautiful façade.
Blocher Blocher India belongs among the successful architectural offices in India. But what are the plans for the future? The answer is simple: to be where the wishes of the customers are. "We will keep offering our clients the highest quality and sophisticated aesthetics," Dieter Blocher explains. "Furthermore, our journey through India has just begun. Sure enough there are many exciting tasks waiting for us."
Adding he says, "Life is a learning process. I personally can never stand still. This is why I want to further discover the diversity of cultures. During my travels through Asia and around the globe, I learned to see the world with different eyes. I experienced things from different angles which had a long-lasting and positive influence to me – for my professional work as much as for my private life. It may sound a bit cheesy but it is simply important for me to think outside the box."
Architect Adrian Smith
"Tall buildings allow for a great number of people to be housed very comfortably on a very small footprint of land. And if they are designed well, they can offer many of the amenities that people need for a high quality of life. In many ways, the very tall tower is a key element of the city of the future, in India and elsewhere." - Architect Adrian Smith
World's foremost expert of supertall towers, Architect Adrian Smith, grew up in California, building sandcastles as he wanted to see how high he could make them. Today, this American architect has number of renowned skyscrapers' design to his credit such as the Burj Khalifa, Jin Mao Tower, Trump Tower, Kingdom Tower, and so forth.
Since his childhood, he has always been inspired by the idea of tall buildings. He always enjoyed drawing as a child and in a high school mechanical drawing class, his first drawing was of a 40-storey skyscraper in dramatic perspective. When he came to Chicago during his college years, he was quite impressed by the skyline and the idea that humankind could make its own mountains out of buildings. He wanted to be a part of that and today by the grace of God he is recognized for building tall, taller, and the tallest.
In addition to designing super-tall, sustainable buildings, Adrian is committed to the greening of existing structures and helping the building design industry meet its goal of "zero net energy" buildings by the year 2030. Towards that end, AS+GG developed plans for a "green" retrofit of Chicago's Willis Tower, popularly known as the Sears Tower, that could cut the building's electricity usage by 80%.
Born in August 19, 1944, Adrian's journey to the height of his profession began with four years of architecture study at Texas A&M from 1962-1966, before he was lured to Chicago for a summer internship, where he eventually finished his degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago and landed a job at Skidmore, Owings & Merill. He stayed at SOM for four decades, advancing through the ranks and eventually serving as chief executive officer during 1992 – 95, before leaving in 2006 to start AS + GG.
Adrian has been a practicing architect for more than 40 years. His unique design approach emphasizes sensitivity to the physical environment. He considers each project holistically, taking into consideration site orientation, climate and geography, cultural and social influences to create highly sustainable projects that achieve contextualism within the global environment.
"We use a holistic, integrated design approach that explores symbiotic relationships with the natural environment." - Architect Adrian Smith
During the early part of his working career with Bruce Graham at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, he learned about the science of architecture and how to build and detail and about the importance of proportion. In the late 1970s, while working on a project in Mexico, he was associated with Ricardo Legorreta, who introduced 21, the concept of contextualism which meant that a building should have a relationship to its surrounding context and draw from the culture and character of the place. The nature of the site, the climate, wind and soil conditions were all to be factored into the design of the project as well. More recently, Adrian has broadened his contextual principles to include the introduction of harvesting the energy sources from the earth, wind and sun by integrating wind turbines and photovoltaic systems into the design of the building projects in an expressive way that adds to the vocabulary of contextual architecture. This results in a kind of global environmental contextualism.
Due to his approach for creating and developing high-performance, energy-efficient, sustainable architecture, he has a number of recognitions and awards to his credit. Recently, Adrian, designer of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and a champion of sustainable design, received an honorary doctor of letters degree from Texas A&M at spring commencement. Widely regarded as the world's leading authority on super-tall buildings, Smith is an outstanding alumnus of the College of Architecture and founding principal of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. His honorary degree was authorized by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at their Jan. 31, 2013 meeting, following recommendations from the Texas A&M Faculty Senate and University President R. Bowen Loftin.
Throughout his career, Adrian has played an active role in international projects and developments. Projects under his design direction have won over 110 major awards for design excellence, including five international awards, eight National AIA awards, 23 Chicago AIA awards, and two ULI Awards for Excellence. His work has been featured in major museums in the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Imperial Tower, India
At 116 stories and 400 meters tall, Imperial Tower was designed to be the tallest building in the city and a prototype for Mumbai, a densely developed but mostly low-rise metropolis whose urban future revolves around tall residential towers.The softly curvilinear form of this tall, elegantly slender tower is aerodynamically shaped to “confuse the wind,” minimizing the negative effects of wind action on the tower. Wind vortex shedding is also mitigated by the north- and south-facing sky gardens, which break up wind currents around the tower. The sky gardens also provide unprecedented access to light, views and connection with the natural world that are unprecedented in Mumbai.
Imperial Tower will also offer the most spacious and luxurious residences in Mumbai. The 76,272- square-meter tower includes 132 residential units of between 195 and 1,115 square meters, along with serviced apartments of between 72 and 252 square meters. All of the upper-story condominiums offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Architecturally, the exterior wall provides a strong visual contrast with the heavy masonry cladding of most surrounding buildings. The exterior wall is highly sustainable, blocking heat gain and diffusing direct sunlight in the hot and humid climate of Mumbai.
The sustainability of Imperial Tower is also evident in its treatment of water, one of the area's most precious resources. Water from mechanical systems is collected and treated as greywater; rainfall is also collected for re-use by the units. Highefficiency mechanical systems, a greenwall podium and the use of native plants in the landscaping and sky gardens also adds to the project's sustainable performance.
Ar. Moshe Safdie
"Architecture affects the lives of people directly. It comes with an extraordinary responsibility. I think one needs to take that responsibility very seriously. It's the quality of life it gives to its inhabitant." — Moshe Safdie
The architect and urban planner, Moshe Safdie is the world renowned for his head turning designs. Having an expertise of working on wide range of projects including cultural, educational, and civic institutions; neighborhoods and public parks; mixed-use urban centers and airports; and master plans for existing communities and entirely new cities around the world, he always embraces a comprehensive and humane design philosophy and is committed to architecture that supports and enhances a project's program; and is informed by the geographic, social, and cultural elements that define a place; and also that responds to human needs and aspirations.
He believes that a successful building must embody a sense of its purpose, place and tectonics. Most importantly, a work of architecture must give expression to the life for which it is intended. It not only satisfies the requirements of the program competently, but also its form should resonate with the diverse spaces and activities it contains. Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1938, Safdie moved to Canada with his family at a young age. He graduated from McGill University in 1961 with a degree in architecture. After working two years in the office of Louis I. Kahn in Philadelphia, he started his own practice in Montreal in 1964.
He was approached by Sandy van Ginkel, his thesis advisor, to develop the master plan for the 1967 World Exhibition. Influenced by his graduate thesis at McGill, Safdie refined a series of "Habitat" designs which revolved around a cellular housing scheme. Initially his ideas proved expensive and difficult to construct, but Safdie introduced the cellular scheme in several areas including New York and Puerto Rico where his ideas were successfully initiated.
In 1970, Safdie established a Jerusalem branch office, commencing an intense involvement with the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He was responsible for major segments of the restoration of the Old City and the reconstruction of the new center, linking the Old and New Cities. Over the years, his involvement expanded and included the new city of Modi'in, the new Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, and the Rabin Memorial Center. During this period, Safdie also became involved in the developing world, working in Senegal, Iran, Singapore, and in the northern Canadian arctic.
In 1978, after teaching at Yale, McGill, and Ben Gurion Universities, Safdie relocated his residence and principal office to Boston. He served as Director of the Urban Design Program at Harvard University Graduate School of Design from 1978 to 1984, and Ian Woodner Professor of Architecture and Urban Design from 1984 to 1989. In the following decade, he was responsible for the design of six of Canada's principal public institutions, including the Quebec Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery of Canada, and Vancouver Library Square.
Safdie Architects' Design Philosophy
Safdie Architects conceives architecture as a natural extension of its surroundings—urban or rural, northern or southern, ancient or entirely new—and recognizes its responsibility to contribute richly to its setting and enduringly to its community. According to the practice, to achieve a successful fit between a building's purpose and its design, it needs the architects and the clients together engage in a process of exploring the values and choices that will evolve into the final form of the building. As an architectural program lists quantitative requirements, but often misses many qualitative issues. So through dialogue or interaction, Safdie Architects draws out these subtleties and addresses the complex issues of a building's character, image and symbolism. In accord to practice, for a single project whether commercial or residential, there are a number of options and ways but they search for the most appropriate solution in the context of each particular place and time."I think you need to, as an architect, understand the essence of a place and create a building that feels like it resonates with the culture of a place. So my buildings in India or in Kansas City or in Arkansas or in Singapore, they come out different because the places are so different." —Moshe Safdie
Safdie's Architectural designs are based on the following philosophy:
- One of the most important goals in architecture is to create meaningful, vital and inclusive social spaces. We are responsible for shaping not only a project's program but also its large civil role of enabling and enriching the community.
- Architecture is not about building an impossible structure but about building what makes sense for a specific program and for a particular setting. The notion of ‘inherent buildability' is central to our work.
- We believe that architecture grows out of a vision of the way it can affect the lives of the individuals for whom buildings and public spaces are created.
- As an architect, we are responsible for designing buildings that address human needs and aspirations. For example, a school above all else, must be a wonderful place for learning. Every element of each design must be an expression of the life intended in a building.
- The strength of our practice lies in the geographical and cultural diversity in which we work.
- Sustainability has been a guiding principle of our work. As architect, we have a responsibility to respond to the issues of energy conservation, of ecology and of renewable materials. We have to use resources efficiently while we advance our clients goals.
Prestigious projects
Moshe Safdie's works are known for their dramatic curves, arrays of geometric patterns, use of windows, and key placement of open and green spaces. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including municipal entities and government agencies, colleges and universities, private developers, non-profit making organizations and civic institutions. Many of his firm's buildings have become beloved regional and national landmarks, including Exploration Place Science Center, Wichita, Kansas; Salt Lake City Public Library, Salt Lake City, Utah; Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts; Springfield Federal Courthouse, Springfield, Massachusetts; Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California; LesterB. Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada; the National Gallery of Canada; Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, Jerusalem etc.His recent works include: Mamilla Alrov Center, a dynamic urban center near the Old City in Jerusalem; Marina Bay Sands, a mixed-use integrated resort in Singapore; Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex, the national museum of the Sikh people in Punjab, India; the United States Institute of Peace Headquarters on the Mall in Washington, D.C.; the National Campus for the Archeology of Israel in Jerusalem; the West Edge project, a mixed-use facility in Kansas City, Missouri; the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri; and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
He has been the recipient of numerous awards, honorary degrees, and civil honors, including the Companion Order of Canada and the Gold Medal of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
Virasat-e-Khalsa, Punjab, India
Virasat-e-Khalsa (formerly known as Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex) is a museum located in Anandpur Sahib. Designed by the architect and urban planner Moshe Safdie, the Virasat-e-Khalsa celebrates 500 years of Sikh history and the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa, the scriptures written by the tenth and last Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, founder of the modern Sikh faith. The museum aims to illuminate the vision of the Gurus, their message of peace and brotherhood and the culture and heritage of Punjab.
Deeply rooted in its surrounding landscape and resonating with regional architecture, the Centre seemingly rises from nearby sand cliffs. Clad with local sandstone and evoking the fortress cities of Rajasthan, Gwalior, and Punjab, the Centre acknowledges the Sikhs' history as celebrated warriors. The upwardly curving roofs of the museum's tower-like galleries are covered in stainless steel, designed in counterpoint to the rich tradition of gold domes that crown sacred Sikh buildings such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The museum campus is composed of two functionally integrated sets of buildings. The western complex, forming a gateway to Anandpur Sahib, houses exhibition galleries; a two-level library centered around a grand reading room overlooks water gardens; a facility for storing rare archival materials; and a 400-seat auditorium. A 540-foot bridge from the western complex crosses a seven-acre network of reflecting pools, providing access to the eastern complex, which houses permanent exhibitions presenting Sikh history, religion, and culture.
Arranged in groups of five, the galleries reference the Five Virtues of Sikh religion. The symbolic themes of earth and sky, mass and lightness, and depth and ascension are represented by the museum's sandstone towers and reflective silver roofs, and are further echoed inside the museum's galleries. Safdie and his associate architect, Ashok Dhawan of New Delhi, worked closely with the exhibition designer, Amardeep Behl of Design Habit in New Delhi, to achieve a successful integration of architecture and display.
Architect Ben van Berkel
Photo courtesy: Inga Powilleit |
"Fundamental to our practice is the idea that new concepts for architecture can be generated almost everyday." --- Architect Ben van Berkel
57 year old Dutch architect Ben van Berkel is a director and a co-founder of international architectural practice, UNStudio, which is today recognized as a network of specialists in architecture, urban development and infrastructure. The firm was established by Architect Ben and his wife Caroline Bos in 1998.
Born in 1957, Ben van Berkel studied architecture at the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and at the Architectural Association in London and received the AA Diploma with Honours in 1987. In 1988, he and Caroline Bos set up an architectural practice in Amsterdam, extending their theoretical and writing projects to the practice of architecture. The Van Berkel & Bos Architectuurbureau has realized, amongst others projects, the Karbouw office building, the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen, the Moebius House and the NMR facilities for the University of Utrecht.
Education Executive Agency and Tax Offices, Groningen, NL Photo courtesy: Ronald Tilleman |
In 1998, Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos recognized that they were no longer working in a linear manner anymore, and the whole production of drawings was different. Moreover, clients approach had also changed and they no longer came alone to the table, but instead came accompanied by numerous specialists. This way the firm began to work alongside these specialists and learned to work in a relational, rather than in a linear way. This is how the architect duo got an idea of the "united network" concept and established a new firm: UNStudio that stands for United Network Studio, referring to the collaborative nature of the practice.
According to Architect Ben van Berkel, "Our ideas and solutions differ to a large extent in each our projects. Fundamental to our practice is the idea that new concepts for architecture can be generated almost everyday. We at UNStudio strive to create fully contemporary works and to be fully absorbed in the process. And for this we have many experts from a wide variety of fields involved in our projects as we call our practice a United Network."
Tour Bioclimatique, Paris (UNStudio) |
Throughout over 25 years of international project experience, UNStudio has continually expanded its capabilities through prolonged collaboration with an extended network of international consultants, partners, and advisors across the globe. This network, combined with its centrally located offices in Amsterdam and Shanghai, enables it to work efficiently anywhere in the world. With already over seventy projects in Asia, Europe, and North America, the Studio continues to expand its global presence with recent commissions in among others China, South-Korea, Taiwan, Italy, Germany and the USA.
Ben van Berkel has lectured and taught at many architectural schools around the world. Currently, he is Professor of Conceptual Design at the Staedelschule in Frankfurt am Main and was recently awarded the Kenzo Tange Visiting Professor's Chair at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Central to his teaching is the inclusive approach of architectural works integrating virtual and material organization and engineering constructions.
Ben van Berkel received many personal awards and affiliations, such as the Eileen Gray Award (1983); the British Council Fellowship (1986); the Charlotte Köhler Award (1991); Member of Honor of the Bund Deutscher Architekten (1997); the 1822-Kunstpreis 2003 (Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart) (2003); the Charles Jencks Award (2007); RIBA International Fellowship (2009); Member of advisory board for Gehry Technologies (2011); the Honorary Fellowship AIA (2013) and many more.
Oscar & Ponni Architects, Chennai
"Our design philosophy is to use as much as eco-friendly materials, natural daylight and save the earth's natural resources. We firmly believe in using green building materials and products for designing sustainable architecture."
Winning 13 awards in a single year which is unprecedented in the Indian history, the architectural firm 'Oscar & Ponni Architects,' has really amazed all with their incredible achievements. Established in 1995 in Chennai by Ar Oscar Concessao and Ar Ponni Concessao, after getting their Master's degree in Architecture and gaining valuable architectural experience in the leading firms in New York City, the architectural practice, Oscar & Ponni Architects, Chennai was set up with a vision to save earth's natural resources as much as possible and build Sustainable Architecture.
Over the years, Oscar & Ponni Architects' worked on versatile projects such as Universities, Engineering and Medical Colleges, Stadiums, Information Technology Parks, Bio-tech Parks, Nano Technology Parks, Townships, Hospitals, Apartments, Hotels, Resorts, Malls, Corporate Offices, Luxury Bungalows, Factories, SEZ, several Government and State buildings and so on. The husband and wife team of architects has not only worked across India, but also designed projects in Middle East and the Far East.
Flash Back
Ar Oscar and Ar Ponni have completed their B.Arch Degree from the Regional Engineering College, now NIT Tiruchirapalli in 1986, and 1987. After completing his graduation in India, Oscar went to the USA on a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, Norman and did his Master's degree in Architecture in Urban Design in 1987. Ponni also went to USA, with a Tata scholarship and completed her Master's in Architecture from Cornell University in 1989. Both Oscar and Ponni have done their advanced professional studies specialization at Harvard University and have also been conferred with Honorary Doctorates from the University of Malaysia and University of Milano for Modern Architecture and Architectural Science. They both worked in New York City with leading architects specializing in Skyscrapers, Institutional buildings, Hotels, Hospitals and Stadiums and returned to India after gaining lot of experience and settled in Chennai, Ponni's hometown and started their Architectural and Interior design practice.For choosing Chennai to get settled, the duo informed that this city is a blend of historic and contemporary, traditional and advances urban elements in a unique way. They anticipate that there is a big demand for housing in the affordable and the high end segment and also in the commercial office and retail spaces as Tamil Nadu being the leading state in the country to offer employments in the IT, Manufacturing, Financial Educational, and Tourism sectors which will certainly be a need for several office spaces, commercial, shopping and housing developments.