Your work focusses on low-cost housing. Could you explain this in the context of developing countries?
Basic housing can only be provided by understanding the needs of local communities. A ‘one size fits all’ concept does not work. We need to customise designs. For instance, a project in Newcastle, UK, has converted unused commercial space into housing for the elderly. India needs to adapt such measures and use vacant spaces imaginatively for housing.
How can we nurture aesthetic sensibilities at the academic level?
It is important that India adopts culturally relevant designs that suit its climate and aesthetic sense. Architectural colleges in India must give their students international exposure and at the same time encourage locally inspired designs. Investing in teachers goes a long way in shaping future architects.
What do you think about architectural practices in India?
India has a lot of potential and there are a number of practices we can replicate from architects here. For instance, the contemporary building technology using passive cooling techniques is a viable tool of sustainability. Similarly, I find creation of green spaces and use of water for cooling to be common design elements here.
From the design perspective, what do you feel India needs to follow?
Good design should not be seen as a commodity, but as an art. Educating students from a young age on design sensibilities is important. India needs to bank on its emerging entrepreneurial spirit and encourage architects to take risks and ensure their designs have a local context. One cannot build architectural culture by importing architectural style.
