ISSUE 1 | STAND POINT
A walk through the dunes
PROFILE
- He has been a part of various government corporation as an architectural consultant like Rajasthan tourism development coorporation (1979-1985). During his timeover there he designed various tourist midways, tourist bungalows, and tourist village for rowing event of IX Asian Games 1982 at Ramgarh.
- He is architectural consultant to various industrial groups in and out of Rajasthan, including Rajasthan small industries corporation.
A walk through the dunes
- I have been building my professional practice over four decades and I am of the fervent belief, that we learn with every passing day. Contrary to what maybe expected of someone who has been in the profession for as long as I have, I find myself experimenting, questioning and at times even challenging what others see as established norms. I am of the opinion that during the course of our lives we each find our path, but I would like to share some of my learning’s and findings.
- To begin with, I would say one must love what you do because only when we love something would we be willing to sacrifice and fight for it. My journey has not been easy and I would say that it was my sheer love for the profession that I was able to walk on this path. I am known for my architectural style, which some even term traditional, but I am of the belief that I have understood the value of our traditional techniques and practices. Contrary to popular perception these techniques are as relevant today as they were when they were first devised. For a simple reason that when we look at the grandiose scheme of things, the time that has elapsed our own lifetime seems quite insignificant. These techniques and materials have reached perfection as a result of constant evolution and all the rough edges have smoothened out.
Hotel Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
Pic courtesy- www.architectravikumargupta.com
- For me the functionality of the building takes precedence over anything else and I have come to observe that in any context the use of indigenous materials and techniques help the buildings function better, and with much more ease. The traditional aesthetics if they can be termed so come from a very rational line of thought and not only does it establish belongingness to the context but it also adds to the behaviour of the buildings we build. This the reason that in most of the projects we do we attempt to make use of indigenous materials and techniques apart from their credentials of being tried and and tested over eons they also help in keeping alive the local crafts and techniques and beyond this they also bring four square meals to families of those involved.
- I would conclude by saying that as designers it is important and also is our moral responsibility that we educate our clients and society at large about traditional techniques and materials so that they can make an informed decision.
- The way forward can only be reached when you have threaded the past.