This keynote by Nisha Mathew and Soumitro Ghosh explores how architecture shapes human experience, focusing on their practice over 30 years. They emphasize that architecture is not solely about creativity, but is deeply informed by people, places, circumstances, and continuous learning.
Architecture is a continuous learning process, extending beyond traditional architectural education. They prioritize understanding, absorbing, and processing ideas rather than inventing.Their work is rooted in principles of freedom, democracy, and the creation of meaningful public spaces.
Nisha’s Mother’s House : Their first project, a narrow plot with a back patio acting as the heart of the home, designed to create an internal world.House of Stories / House of Darkness : Designed for an architect seeking a “house of darkness,” this project features fragmented gardens and fluid spaces, emphasizing a journey within rather than outward form.Coonoor House : A “complex in its simplicity” house with a floating living room block and wild grass landscaping, designed to overlook a valley. It involved handcrafted aluminum details and offers a bright, light-filled contrast to the “dark house.”
They discussed projects from the early 2000s where the client provided a very unique brief. It lead to understated yet rich spaces designed to protect from external “ugliness”. Emphasized sustainability through natural light and ventilation, with some buildings achieving 30% lower energy bills in 2002. Shared their experience with historical building interventions, such as renovating a 1740 Dutch viceroy’s house and a linen design studio where they surgically inserted new floors into an existing structure .
The importance of public spaces where old and new elements are combined.Freedom Park : A former prison repurposed as a public space, bringing history back to the city and people, serving as a venue for events and protests.National Military Memorial : Designed as a ritual path for respect, with spaces two floors below ground, emphasizing a contemplative journey.Museum as a Vessel of Culture : Discussed a museum designed with flexible galleries and an outward outreach program to engage communities.Working-Class City and Social Spaces : Showcased large brewpubs designed as new social spaces that blend with the landscape and external urban elements like the metro and flyover.
Nisha Mathew defines architectural references as a synthesis of complexities, including personal exposure to buildings and the client’s needs. They discussed the difficulties of renovation projects, especially dealing with the physical state and historical context of old buildings. They highlighted the importance of capturing the history and layers of the building in the narrative.Nisha’s first project, her mother’s house, abstractly interpreted Indian architectural types like courtyards and colonial bungalows
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