In this interview, Ar. Rajeev Kathpaliya shares his journey and dedication to creating Community-Centric Architecture.

Rajeev Kathpalia, a partner at Vastu Shilpa Consultants (VSC), focuses on community-centric architecture, inclusive and sustainable design. His work spans from regional and city plans to institutional campuses and furniture. Known for his frugal design principles, he has won awards for projects at Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), and Nalanda University.

His net-zero campus approach sets a new standard in sustainability. It integrates architecture, landscape, ecology, and energy systems. By creating equitable and inclusive spaces, he upholds VSC’s legacy of people-centered and community-centric design, benefiting communities and addressing environmental needs.

Excerpts from the interview with Ar. Rajeev Kathpalia

1. When did you decide to pursue architecture as your full-time career and how did you land up in the field of architecture?

A: Growing up in a military family, I moved around small cantonment towns in remote hills, with little exposure to cities or architecture. The architecture I encountered was primarily old British-era bungalows that had been divided and refurbished. However, it was my time in a boarding school within a 6th-century fort that truly exposed me to history and the impact of architecture.

In school, we had a ritual called Astachar, where we would sit in an amphitheater and watch the sunset. This beautiful view helped me understand the sun’s effect on architecture, shaping my thinking as an architect, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

I was always good at drawing and making models, so my family assumed I would become an aeronautical engineer, as I aspired to be a fighter pilot. However, my plans changed when I developed myopia. My uncle, an architect, suggested I try architecture, recognizing my skills in drawing and model-making. It turned out to be a perfect fit, and I never looked back. My journey into architecture was a happy accident, deeply influenced by my upbringing and experiences.

2. Were there some instances in your architecture practice where you found similarities to what you had experienced as a child or while you were moving around with your family background being in the army? 

A: Spending my childhood in nature, away from hectic cities, instilled in me a sense of calm. This tranquility helps me face adversity with composure. At school, studying fort architecture introduced me to concepts of space and perception. The narrow staircases and wide walls, built over years without orientation, illustrate how chaos can create seamless order. This experience shifted my perception, allowing me to see grand spaces as intimate and vice versa. Although I recognized their impact later in life, these experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of architecture.

3. As you graduated from the College of Architecture in Chandigarh and did your Masters in Urban Design from Washington University, can you share something about your early career or college days experience that has shaped you as an architect today?

A: In my fourth year, I interned at Kanandira and Choudhury, a relatively large firm. After graduation, I chose to work at a smaller office to gain direct experience in running a business. I joined Ram Sharma, a landscape architect and teacher, where the team often consisted of just the two of us.

During my two years there, we entered four competitions and won two, including the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium project, although it was ultimately awarded to someone else. This competition experience significantly shaped my career. As a quieter person, I found competitions a more effective way to secure work than networking.

Competitions invigorate larger organizations, pushing us to solve problems under tight deadlines while projecting new ideas and visions. They also offer a chance to interpret briefs creatively, which can feel liberating compared to working with clients who have specific expectations.

4. Elaborate on your experience of working with B. V. Doshi sir and how it impacted you? 

A: When we moved here, I was running my own practice. The upstairs area, now my room, served as a guest house for the office. As the office expanded, we converted the guest house into our workspace. Initially, it was just my wife, Radhika, and me. We relocated when she was expecting our first child, needing a temporary office space for three months. Doshi suggested we set up here since we had won competitions nationwide, not just in Delhi.

Fate had other plans, as I’m still here 34 years later. We weren’t partners at first. We moved in 1989, and by 1991, Stein Doshi Bhalla dissolved. By then, I had completed several projects, including a significant public building in Delhi and collaborated with Doshi on the Diamond Bourse. During the Diamond Bourse project, we became partners around 1995. Over time, I took over both the design and management of the practice.

5. What are the ideologies of B. V. Doshi, that have stayed with you forever? 

A: He was an extraordinary human being. Over time, my relationship with him evolved from father-in-law to friend, colleague, and finally partner. For me, he was both guru and mentor. His teaching style didn’t focus on conventional education; instead, he aimed to challenge my thoughts, sparking new ideas. Despite being 30 years my senior, he never acted superior and treated me as an equal.

In the early days, we took morning walks together to discuss ideas, which I viewed as a form of grooming. After we became partners, he often asked me to draft his letters. Through this process, he refined my views and writing style.

A great storyteller, he shared profound insights about his mentor, Corbusier. Although I studied in Chandigarh and thought I knew about him, Doshi’s stories revealed much deeper lessons. He spoke of Corbusier and Kahn, two pioneers who taught me the importance of patience and resilience. These insights instilled in me the courage to understand that life is much more than it seems. B.V. Doshi’s wisdom greatly influenced my perspective.

6. How does it feel taking forward the legacy of B. V. Doshi? 

A: When it comes to legacy, I don’t feel burdened by it. My father always encouraged me to be myself. As a result, my work differs from his in many ways, even though we share common goals and values. The essence of our approaches may align, but the physical manifestations are not identical.

I consider myself fortunate to have realized many of the ideas he discussed. For instance, when he worked on Vidya Dhanagar, he emphasized energy and water conservation. In my later projects, like Smriti Van and Nalanda, these concepts came to life in meaningful ways. I truly stand on the shoulders of giants to reach where I am today.

7. How has your experience been with the Vastu Shilpa Foundation? How do you see the foundation growing? 

A: The foundation was crucial from the moment Doshi conceptualized it. He aimed to bridge the gap between academia and practice, with a strong focus on research. Many schools prioritize teaching large batches while often neglecting research, which is why the foundation was established.

Over time, the foundation has evolved. Currently, Kushnu, Doshi’s granddaughter, serves as the director. I was a director for six or eight years and initiated publications and international studios. Kushnu has built on this legacy with exhibitions in various countries and an increase in research activities. The archives are now open to scholars, providing valuable access to information and future publications for the profession.

One major challenge in our nation is the reliance on foreign textbooks that often overlook our unique conditions and climate. It’s essential to discover and learn from local experiments, both successful and unsuccessful, to foster a true understanding and appreciation of our national identity.

8. What was your ideology while designing the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum?

A: The brief from the then Chief Minister, now Prime Minister, emphasized the need for a project that transcended simple tree planting. The aim was to create a self-reliant ecosystem—almost a forest—in a drought-prone region. Inspired by Dholavira’s water harvesting methods, we focused on capturing every drop of rainwater through traditional stepped wells.

Initially, the Forest Department doubted the diversity of vegetation in Bhuj, but research confirmed 56 native species. This project shows that architecture is a journey of discovery, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. It can transform societies and drive change.

In the face of climate change and population growth, these opportunities for innovation are essential. Doshi embodied this mindset, with a curiosity that kept him eager to learn. Embracing such an attitude enables active engagement and contributes to societal development.

9. Where do you see the future of community development or do you see yourself working on some projects which might help the community grow in the future? 

A: Community-scale varies with involvement levels. Since graduating in urban design, I’ve developed a passion for cities. While working on the Ahmedabad metro line, we identified a crucial challenge: improving last-mile connectivity. We focused on creating pedestrian-friendly pathways and linking city blocks to metro stations.

In town planning, we integrated natural systems into our designs. New cities often flood due to neglecting natural drainage patterns, unlike older towns with better water management. Thus, we prioritized incorporating green and blue infrastructure, advocating for a balance between water recharge and extraction to ensure sustainable urban development.

10. Where do you see the education system growing or going towards? What does the future of the younger architects look like to you? 

A: Designing buildings goes beyond aesthetics; it encompasses community and environment. Projects should integrate into neighborhoods while balancing consumption with energy and water contributions. Architectural education is adapting to these needs, presenting young architects with challenges and opportunities. Advances in AI and smart technology are shifting construction from quantity to quality.

Architects should prioritize teamwork over individualism. Being a generalist helps weave together diverse expertise and understand how elements work together. Ultimately, successful design enhances its surroundings and fosters connections.

11. What were some of those projects or incidents which helped you to think that this is not how I should have done it or taught you something to do it better in the next project?

A: Challenges are a natural part of projects and life. What matters is how we address mistakes with humility, correct them, and persist. Setbacks are inevitable—much like stumbling while learning to walk. Persistence and patience are crucial; good ideas take time to develop. For instance, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial project started in 2004 and was completed in 2023. This shows the importance of holding on to one’s vision despite obstacles.

Similarly, personal dreams, like working on historic sites, can come true unexpectedly if you maintain your passion and stay open to opportunities. Life often leads us back to past interests, so dreaming big and never giving up is essential.

12. Apart from the project completion, what are the aspects of architecture which make you feel like I’m doing something? 

A: Doshi had a unique method for evaluating his projects. He would list them by year on paper and assign marks to assess their successes and shortcomings. This self-assessment helped him track his growth and identify areas for improvement. Inspired by him, I also evaluate my projects critically after some time has passed. This distance allows for a more honest assessment of their success and areas needing improvement.

Feedback is vital in this process, coming from awards, client reactions, and public interactions. For instance, during a recent site visit with a South African army officer, we met a 78-year-old local who practiced yoga there daily. His positive comments about the space becoming a cherished part of his life provided invaluable feedback.

Personal connections and public use of a project offer satisfaction and insight. While I receive diverse feedback—some positive, some critical—the key is to distill the most significant insights. Understanding that perfection is unattainable but continuous improvement is essential fosters my growth as a designer and helps me contribute meaningfully to the community.

13. As we conclude the interview, what is the one message that you would like to give to the younger professionals or anyone who is pursuing architecture? 

A: Architecture is a profession that blends exploration with creative fulfillment. As Renzo Piano said, being an architect is like being an explorer, embarking on journeys of discovery through travel and new design concepts.

This field uniquely combines science and art. Architects balance technical aspects with emotional dimensions, creating spaces that function well and enrich experiences. The impact of architecture shapes how people interact with their environments, enhancing enjoyment through thoughtful design.

Ultimately, being an architect means embracing creativity and perseverance. While many see it as merely designing facades, its true value lies in transforming lives and making a lasting impact on the world.

Conclusion

Architecture is a vast field that profoundly impacts people’s daily lives through the spaces we create. It goes beyond design, shaping human experiences and fostering connections with our environments. Architects balance technical precision with emotional resonance, crafting spaces that enhance enjoyment and transform lives. By valuing intentionality in every detail, they create meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact on the world, inspiring future generations to appreciate the art and science of design.