Ar. Prashant Pradhan’s approach to architecture is deeply influenced by his experiences and commitment to sustainable design. He talks about his journey as a sustainable architect from being a student to starting his own firm in Sikkim, Gangtok. His work has received notable recognition in both print and digital media, and he has earned several prestigious awards over the past decade.
Prashant Pradhan Architects is a design firm based in Gangtok focused on delivering the highest quality multidisciplinary design. They do not distinguish between urban, architecture, and interior and approach each discipline as being seamlessly interrelated. His design philosophy as a sustainable architects is rooted in the context; therefore, issues of identity and culture get as much attention as sustainable architecture in the contemporary context.
Ar. Prashant Pradhan: At both conscious and subconscious levels, I believe I was inspired to be an architect. On a conscious level, my dad is a civil engineer. When Sikkim was still an independent country, he received the commission to build the Sikkim Embassy, where I was born. During the construction, I was right there at the site. My mother often shared stories about the interior designer, one of the princesses of Sikkim, who took care of me while my parents worked. This early exposure infused me with an appreciation for architecture.
By eighth grade, it became clear that I wanted to become an architect. I would notice built structures and think about ways to improve them. Even at a young age, I could grasp architectural plans and identify wasted spaces, envisioning alternative designs in my mind.
Additionally, during my time in a missionary boarding school, I often faced punishment. Instead of feeling deterred, I would actively think about ways to enhance the school facilities. This persistent inclination towards architecture guided my path. I realized that to achieve my goal, I needed to take physics, chemistry, and math to secure the right percentage and successfully crack the entrance exam for architecture.
Ar. Prashant Pradhan: My interest in CEPT, Ahmedabad, had initially waned as I was focused on SPA, Delhi. However, a senior studying in Ahmedabad encouraged me to take the entrance exam, and I decided to give it a shot. When I visited CEPT for the first time, I was surprised to see unplastered buildings. I wondered if this was due to a lack of funds. Nevertheless, the entrance exam was intriguing: all candidates sat for a single exam, and those selected moved on to the next stage, followed by an interview. During my time in the hostel, I made many friends and found myself drawn to Ahmedabad, not wanting to leave.
It’s a bit shameful to admit, but at that time, I didn’t even know the difference between Ahmedabad and Allahabad. Now that I’m married and have spent half my life in this city, it feels remarkable. Life truly takes unexpected turns. While focusing on architecture, I initially struggled to engage fully with the educational format. It wasn’t until I reached office training that I began to take things more seriously. By my pre-final year, I started to grasp the essence of architecture. Then, in 1993-94, I received the Piloo Mody Award, which was a shock to me, as I didn’t consider myself academically strong.
From that moment on, I realized I could be more than just an architect; I could contribute meaningfully to the field. This newfound perspective opened up opportunities, leading me to pursue a Master’s in Amsterdam, which at the time was a hub for outstanding architecture.
Ar. Prashant Pradhan: One important thing I want to share is that the journey is long. If you view it as a struggle, it will feel like a struggle; however, if you embrace it as an enjoyable experience, you should find joy in it. Architecture is a lengthy process; instant gratification is rare. The satisfaction you gain from it is unparalleled. For example, someone in graphic design can create something quickly and see immediate success. In contrast, architecture requires time. If you’re in a hurry, you are in the wrong profession. There are no shortcuts in architecture.
Ultimately, what you take home is satisfaction. You may not be financially wealthy like someone in IT, but you gain richness in experience. This profession offers a unique happiness quotient, providing balance, joy, and fulfillment upon project completion. You achieve something that will impact someone’s life forever—a rarity in other careers. So, don’t rush; eventually, the financial rewards will come. It requires time and a certain level of maturity. You must maintain a fresh perspective and demonstrate perseverance.
Most importantly, you need patience and optimism to ensure you don’t compromise someone’s design or home, where they will live. You must manage your time effectively and address problems as they arise, coming up with valuable solutions. Architecture is an everyday process; even this interview is teaching me something. Therefore, don’t pressure yourself to create something perfect. Focus on building something you can truly be proud of.
In this interview, Ar. Prashant Pradhan has shared his love and keenness for sustainable architecture since his childhood. He has narrated his journey as a sustainable architect through architecture that has transformed and molded him through the years and for the years to come. He has shared his profound memories and experiences as a student from CEPT University, his post-graduation, and his work experience in Amsterdam and New York, respectively. Prashant highlights the importance of patience and perseverance required to sustain in the field of architecture.
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