Architecture – A Symphony in Design

Comparing architecture and symphony orchestras offers a fascinating study in creativity, complexity, and collaboration. Both are embodiments of artistic expression, yet they manifest in remarkably different mediums.

At their core, both architecture and symphonies begin with a detailed plan. An architect's design serves a similar function to a composer's score. These documents are intricate, requiring deep knowledge and understanding of their respective languages. Design and scores guide the builders and musicians, respectively, through the process of bringing an idea to life.

Both fields demand a harmonious integration of complex elements. In architecture, the challenge is to blend form and function, aesthetics, material and engineering. Similarly, a symphony orchestrates a blend of instruments, melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, creating an auditory journey. Each note in a symphony, like each element in a building, plays a critical role in the overall composition.

The architect in the building process is akin to the conductor in an orchestra. Both are professionals who oversee the execution of the plan. While the architect coordinates with engineers, consultants and construction teams, the conductor works with different sections of the orchestra. Their leadership ensures that the vision is realized faithfully and with artistic integrity.

The experience of an audience is central in both domains. Architecture influences how people move through and feel in a space, while a symphony guides the emotional and auditory journey of its listeners. Both architects and composers manipulate elements (space, light, sound, rhythm) to evoke emotions and responses.

Both fields have seen significant evolution. Just as architecture has evolved from classical to modern and post-modern styles, symphonic music has transitioned through various periods like Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. Each era brings new materials, techniques, and ideas, pushing the boundaries of what can be created.

Architecture and symphonies are results of collaboration. While an architect or composer sets the vision, it takes a team of skilled individuals to bring it to life. However, within this collaboration, there's room for individual creativity and interpretation, be it in the nuanced approach of a construction detail or the expressive performance of a musician.

Entertainment value apart, the higher purpose of music is to lift the human spirit and thereby create a sense of joy and well-being in the minds of the listners. Architecture aims to achieve a similar objective - to elevate the quality of the lives of a building’s inhabitants by fostering their wellness and happiness.

Great works of architecture and symphonies often stand the test of time, becoming part of cultural heritage. Historical buildings and classical symphonies continue to be celebrated for centuries, signifying the lasting impact of these art forms.

March 16, 2024

Remembering Professor Oommen Thomas: A Guru and Luminary in Architectural Education

The academic community recently bid farewell to a guiding star, Professor Oommen Thomas, the esteemed former Head of the Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, an institution under the University of Kerala. Celebrated for his profound insights into architectural design thinking, his passing has left a significant void in the hearts of his family, colleagues, friends, and numerous students.

Professor Oommen was not just a teacher, but a true mentor. His talent for nurturing creativity in architectural design was unparalleled. He encouraged students to transcend traditional boundaries, fostering an extraordinary perspective in every endeavour. His teachings went beyond mere problem-solving; they were about elevating designs into unique, experiential creations.

He championed simplicity in design, advocating that simplicity coupled with uniqueness leads to astounding beauty.

His prowess extended beyond his exceptional teaching skills. Having met many eminent educators worldwide and served as a juror, I can attest to the rarity of finding someone with his profound grasp of what it takes to create an architectural masterpiece.

A personal recollection that stands out was a design challenge Professor Oommen presented us when we were his students - conceptualizing a floating restaurant. Our designs, more terrestrial in nature, failed to capture the essence of a structure meant to buoyantly grace the water. His critique was a masterclass in understanding the depth and integrity required in architectural design concepts.

Years later, I had the privilege of reconnecting with Professor Oommen, at a college reunion. There, he spoke of and redefined 'guruthwam' as the blessings bestowed upon a teacher by the students and not the other way around!

Recently, I had the honour of spending a memorable day with him and his wife at their home in Thiruvananthapuram. The wisdom and warmth shared that day will forever be etched in my memory.

Professor Oommen's approach to pedagogy was about shaping architects into thinkers, even visionaries. His mentorship has profoundly impacted numerous careers. The deep respect and affection his students and colleagues hold for him bear witness to his extraordinary abilities and talent. His legacy, as a beacon of architectural wisdom, will undoubtedly continue to enlighten and guide many in the realm of architecture and design.

December 17, 2024

Thought Leadership in a Dynamic World

A closer look at key traits that enable one to become a better thought leader

Thought leadership is all about envisioning the possibilities before they become obvious. Conventional leaders transition into 'thought leaders' when they transform themselves into great communicators of innovative ideas. They do this with clarity and consistency while being accomplished executors themselves, of such ideas. The ideas are usually shaped by the wisdom they gain from their focused thinking and outstanding work experience.

As an architect and an entrepreneur, I have had the opportunity and good fortune of designing and overseeing the construction of around a hundred projects in the past. Each of these projects had its own share of challenges. The completion of each one was the result of great teamwork that many a time tested my own leadership skills.

In this article, I have tried to summarise what I have learned from my own experience as an entrepreneur and watching other extraordinary leaders in action.

The following are a few important traits that I believe, make one an outstanding thought leader.

Plato once described thinking as the 'talking of the soul with itself'. Thinking is the key process that helps thought leaders evolve new ideas. The ideas thus evolved are often transformed into plans of action first and action later.

Vision

Thought leaders are visionaries. They know where they want to go and how to take their cadres with them in their journey. They use their vision to set unambiguous goals and articulate them to their own team, organisation or an external audience with great clarity.

The leaders are well aware that their vision and goals may not always bear fruits. If and when failures occur, they own them up, learn from them and move on. 'I can accept failure. But I can't accept not trying', said Michael Jordan once, offering his take on trying and not succeeding.

Creating own space

By communicating their vision and thoughts effectively, the thought leaders create their own space within a domain. They then usually go on to establish themselves as spokespersons for their domains or the industry they hail from.

Passion and conviction

'One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested', wrote E.M. Forster once.

The thought leaders' passion for their subject, coupled with their conviction, form the prime source of their energy and mainstay of their journey forward.

Leading from the front

True leaders lead from the front. They never shy away from assuming such a mantle and facing the challenges that come with it. They give their one hundred percent to everything they do, irrespective of the size and nature of the task. The outcome usually is inconsequential since they see the journey as exciting as the destination itself. For many of them, 'Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all', as Helen Keller once put it.

Perpetual learning

'To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often', said Winston Churchill.

I am of the opinion that being 'a student for life helps one in becoming a better leader. Thought leaders set themselves on a path of continuous learning. They use observation and analysis to constantly refine and redefine their ideas, even at the risk of contradicting themselves at times. However, they adopt this method without much reservation to keep themselves in sync with the ever-changing world.

The big picture

'Irrespective of the type of mission that one is on, it is important to look at the big picture. I have often felt that if a cause is for the greater good of humanity, nature plays its part in helping it succeed. It is probably this realisation that prompted author Paulo Coelho to say, 'When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it'.

Empathy and the world

To conclude, 'I feel thought leadership works best if the leaders' strong visions are founded on noble intentions and are matched by their equally strong, virtuous actions. It works well, partly because, out of all thoughts and actions, the ones based on nobility and empathy, are the ones that are aligned fully with the best interest of our planet. As Dr Jane Goodall once put it, 'What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make'.

Given the situation that the world is in today, we are in dire need of more moral thought leaders and their value-based leadership. Because, in the final analysis, true leadership is all about making the world a better place to live in!

November, 2021
Published by The Economic Times News paper ( ET Edge Insights )

BV DOSHI - A Tribute to a Legend

Globally, certain individuals stand out, receiving recognition for their exceptional contributions and achievements. Balkrishna V Doshi, a prominent figure in Indian architecture, was one of these remarkable individuals. His recent passing has undeniably created a significant void in the realm of modern architecture.

Doshi possessed many qualities, serving various roles for different people. He was a practitioner, educator, writer, speaker, and explorer, all combined into one person.

I first learned about him during my second year of undergraduate studies when our professor mentioned his work. That same year, I had the chance to attend a presentation he delivered at the national student convention at Sir JJ School of Architecture in Mumbai. During the talk, as he discussed the designs for his Ahmedabad office, he humorously shared that he had a 'Plan B' to transform the office into a discotheque if his architectural career hadn't flourished.

In my fourth year of studies, I visited the School of Architecture in Ahmedabad, where Doshi was the founding director.

My personal interactions with him began when I joined his architectural firm in Delhi, known at the time as 'Stein, Doshi and Bhalla', which he co-founded with Joseph Allen Stein and Jai Rattan Bhalla.

Doshi frequently traveled from Ahmedabad to the Delhi office to oversee ongoing projects. I vividly recall my first interaction with him one winter evening around seven o'clock. By then, most of my colleagues had left for the day, and as a bachelor with no pressing plans, I stayed behind to work. It was then that Stein, along with Doshi, unexpectedly entered the office. They approached me since I was the only one present, and Stein asked me to present my design for an institutional building in Lucknow. To my astonishment, after I finished explaining, Doshi had several questions regarding the building's design.

After that initial meeting, Doshi continued to visit the Delhi office regularly to monitor the project's progress.

In 2002, I visited his Ahmedabad office, Vastu Shilpa Foundation, and met him again in 2009 when he came to Bangalore for the screening of a documentary about him. In that film, he discussed a historical building he deeply admired, fascinated by its architectural proportions and wondering how ancient architects could create such perfection, a standard he aspired to reach. This reflection reveals a significant aspect of Doshi's character: the humility and willingness to learn that even the most accomplished people often possess.

At the end of the presentation, I posed a question regarding India's glass-clad 'modern buildings', leading to a meaningful exchange between us.

Throughout my interactions with Doshi and my analyses of his work over the years, I have come to realize that several key attributes contributed to his legendary status as both a person and an architect.

First, his clarity of convictions and ideas, enriched by a unique talent pool and a deep appreciation for India's vernacular architecture.

Second, his remarkable skill in transforming these ideas into architectural expressions and eventually built forms using the simplest methods.

Third, his free-spirited approach to life, which encouraged him to see it as an ongoing journey of exploration.

Lastly, his commitment to integrity within his profession adhering to a principle of doing the right thing, even when it wasn't externally demanded or expected.

Balkrishna V Doshi, a pioneer in Indian architecture, will undoubtedly be missed.

January 30, 2024

Architecture: The Intersection of Art and Engineering

Architecture stands as a compelling testament to the harmonious intersection of art and engineering. This unique discipline not only shapes our physical environments but also influences the way we experience and interact with the world around us. At its core, architecture blends aesthetic vision with technical precision, resulting in structures that are both beautiful and functional.

The artistic aspect of architecture involves the creative expression of forms, spaces, colors, and textures. Architects draw inspiration from nature, history, culture, and human emotions, manifesting their ideas into tangible designs. This artistic approach is crucial, as it determines how a structure will fit into its environment and resonate with its users. Iconic buildings, such as the Sydney Opera House or the Guggenheim Museum, exemplify how artistic vision can transform a simple structure into a landmark that captures the imagination.

India's temples and palaces are remarkable not only for their artistic splendor but also for the high level of engineering expertise they exhibit. These structures, crafted over centuries, reflect a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and environmental considerations.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an exemplary fusion of art and engineering. Its massive sandstone blocks, assembled with precision, feature intricate carvings that depict stories from Hindu mythology. The temple's soaring vimana (tower) rises to 66 meters, demonstrating the architects' skill in creating a balanced and stable structure.

Similarly, the intricate step wells of Rajasthan, such as the Rani ki Vav in Patan, combine functionality with artistic expression. Designed to provide water access during dry seasons, these wells are adorned with exquisite sculptures and geometrical patterns, showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering.

It is the engineering facet of architecture that ensures that the artistic visions can be realized safely and efficiently. Integrating innovative engineering solutions, such as sustainable materials and smart technologies into architectural design, allow for more ambitious and environmentally conscious structures. This collaboration results in designs that are not only striking but also resilient and practical.

One of the most compelling aspects of architecture is its ability to evoke emotions while meeting functional needs. A well-designed space can inspire creativity in a workplace, provide solace in a home, or foster community in public buildings. When architects and engineers work together, they create environments that enhance well-being, promote sustainability, and reflect the cultural values of their communities.

Moreover, as cities evolve and face new challenges such as climate change and urbanization, the role of architecture as the intersection of art and engineering becomes even more critical. Innovative architectural solutions can address these challenges creating sustainable, adaptable, and forward-thinking designs that prioritize not just aesthetics but also longevity and resilience.

Architecture is a remarkable fusion of artistic imagination and engineering expertise. It is a discipline that goes beyond mere construction, reflecting the human spirit and aspirations. As we continue to explore this intersection, the potential for creating breathtaking and functional spaces is boundless, ensuring that architecture will remain a vital aspect of our lives for generations to come.

November 04, 2024

Time

I made a timepiece yesterday,
With that I created time.

My timepiece blinks just like the
Twinkling stars of the heaven.

I asked the stars, ’Aren’t you jealous of my timepiece?’
The stars whispered, ’What do you mean by time?’

The river winds gently through the heart of the forest, its tranquil flow the only sound breaking the silence that envelops me. As I sit on the riverbank, I am drawn into the rhythm of the water, lost in contemplation.

A leaf drifts by and vanishes from sight; in that moment, I name it the past. A second leaf floats into view, vibrant and present, and I call it the present. Any leaf that might come along afterward will belong to the future.

In this simple understanding, I find joy. I can perceive the passage of time as it unfolds around me!

Yet, from up above, a bird watches closely. She flutters her wings and chirps, challenging my interpretation of events. She insists that my observations are flawed, declaring that all the leaves are afloat simultaneously on the river's surface. She explains that my limited perspective prevents me from grasping the entirety of the scene.

Oh, how envious I feel of that bird! How I long to take flight, to ascend into the sky, and to witness the world through her eyes—the vast expanse of time and space woven together into a single, magnificent tapestry!

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