Architecture responds to the culture and climate of a region

In the modern age, technology should aid the essence of Indian architecture by addressing its organic nature. It should respond to the climate as it has to survive in and cater to the functional needs of the end user.

What in your opinion is the right definition for Indian Architecture and Design?
Since India is a vast country with varied topography, climate and cultures, Indian architecture should be defined by its organic growth and cannot be characterised by a set of style or principal. In India depending on the geography you have the presence of deserts, mountains, sea, beaches, backwaters and tea gardens. Each of these unique geographies are entrenched in a culture of their own. Architecture too has emerged as a response to the climate and the culture prevalent in each of these areas. In doing so it has also created a sense of belonging for its end users whose lifestyles too are influenced by the climate and culture.

As we get globalised day by day, are we in the midst of an identity crisis in the architecture and design sense?
As Indian architecture and design are organic in nature, no matter whatever be the impact of globalisation or technology, its presence and proliferation can never be in crisis.

When it comes to traditional Indian architecture, which project in your opinion is a landmark project?
At Imprints Architect we believe in organic growth of design and architecture, for us the “bhungas” of Kutch are extremely unique solutions to their climate, culture as well as the topography and represents the perfect example of traditional Indian architecture.

When it comes to contemporary architecture, which project in your opinion reflects the inherent ‘Indianness’ in the present timeline?
The ‘Gufa’s of Ahmedabad’ by BV Doshi, which merge with its landscape and the, ‘Gandhi ashram’ on the banks of the Sabarmati river by Charles Correa which borrows its elements from the old buildings around but yet has adapted to new materials and technology is a master art reflecting ‘Indianness’

How much say will technology have in the future of architecture?
In the modern age, technology should aid the essence of Indian architecture by addressing its organic nature. It should help in creationof organically developed buildings which merge with the soil it is made in.It should respond to the climate it has to survive in and cater to the functional needs of the end user.

Ar. Sudiksha Parekh, Founder, Imprints Architects

19