Dynamic Synergies for The Future [Mar 2012]

Predicting a bright future for real estate in South India, Oscar & Ponni Architects push the boundaries and reinforce their faith in clients while designing big and small projects
With over a decade in the industry, tell us about your journey as an architect?Oscar & Ponni Architects, the husband-wife team, based in Chennai has completed 15 years of architectural and interior design practice and the journey has been absolutely fantastic. We set up our architectural practice in Chennai in 1996 after getting our Master’s degree in Architecture and gaining valuable architectural experience in the leading firms in New York City. It was very challenging initially as we were new to Chennai, it was a roller coaster symphony, starting the firm, growing, managing, and ultimately transitioning out a design firm successfully to the satisfaction of our clients and winning architectural and Interior design accolades.
What kind of design approach does OCI Architects follow to reach its goals?We work on every project small or large very enthusiastically as we firmly believe that the client has faith in us and we cannot let him down and see that all his requirements are fulfilled to his or her satisfaction, and perform to their intended functions flawlessly. We are very demanding of ourselves and are equally demanding of our clients. They are our partners. They are valued collaborators in shaping the program, determining a direction and defining the success of the buildings. We present the client various design and style options and the pros and cons of each and we listen carefully to the needs and aspirations of the client. This way we establish a dynamic synergistic relationship, we also show different product presentations which go into their buildings and work out right materials and specifications based on their budgets. We have been very fortunate that we keep getting repeat projects from our clients over the years. Several of our diverse projects have been recognised with several national and state awards. We like to rise up to the challenges in developing new building typologies and design vocabularies.
Do you follow any signature design element in your projects?Our design approach is built not on a pre-determined aesthetic or a rigid signature style. It grows naturally from a quest for ideas and answers. Designs are never imposed. They evolve from a rigorous inquiry into the particulars of location, context, program and clients brief. They represent our determined belief that we can transform problem solving into good architecture. Architecture is a response to fundamental basic human needs-a way of organising space while meeting practical demands. At its most exalted, architecture can introduce new perspectives and new dynamics, reinvigorating both landscape and cityscape. We strive to synthesise these two parameters, to create buildings that uplift the spirit and are memorable.
According to you how has architecture transformed over the years?Indian architecture has a great history and is all set for an exciting period ahead, transforming India from a humble developing country to a world leader with airports, monorails, high speed corridors, mixed use developments, towers, malls and multiplexes. The people are also aware of good architecture, public spaces; the awareness is very high in terms of new materials, construction technologies due to the impact of the media, internet, product exhibitions and frequent foreign travels.
You have executed projects in India as well as abroad, what are the major differences you find in terms of structural design?In abroad structural designs are purely driven by Technology using different computer software’s, simulations, resolving complex design parameters. In India it is yet to catch up to that level, because of which new ideas are limited.
What initiatives have you taken to renew urban India?Our architecture is strongly rooted in the modern movement, using the site effectively, contours, daylight, wind direction, and incorporates a subjective approach to concept and design, seeking alternative interpretations of modernism. Architecture is a contextual problem of use and reference to models, my architecture does not have a pre-established architectural language, it arrives from the response to the site, the geometry, a situation in the transformation in which we both participate.
Could you share your thoughts on the growth of infrastructure in South India?South India is a blend of historic and contemporary, traditional and advances urban elements co-mingled in a unique way. The growth of real estate in South India is of paramount importance due to the geographical location, well connectivity, by rail, sea and air. South India has also developed as the largest Commercial, Information technology, manufacturing and education, medical sector. This being the case, there will be a big demand for housing in the affordable and the high end segment as well as the commercial office and retail spaces.
South India will lead the country to offer employments in the Information Technology, manufacturing, financial educational, and tourism sectors. This being the case there will certainly be a need for several office spaces, commercial, shopping and housing developments.
Your upcoming projects We are currently working on a 40 lakhs square Information Technology park SEZ, several residential townships, such as affordable housing apartments, villas, row houses, hotels, hospitals, and educational campuses.
With the current slowdown in economy, how do you see this affecting your profession?Still with recession looming, investing in real estate is safer compared to stocks, gold or any other mutual funds. And all these have their merits and demerits for certain sections of people. While stock market, gold, is accessible to mass retail investors and as far more liquid, real estate investment requires more upfront commitment and may not be liquidated that easily. Investing in real estate is good as you can maximise your returns, but you should be good at selecting, improving, managing and financing.

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