“Going Vertical is a Logical Choice”

Architect Reza Kabul talks about the changes taking place in the field of architecture and touches base upon issues like the impact of globalisation, vertical approach, and sustainability among others
Could you brief us about the status of architecture as a profession today?Architecture as a profession has undergone a drastic change in current times. From being an unknown entity to receiving recognition for their work, architects are known by their efforts in the form of built environments today. People are also becoming aware of the existing architects and look forward to their projects in a big way.
Globalisation is opening many new vistas for project developers around the world, how do you see its impact over the practice of architecture?Globalisation gives us all a larger canvas to design on, many architecture firms can now think of setting up offices abroad and going international widening their work field.
What is the biggest challenge the profession of architecture is facing as far as India is concerned?India for a long while now is horizontally constrained resulting in high property rise forcing common man to own a home outside the city which is greatly increasing his/her travel hours.
Nowadays, several architects are of the opinion of growing vertically, what is your outlook?Going vertical to combat the horizontal constrain is one solution. This will result in more housing in a lesser space. 
Going vertical is not only smarter but also a logical choice. Going vertical helps build more houses in a lesser space. It saves the travelling time and thus decreases the use of fuel that causes too much pollution. Being placed in the city helps having all amenities at access, leaving one the option to walk to nearby destinations.  It even gives more space to build gardens and playgrounds for the kids of the generation.
‘Green’ and ‘Sustainable’ are the buzzwords for construction industry, what sort of approach an architect should have while designing such structures?Green buildings do not consider a very important fact known as embodied energy. There is much more that the field needs to develop on. 
Finally, what are the attributes needed to become a successful architect?Like most professional fields, architects too require to be hardworking, perseverant, and dedicated. They need to keep working towards new technology and ideas.

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