What's the thing about architecture that you love?
The one thing I love about architecture is that it gives me an opportunity to design something new everyday. Every morning when I wake up, I am excited to try and implement something new with every project we are doing at our studio. Everyday is day 1.
How would you define your design philosophy?
Well, there are 5 key parameters that we keep in mind while approaching every design:
- Sublime (It is pointless if it doesn't stand out).
- Pragmatic (Working with local, available yet desirable)
- Timeless (Architecture can't be composed of faddish design elements that lack a lasting appeal).
- Sustainable (Aiming net zero energy, encouraging execution teams to not be wasteful, recycling waste into aesthetic and practical applications on site.)
- Comfortable (A built environment is to be used by people daily, hence it shouldn't require a user manual to use it. It should be user-friendly and simple to use).
What are some architectural marvels that you've visited / want to visit?
Couple of architectural marvels from the list of visited places that fascinate me the most are Meenakshi Temple, Madurai and W-hotel that is built at the center of an F-1 track in Abu Dhabi. I would like to visit the Pyramids of Giza and Angkor Wat in Cambodia next. Scales and amalgamations fascinate me.
Project Name: Abode of Contrasting Textures Architecture Firm: Newness Architecture Principal Architects: Rajat Upadhyaya and Kaushal Upadhyaya Location: Jaipur Completion Year: 2023
Who's an architect you admire?
Sir Norman Foster, Frank O Gehry, BV Doshi and Hafeez Contractor.
What's the one thing an architect can't do without?
Sketching and Visualizing. It may be very rudimental but it is necessary to communicate your ideas.
What would your dream project be?
A zero energy mixed use High-Rise building with apartments, penthouses, shopping/retail, offices, recreational zones, hotels, etc. People would not have to leave unless they really want to. All their needs are available in this vertical skyscraper. Mixed use developments would decongest are roads in future.
And what's the natural stone you'd want to use in that dream project?
A true Makrana white, Albeta, the black granite in different finishes such as leather, satin, etc. These have to be the most durable stones that I have used that do not require much maintenance to retain their finish over a long period of time.
We are making our shortlist of natural stone wonders of the world. What are some stone buildings that you'd put on the list?
I mentioned Meenakshi Temple earlier - they've used granite, slate and limestone to build that monument. The amount of detailing in those carvings and interlockings is phenomenal.
If there's one message to quarry owners and stone processors, what would you want to tell them?
Educate your buyers well on the properties of the stone, understanding their and the architect's design intent and then allow them to make a decision on what would be the best fit for their design.
