The dominant feature of an area should be reflected as works of art in the design of buildings, feels architect Kapil Gupta.
In a presentation hosted by the Indian Institute of Architects, Karnataka Chapter, architect Kapil Gupta of Serie Architects spoke on infusing into the structures a design that reflects the style and sentiments of the location where the dominant feature of the area is reflected in the architecture, connecting architecture to the city where the prevailing elements feature in it as a work of art.
A dialogue: Be it the Victorian trusses or the ubiquitous sunshades, the overhangs that have prevailed over time, the architecture would need to enter into a dialogue with the cultural, historical, social fabric of the city, contended Gupta. His project, The Tote, reflects amply these sentiments. Offered with a series of disused buildings existing from Mumbai’s colonial past and requiring the same to be converted to host restaurants and bars, Gupta set about reusing existing elements and adapting them to current usage needs.
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Shared terraces: His project, the Singapore State Courts, involved renovation of the existing Octagon Courts building besides adding two new towers. Incidentally the site was small and additions to the existing building were a challenge.
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The ashram challenge: The Jain Ashram in Gujarat, coming up on a 220-acre site, was on a barren terrain, having been deforested while surrounded by lush greens. It invited a design concept that reflected the sacred elements interpreted in a modern frame, while the inspiration was drawn from history and renewed with cultural and social relevance. “The idea was to move away from any specific religious representation and come up with a modern response to a spiritual setting”, said Gupta.
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