Architecture is so much more than mere structural design for senior architect Bruno Dias Souza. It is an experience. 

His own house in Altinho, Panaji, is testament to this. Large openings, no interior walls except in bedrooms, and greenery visible from various angles in the house allow the family to appreciate the space inside as well as the outdoors. ... The Columbia University and Harvard University alumnus, who has served as director of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and advisor and consultant for the World Bankand the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), grew up in Badem, Salvador do Mundo, building models of boats and little houses as a child. 

Souza, who will turn 91 next month, studied at the Liceo Nacional Afonso de Albuquerque before moving to Dharwad and Bombay for inter-science and a stint in mathematics and physics as part of the BSc programme at St Xavier's College. 

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Souza, who was recently conferred with the prestigious Socio Honorario-Ordem Dos Arquitectos in Portugal, admits his professional career didn't take the turn he desired in Goa. His enthusiasm to work in the state soon turned into frustration. 

Two competitions he won for his designs of the Goa high court complex and the Goa assembly building complex gave him a taste of the ways of the government after they handed over the projects to others. 

"I worked abroad, mostly, and it was clean. As a principle, I refuse to pay bribes and that's why I couldn't build much in Goa. If you don't give money, nothing happens. One of my regrets was coming back here," says Souza. 

"I have refused a lot of projects that go against Goan tradition and Goan environment. The government should strictly abide by rules and set an example of how to respect heritage and the environment. But sadly, it is the greatest violator of rules and laws," says Souza, who has also served as chairman of the Indian National Committee of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).