This month Vaastuyogam met architect Leo Pereira at his Ahmedabad office. Born and brought up in Ahmedabad the 66 years old architect  has been a visiting faculty at CEPT School of Architecture Ahmedabad for over 25 years now. He began his career working with renowned architect Hasmukh C. Patel of Ahmedabad and then went on to start his own practice. Excerpts from the interview:

On teaching architecture at CEPT:

I drifted into teaching by chance but have stayed with it because I love teaching and being with the students. I share whatever experiences I have had with my students.

Unlike Law or Medicine or other professions the teaching process of architects is not prescriptive. One encourages the student to see and interpret things his way in a real and genuinely individualistic manner. Ultimately, this is what is expected of an Architect. If all architects thought the same way we would be living in a very boringly monotonous world. Some architects turn out good while others may not be so good but this, too, is a matter of personal taste and perception.

On Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a very personal thing. Each and everyone has his own sense of proportions and scale. I have my own and it shows in my work. Some may like it and others may not and it should be like that.

On his projects

Most of my projects are residential projects. They are low-key projects. If you were to pass by, you may not even notice them. In fact, the whole of my architectural style can be characterized as low-key with emphasis on proportion and quality workmanship.

I am very socialistic in my thought and believe that, above all, architecture should be humane. In the beginning of my career, I had a tough time trying to get my clients to accept my style. However, I stuck to my vision. As far as possible, I have stuck to what I believe. I have been doing my type of work for quite some time. Those who agree with me and like that style come to me.

Let me also clarify here that low-key is not necessarily small. Big is not always bad, just as small may not always be good.

On Ahmedabad

When you see it up close, Ahmedabad is a nice city that's not being looked after well by the people living in it. I don't know what the beautification drive people are talking about is. All we need to do is clean up the garbage littered everywhere and remove the unauthorized encroachments blocking roads. Also, the BRTS and the Riverfront project are good things that are happening to the city and the re-charging of the old ponds and lakes (talawadis).