Category Archives: Indian interiors & architecture

modern Indian architecture

05/09/2007 DesignFlute 17 Comments

Modern Indian architecture and interior with traditional twinge

“None of the homes we design have screaming facades. They have nothing to prove to anyone”, says the architect Sandeep Khosla.

Architect Sandeep Khosla, based in Bengaluru uses tropical residential architecture with local and new materials turning traditional concepts into innovative interpretations. The way he blurs the line between indoors and outdoors is clever and adorable.

He with his associate Amaresh Anand (khosla associate) creates spaces which are heady mix of ideas, layers, textures, levels, water bodies and pebbled planes. He balances basic energies with natural and luxe materials, solid walls and glass expanses side by side.

restoration-1864

mtv office, Bengaluru

“None of the homes we design …. says the architect. Agree; a solid rustic bench, blushing pink, Indian colours, raw silk overhead lamp, a tree inside the house, ‘neel blue’ accent door creates such a seamless whole you think you have best of both the worlds.

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Indian architecture, Indian interiors & architecture

water temples of India

03/09/2007 DesignFlute 15 Comments

When we stored water that too we did in style. Style is incorrect. Splendour or magnificence is the right word for it.

We stored water in stepwells. Stepwells (bawdi or baoli or vav) are in essence wells in which the water can be reached by descending a set of steps.

Stepwells are most certainly one of India’s most unique, but little-known, contributions to architecture.

Stepwells were most common in western India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

stepwell- Adalaj, Gujarat

stepwell-Adalaj-Gujarat

Stepwells were built deep into the earth about 5 to6 storeys in height. These wells were designed to bring people & god and water & life together. These wells meant to entice everyone to leave their abode for a cool drink of water and retreat.These were for dependable, year-round groundwater.

Stepwell-Bundi, Rajasthan

Stepwell carvings

stepwell-Pushkarni,Vijayanagara-Karnataka

Rani ki vav, Patan, Gujarat

The vavs or baolis (stepwells) consisted of two parts, a vertical shaft from which water was drawn and the surrounding it were the inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps, which provided access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were carved generously, which became cool retreats during summers.

Walls of stepwells were lined with blocks of stone, without mortar, and created stairs leading up to the water.

While appreciating the carvings let us not forget the science and engineering skills behind these. So many pillars and lintels are made to support the five or seven storeys and that too everything under the surface of the earth.

Stepwells have also withstood the earthquakes in the range of 7.6 on the Richter scale – the large flat stones joined superbly are hard to move.

These were rainwater harvesting methods of that period.

(An immensely practical idea, the stepwell lost out with the advent of British Raj, who were extremely unhappy with the quality of hygiene that existed in these wells, they installed pipes and pumps.)

Stepwell-Imambara and Adalaj

click to enlarge

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Indian interiors, Indian interiors & architecture

a shade of simple brilliance in opulence

17/08/2007 DesignFlute 6 Comments

Most people know them as maharajas (kings) of Indian fashion, the reviving kings of chikan, jardozi and sequins & beadwork craft. They claim that they do not make garments, they make heirlooms.

a high chair with mirror inlay done in wood

traditional entrance

The designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla is known for words like opulence, magnificence and splendour.
Few people know that this maximalist to the core duo also does the interiors. They are sought after by India’s Hollywood actors and top businessmen for their ‘architecturally-designed chairs’.
What; I like, in their work is a shade of brilliance here and there.(See the chair, mirror work ceiling and dining table with chairs like drawers).

Interesting is to note that both have started their work with design related fields but lack proffessional training.

ceiling with embroidered mirror work

earthy restroom with Dholpur stone

fibreglass mask lights

dining table with slide in chairs

slate and mirror study desk

Indian interiors & architecture, knock, open the window

celebrating restoration

29/06/2007 DesignFlute 1 Comment

click to enlarge images

Just 7 days ago my university, University of Mumbai completed celebrating 150th year. To me it was not commerce or science learning there, it was and is getting lost in grand architecture, beautiful archways and mesmerising stained glass work. The pristine glory was falling apart but 150th year forced authorities to sit up and do the restoration work.

The 132 year old Convocation Hall was restored last year and Rajabai Tower which houses University library was restored a few years ago.

Yes I am celebrating restoration work!