A conversation between filmmaker Aradhana Seth and architect and designer Sonali Bhagwati, the President of DPA (Designplus Architecture), Delhi. One of the veteran pioneers of the design field, they discuss how her journey brought her to Ahmedabad to study at CEPT University, as well as some of the key evolutions, problems and solutions of Urban Design in India.
[01:50]
Ever since I was a child, I used to enjoy art and art classes, and I was heavily influenced by the artists around me at the time. Although I never understood it too deeply at the time, I think it remained in my subconsciousness, and I always knew I wanted to move away from general “academics” and do something in the creative field.
[04:20]
Although I branched away from the academics that my family was deeply a part of, my parents always supported me, as they believed that you should always follow your passion, and whichever field you choose for yourself, you should do your best to excel in it.
[05:45]
Architecture is the Mother of all Arts.
[09:45]
Today, technology plays a major role when designing and constructing a project – be it interior, architectural or urban design. As our world is evolving, so are the duties and roles of everybody within it. Architects used to be the “whole soul” of a project, but today, we are akin to conductors of an orchestra. It is our job to bring together the various services of a construction project, and ensure everybody plays their part to realise and bring the vision to life.
[11:00]
I love being around young people, and am always trying to learn from the new generations. Everybody comes in with fresh ideas and techniques, and even professionally, we always try to invite innovation and technology.
[16:30]
Any kind of design and construction ravages mother Earth, and so we need to develop process which alleviates this at the highest degree possible.
[18:30]
Good design can also influence Social Behaviour.
[23:00]
There has been a quantum shift in architecture and interior design. When I started practicing in the late 1980’s, we would always see projects and construction happening all over the world, but we would always resign ourselves into thinking that we would never be able to do work like that, purely because we did not have the resources. In the 90’s, when the economy started opening up, we suddenly gained access to international technology, and the perceptions of what was possible changed.
[27:00]
In the newer generations, there is a race to do better. To construct more or to reach positions as fast as you can. In that race however, one can forget that there are certain processes and systems that one must follow. In order to achieve a mature design, you need to go through the arduous process and steps required to get there.
The dream is only 1% of the process. The remaining 99% is the effort and work put in to achieve that dream. Learn to create things which stand the test of time.
[IN]SIDE Talks are a series of conversations between Filmmaker Aradhana Seth with various reputed architects and designers around the country, support by Outlook, in association with H & R Johnson (India). Each conversation does aims to investigate the deep connections architects have with their crafts, and give an insight into their lives as people, creators, learners and masters.
