Bangalore, the hub of architecture

Nita and Indrajit Kembhavi (inset); a project they designed

Modern architecture is a fast developing field and has been quite in demand, of late. With going green being the norm, several architecture firms in the country are focusing on eco-friendly ideas and designs. After Hrs puts together a list of trends that seem to be taking over the city. And who best to ask than an entire family full of architects. The firm, Kembhavi Architects, was set up in the year 1972 by Sharad and Nalini Kembhavi. Today, they are joined by their children Indrajit and his wife Nita, and Parth and his wife Sowmya — all architects. Here’s a glimpse into this creative set up...

Family ties

A family of six architects! Indrajit Kembhavi reveals, “Even though my parents set up Kembhavi Architects, my brother and I were under no pressure to take up architecture as a career. But our parents did inspire us to make it a part of our lives. I met my wife at the BVB college of architecture at Hubli. Both of us worked as trainees in the firm before branching out in Bangalore a couple of years back,” he reminisces.

Living ideas in Bangalore

Moving to Bangalore meant expansion on various levels. Indrajit says, “It did not make sense for all six of us to operate out of just one city. Which is why some of us set up a branch in Bangalore. As far as the architectural growth in India is concerned, Ahmedabad was the most sought-after destination until some years back. But today, Bangalore is the centre of architecture in India. We have seen path-breaking work in the city and the people here are open to new ideologies too, which is a great sign.”

Earth matters

Going green is the mantra today. There is a need for reducing our carbon footprint and going eco-friendly. Keeping that in mind, Indrajit and his wife Nita work on solar passive architecture.

“Having a block of stone in your house doesn’t make your home eco-friendly. There are several factors like thermal conditions, pollution control, and power saving factors that makes it an eco-friendly building. When we started in Hubli, we worked on projects that give a rather cooler atmosphere. Later, we started solar passive architecture that is into promoting eco-friendly atmosphere. We make sure that the cost is economical too,” says Indrajit.

The trends

With several industries witnessing great innovations in their sector, what does architecture have in store? Says Indrajit, “There has been a marvellous growth in the field of architecture. It is great to see several foreign firms setting up base here. Though there is room for competition, we have the advantage of sharing expertise and experiment with varied thinking.” So, what are some of the trends that we can look forward too? “When modern architecture came into the country, there was confluence in bringing together western architecture along with Indian. But now, it’s great to witness several firms adopting the south-Asian tropical designs for their homes. I find this to be a major trend in terms of design value,” he informs.

Woman power

Earlier, accepting women as architects was a rather tough task. But today, we have several popular woman architects that clients prefer to work with. Has it been a tough journey for Nita, we probe.

“Since my mother-in-law is also an architect, I haven’t really come across any such bias or challenge. Today, several clients find it easier to convey their requirements to a woman architect rather than a male one,” says Nita. But does the fact that several woman architects branch out into interior designing change the way they are perceived? “Sometimes, even I wonder why women branch out into interior designing. However, it is an individual’s perspective. Some of the greatest architects in the world have been women. Branching out may be a personal choice,” says Nita.