Having trained and then practiced as an architect for the past 25 years, my view of the world is clearly influenced by the built. Charming streets and corners call out to me, as do interesting walls and windows. Watching the vegetable vendor arrange his cart, is as fascinating as spending time watching someone cook in their home, experiencing how people live and interact with space.
Observing people and their response to places, the innovations or “adjustments” that arise from space constraints and the common-sense brilliance one sometimes witnesses, fires my imagination. The conviction that architecture influences our lives far more than most of us acknowledge, and that an awareness of it might initiate change, is the driving force of this blog.
In my work in housing and collaborations with people and their homes, I have realized that many people lack clarity on what they need and how they would like to live. The joy of engaging with one’s routine and surroundings, being “hands-on” is slowly fading. In “musings on housing” I explore questions on communities and share experiences of the agony and ecstasy of building houses.
Understanding the traditional craft of building and experiencing spaces built by users – which have evolved over the years has been a strong influence and continues to be a passion. Techniques, rationale and sometimes superstition that govern this way of building – gives insights into processes that people are still connected to and engage with, essentially out of necessity. The section on “vernacular architecture” speaks about these stories and learnings.
The magic of architecture lies in the details, and in “the human dimension” I share the love of small things. The pain and pleasure of debating over the height of seats, or the width of doors. How staircases rule our lives, in design and construction and walking the tightrope between heat and light! How our bodies are the basic unit of measurement and knowing the dimension of your pace is very important information!!
In my travels with family and friends (who are not all architects!) it has been fun to share observations of details and the joy of new places and their architecture. Right from street furniture and landscape in different places, to monuments and work by master architects, in “places that inspire” I share stories of travel, building and cities.
Through “architales”, I hope to reach out to those who share my passion for architecture and people, and listen to their stories, questions and learnings. And if in some way it makes those who do not already think about their spaces and surroundings – think about the location of the chair in the living room, or a better route for the morning run, it will make it all the more worth it.
ABOUT ME
I am an architect who has been involved in building sustainable communities in Bangalore since 1995. Until 2017, I headed the design studio at GoodEarth, where among other things I was a part of the design and building of the GoodEarth Malhar ecovillage. In my work which focused on making users understand and be a part of the design and building process, my enthusiasm for studying human behavior in the context of architecture was infectious and it was through the telling of anecdotes about places and people that I received encouraging responses.
I have also been interested in exploring ways of how groups of people can be actively engaged through theatre and the arts, to build a culture that is not passive, but curious and interested in learning. This I pursue through Courtyard Koota. Music, travel and food are my other passions. I am based in Bangalore where I live with my family.
Natasha Iype
Having known you Natasha Iype has been wonderful! The enthusiasm and thirst for creating better spaces has really been showcased well with goodearth homes…seeing, living and experiencing the spaces is another dream come true.
Blending architecture with human behaviour is interesting