Celebration of Life

"Our journey on Earth is like a burning matchstick. We know that the matchstick will burn itself out once it reaches its end. But sometimes, all it takes is small gust of wind to extinguish the flame of life...! " - Rohan Thakur, Way Back Home

It’s another normal day but with a pinch of special treatment. The very same day – when you were brought to home (as if from a market) or dropped (by the gods) wrapped in white piece of cloth – that’s what mums tell us when we are young. Family and friends wish you and make you feel ‘special’ and eventually the day starts belonging to you! It is ‘your’ day after all and the mood is set up for celebration. It is very happy feeling which we are trained to experience since childhood. Well, ‘my day’ (almost always) used to be the first or the second day of the new academic year and thus I was pampered by new class teachers on the very first day – quite a good feeling indeed! But now, twenty six years after that happy day, things are not quite same. I find myself draped in some weird thoughts.

Why we celebrate Birthdays?

Of course its the anniversary of the day when you were born… when you inhaled oxygen for the first time, when you got 'life'...

So, on birthdays we are celebrating LIFE!

But then, what is life? Its a journey. A journey towards a definite destination. It’s a journey that has begun and will end, for everything that has been created will be destroyed. It’s a journey in which you do not travel alone; you are born as a kid and your parents, within the cover of their love, care and protection, help you reach a stage where you can talk and interact with other kids. There the first ‘connection’ of this journey is made – the relationship with your parents! This connection helps building you more connections when you are sent to school. In school you meet up several like-minded kids daily. There you start building up 'frequencies' with most compatible of the lot - you call them ‘friends’. With the help of these buddies you move on in your journey with much more ease and security. Then, as we grow up, the importance of 'gurus' come into play. Though, a 'guru' is a very indefinite post as anyone can be a guru (a teacher) but let us stick to the technical term for now. With the help of a guru you learn the 'basics' of life. A code of conduct (education) is given by these gurus, which if you follow during the journey of life, might turn you into a civilized human being. Being civilized means you are a part of civilization and thus thousands of people who are moving along with you in this journey of life, directly or indirectly, are connected to you in some or the other way. When you realize that you are supposed to be concerned with the society (civilization) as well, you come out of the bubble you were living in and your connections or circles grow even more. Some connections are emotional and thus strong as they are natural bonds; and others are professional, meaningful, meant to solve a purpose and thus remain weak but equally important for the journey. And one day you realize that in this journey of life, which you were supposed to walk alone, you are actually being accompanied by thousands of people, everyone connected to you somehow.

Thus, in fact, on birthday you are celebrating your life and you are also celebrating the relationships that you have gained till date - you are celebrating your childhood, your adolescence, your youth, your family, your friendships, your companions, etc. And maybe that’s why we celebrate it every year so that we can update our own 'bahee-khaata' (balance sheet) of relationships that have been added in.

That makes sense.

But, unknowingly, during this journey we grow 'attachments'. Attachment with those very same connections that you have been building till date. Attachment with those whose presence we celebrate every year on our own birthday. Attachment is a nice thing, it reminds you that people love you and care about you. One feels good to know that someone else values him more than anyone else. But then it comes with a feeling of insecurity. Attachment comes with a feeling of fear - fear of losing the ones you are attached to. Till date you have never traversed through the journey of life alone. No one does. At every step you have taken help from someone. That has made you 'dependent'. And thus you ‘fear’. You are afraid because you don’t know how to travel alone. One would never learn that throughout his life.

But one travels alone in death. People accompany them till a point 'jiske aagey koi sath nahin jaata' - The ultimate destination. Everybody in this journey is traveling to reach that point. Some call it moksha, some call it nirvana, and some wish to see jannat and some heaven. Everyone comes to life and travels so as to reach the same destination.

One attains this destination when he is freed from the bondages; bondages of life.

Wait, bondages? Where they came in from?

Q. What are the bondages?

A. The attachments B. The relationships C. The connections or D. All of them

Well, that brings us to the conclusion that on birthdays we actually celebrate our BONDAGES.

Then, there are different forms of bondages also. After being travelling in this journey for twenty six years one realizes his/her responsibilities towards other fellow travelers. Imagine it as a caravan. You are tired and you want to have some water and sit and relax somewhere under a tree but you cannot as the caravan won’t stop for you. Thus, if you want to 'celebrate life' (birthday) in a particular way, you cannot, as you are bounded by responsibilities.

So, another conclusion is that on birthdays we also celebrate our responsibilities, whether we wish to or not, we have to.

All in all, we celebrate!

Maybe we celebrate due to our responsibilities, bondages or even out of fear. We are afraid of the 'uncertainties' of this caravan. You don’t know when you'll have to leave the caravan or when others will leave it. ‘Leave’ is the wrong word. Actually, we are afraid of when the journey will be over. But this fear also starts diminishing as you carry on with this journey (or live for more years). The experience of life tells you how to react when someone else's journey is over. But then it gets complicated when someone else completes his journey before you do. It becomes difficult for those who are left behind to continue the journey.

But, if we know that all are moving towards one single ultimate destination then why we don’t celebrate it when someone reaches his destination? Why we don’t celebrate death? “One can see the 'celebration of death' in Banaras”, one of my friend recently told me. Fascinating! Isn’t it? We do not celebrate death as we, who are left behind in the journey, always find the death of other person 'untimely'. We feel that someone who left the journey before might have not reached his destination. Thus we repent the loss, for some time, and then we move on with the caravan.

We have mastered this art of ‘moving on'. So much so that we have particular set of days to feel sorrow. We know that any moment of this journey could be the last one and thus we celebrate things which value or cater directly to the 'moving' caravan. For, we don’t have any idea about what is happening with those who have completed the journey.

Under the influence of this 'anticipation' of what is going to happen next, we created birthdays. We ourselves designed a model where we celebrate life and not the death; we celebrate the beginning and not the end. As we celebrate death of only those whom ‘we’ think have reached their destination based on the number of years they traveled. In this model of celebration we celebrate everything that is worldly, which has been attained in this life. Thus all the things attained (materialistic or emotional) during this journey is celebrated on birthdays. This model also defines that the 'living' person is incapable of identifying or visualizing anything beyond this journey of life. Whatever we achieve, whatever we can see, everything that is 'known' is thus celebrated. On the other hand, everything mysterious, indefinite, unsolved remains as an imagination. Thus we celebrate all practical things as we find ourselves incapable of listening to our intellect (imagination).

The brain thinks consciously and sub-consciously - the mixture of practical and emotional. A child doesn’t think practically. An old person is also emotional - those who are near to the world of 'unknown' are emotional. One becomes practical only when one is travelling through life so as to understand and adjust to the needs of the caravan. As soon as you leave the childhood, a sense of being practical and responsible comes into force which stays till the age drops. Thus we celebrate practicalities and formalities on birthdays.

So, finally, being in the age of practicality I should celebrate my formalities too.

Together, today I am celebrating

LIFE – All my Relationships – friendships – responsibilities – bondages – uncertainties -  fears – practicalities – formalities – and of course the Journey itself

Usually I do not celebrate all these on my birthdays. Usually it is a pretty much ‘happy’ child like affair which ends up treating my dear ones and spending some time and talking to those who are close to me. This time, instead, my mind is celebrating the uncertainty of this journey called life. Unfortunately, I got to witness the ‘end’ of the journey of few dear ones in the past year. The attachments, the memories, the times spent, all goes for a six in one moment. One ‘moves on’ ultimately with the caravan. But the effect of those ‘untimely’ exits on those who were travelling along is unbearable. The uncertainty is cruel. And thus I wanted to mark down and register my state of mind on this day of my journey.

Today indeed I celebrate the lives of all those who are with me throughout this journey much more than I celebrate my own life. Reminds me of these lines –

“Zindagi ko bahut pyaar humne diya…

Maut se bhi mohabbat nibhayenge hum…

Rote – rote zamaane mein aaye magar,

Haste haste zamaane se jayenge hum…

Jayenge par kidhar, hai kise ye khabar,

koi samjha nahin koi jana nahin…!”   

Books for Urban Design

A quick guide for the Urban Design Studio. We were introduced to the subject of Urban Design by Razdan Sir when he started taking the ‘The theory of Town Planning’ subject for us and learning from someone like him is like diving into the ocean of information and knowledge. Though we stuck to the syllabus in that semester but Sir kept telling us about good books of Urban Design. But ‘how theory could help us design’, this was another quest, which was answered in eight and ninth semester when we actually started working on an Urban level studio. At this time, Aditya Sir added on few more good reads to the 'list'. Also, Urban Design is an all new language in design and thus to learn and understand a new language you must be aware of its basics, I feel.

Recently, one of you asked me for some inspiration for Urban Design and I realized that I should share the list of books (some I have read myself and some I know are good) with you guys so that you can dig into something right for the subject.

So, here we go, My favorite 10 UD books. (in random order)

1.  The Image of the City – by Kevin Lynch

2. A Pattern Language – by Christopher W. Alexander

3. The timeless Way of Building – by Christopher W. Alexander

4. Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods – by Urban Design Associates

5. Good City Form  - by Kevin Lynch

6. Design With Nature – by Ian L. McHarg

7. The Death and Life of Great American Cities – by Jane Jacobs

8. The Theory of Good City Form – by Kevin Lynch

9. Urban Design (Series) – by Cliff Moughtin

10. The Architecture of Town and Cities -  by Paul D. Spreiregen

Well, these will help you for sure. Moreover, you can also look for the How Buildings Learn Series (videos by Stewart Brand) . Those who are interested to read in depth about architecture in ancient India can get a copy of Architecture of Manasara for themselves. There are nine volumes of the same but I have seen and read (partially) the Seventh Volume till now.

All the best. 

Case study or studying the case?

If we look back into the history,  the pattern of development of the cities, their architecture, we find one thing common all over the world. Many of you must have also noticed this before that each and every civilization/dynasty have been more or less 'inspired' by the previous one. In terms of architecture we see different 'ages' or 'periods' or 'styles' of architecture which have borrowed something from the earlier period. In my understanding of the subject, I find them as the earliest examples of a 'case study'. Why is case study important to design something?  In college, the things that we are supposed to learn are the 'basics of architecture and design'. I feel, the college is not supposed to and cannot teach you how to design a building/space. For this, you need to study a similar 'case'; a case which has been attempted and tried before. In some cases, it could be a masterpiece or on the other hand, a work which would let you understand 'what NOT to do'.

The Tree of Architecture
source : Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture

Lets take an example of an ongoing studio, the cultural center. Lets examine what you can learn from the college and what you can learn from a good case study - 

Then we come to the question, 'how many case studies are required for a particular design'? Answer would be, as far as I believe, in N-numbers. The second most important aspect of studying a 'case' is 'comparison'. Not all designs can be good, neither all can be bad! It all depends in how we perceive it. A particular space might give great experience to one person and could be horrible for another. It is very subjective and thus you need to look at as many examples as possible. Then, charting out the perimeters of your study based on which you will decide which space was good, better or bad. These perimeters are our day-to-day basis of rating a building. Once you are done with the rating you will have a vague idea of what a cultural center would be like. For this you might need to have a walk around the building. First, as a layman, keeping all your architectural instincts/knowledge aside. Just a simple walk. 

One of my presentation sheets for Thesis, showing the comparison of few of the important case studies.

Then at last is the experience of the user. Ask people who live in that environment daily. Prepare a questionnaire and dont ask dumb questions like "kaisa mehsoos kar rahein hain aap?" If you feel that the questionnaire is a tough job then follow the 'Reverse Q-chain' or the reverse question-chain.

The most exciting case studies of my college times was the Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur. I would put some light on it in another post as I dont want to overburden you with so much text in one post!

Happy studying the case!

For any queries, requests, suggestions or just to say Hi, mail me at ar.dishantbhatia@gmail.com 

Breaking the Habit

Its been seven years now that I was introduced to the studies of architecture. In the early years of the study we had no idea of what it is and how it is to be pursued. Although we were fortunate enough to have teachers who told us that "architecture is all about the feel and experience". But unfortunately, the juvenile brain couldn't get the qoute. It took me the next four years to understand what he actually meant.

Years have passed but the pattern, rather I should call it the 'process', of 'studying' architecture has not changed much. New batches keep coming in and they sort of get even more 'disconnected' from architecture. There could be several reasons, like the knowledge or process they inherit or the easy access of everything through internet. (Not getting into much details) I would like to put some light on the 'habits' of architectural students around.

Gund Hall (pic: http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/)

Imagine. A student of second year studio of architecture. The batch who played with structures in first year, learned the basics of graphics, got familiar with the tools of architecture and realized that they can 'build' habitable structures. An excited student who's being poked by his parents/friends back home to 'design' rooms, shops, clinics, etc. He's been told by his seniors to join some firm in vacations to get some taste of 'practicality'. This student is forced to 'believe' that he can start designing.

The base is set. He now knows the 'basics', he now thinks he can design, and awaits a 'site' to be given to him so that he can add another layer of misconception on the previous one and design whatever is given to him without understanding a 'space'.

As students, we restrict ourlselves to 2D drawings without relating them with the third dimension. Working in 3D doesnt always mean the usage of CAD softwares. A student must always experiment. The base years of architecture are supposed to play with 'actual' planes and surfaces. They need to understand first the idea of 'volumes' before jumping to the elements of construction.

Model Making studio, Understanding Massing, IInd Semester

Just as we used to play with lego blocks and other construction games in childhood, first and second year of studies are to make us re-invent the idea of space. Playing with models is one idea to play with structures and realize the importance of 'scale'. One must be 'fearless' in attempting models. Start defining 'experience' in terms of 3D volumes.When I say 'define' space, its not just the shape and size. A space is defined by its experience.  List down the experiences you have had till date and create 3D models for some of them.

Conceptual Model, Student's Plaza, Ist Semester

Designing a bungalow or country club is not just about walls, windows, deck etc. First, understand the 'wall', decipher the language of a 'window', try to study each and every material and the experience induced by their 'textures', make yourself familiar with common materials, study the local materials used for construction in and around college campus

Form space and order is one of the many 'good books' of architecture which we have but don't value!

Try out new things, work with models, break the conventional, experiment with everything, break the old habits and enjoy 'designing'.

Architecture is very much an intangible experience, with this blog, the aim to pass on this very experience and induce the feeling to 'think out of the box' and attempt what has not been done yet! 

Be bold and sketch it out!

We often meet architects with 'part-time' hobbies and passions, many of them actually change their 'line' and jump into other creative professions. Thats the beauty of B. Arch. Other 'design-oriented' bachelor courses have the same advantage and eventually they call their practice as the 'multi-disciplinary' one. One such very common passion is Photography. Its a very effective tool of viewing things from a 'different' perspective. I, too, had this passion in college days which brought me quite a lot of appreciations. IIID organizes a photography competition, 'Mumbai Moments', every year and I was fortunate to bag a special mention in one of its edition.

There was something even more fortunate in that award function. I got a chance to attend an open discussion of a panel comprised of eminent artists like Jatin Das and Subrato Bhowmick; including architects like Kamal Malik and Ravi Sarangan. The whole idea of the conversation was to discuss the 'quality' of architecture and art in present times. There, Jatin Sir mentioned that experience can only be created if the designer has the 'sense' of experience. Whether its art or architecture, its the sense of understanding 'experience' that matters the most. Pointing out to the architects present in the seminar he asked how many were carrying a 'sketchbook'. And only two hands were raised.

Surprised by this, he paused for a while and mentioned that he used to draw '300 sketches' per day in his college days! This bowled me over.

Why it is important to sketch? Why its important to document what you experience? Why in our course we are told to sketch out things again and again? Its the relationship that matters. The continuous dialogue between the 'subject' and you. The moment you sketch out a building in front of you, you will actually understand 'depth' of it. You will get the best possible knowledge about the materials, the construction techniques and other details which you would never notice otherwise. 

[This sketch (right) was done during one of the MD studio.The Krimachi Group of temples, date back to centuries and are supposed to be constructed in Vedic times. Once you start replicating a built form on paper you get into the details like the texture of the material and thus discover the importance, depth and effect of a material on built form. Sciography, sense of scale and perspective, etc. are the additional benefits of the exercise.]  

I started writing this article talking about photography and mentioned that I "had" that passion. I quit when I realized that I was actually missing out all the 'details' by clicking a shot in micro-seconds. Sketching lets you concentrate on a subject for hours and sometimes, days.

[The perspective view (below) was drawn as a part of design proposal for a School. Though incomplete, it still clearly provided the sense of scale and massing.]

  

So, start keeping a sketchbook and lets start sketching! Be it cartoons, rough sketches, conceptual sketches, flow diagrams, detailed drawings, anything. Be it in any medium. No matter how bad or good it is. Remember that it is meant for 'you'. There are two types o drawings in architecture : one that you make for the client and one that you make for your own self.

Start sketching for your own self! The early you start the better it is. I realized its importance quite late but now am enjoying it. I am still about to try my hands on 'proper' architectural sketches. Its never late to start anything!

So pick up your favorite medium and 'sketch it out'!

Architectural studies are considered to be the most laborious of all. Keep this in mind and whenever you feel you have got time for a good nap, instead try sketch out something! Believe me, his 'hard work' WILL pay off ! Happy Sketching!

[Have a doubt or want some help regarding the subject, mail me at dishantbhatia@yahoo.co.in]

Old is Gold!

History has always been considered as one of the most boring subject in any format of education. So much so that now it has become a stereotype to hate history. Thanks to our education system and the way we are taught we find it very un-interesting. No matter what is your subject, be it architecture or even English literature ( I have been through both) the historical aspect remain crucial.

Very often we feel that the 'logics' behind things are not explained well or there is no proper reasoning for the things we are taught. That is where the history comes in. Knowledge of history of any subject provides you with the answers for "why?". Why it happened, how it happened and why it is still done this/that way, all such queries find their answers in the 'background'.

History of architecture, thus doesn't only mean to study the ancient or medieval structures, but also to find answers to whys and hows. If a structure is built with some particular materials why it was done so and why we don't use it now? How the concept behind behind building certain 'types of buildings' came up? Why we needed cultural centers, community centers, libraries, etc.? 

These studies should be related with each and every design problem given and not only for 'thesis'. Research is very important part of designing. Once you have gone through the history of a particular topic you are done with 50% of designing. It clears out your concepts.

Just like history is important, it is very crucial to attain it from the right source. There are some Indian books on history of architecture which are enough to get through the exams. But BF (Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture) remains the only 'epic' which everyone must follow (for reference). As far as Indian Architecture is concerned, books like the Manasara Series are the ocean of knowledge. Keeping yourself 'away' from internet and online 'pedias' is another thing one should follow. Refer to different libraries, of state or other colleges. There are people who have already done research on almost everything, take some help from them. Visit the libraries of other architecture schools and dig into the dissertations and thesis projects they have. 

All this might seem a bit outdated in the times of internet, but the 'originality' of the source should always be kept in mind especially when one is looking for the answers for 'why' and 'how'.