In conversation

In conversation with AmrithaBallal, Founding Partners at Space Matters Could you share some specific milestones? There are many, Bhopal has already found a mention, our first design build project creating a Japanese tea house in Delhi for an Indo Japanese client, exposed us to how cultural influence informs spaces and to stretching the possibilities of a single material - in this case wood. Being recognised as one of the best emerging practises and design professionals by Architecture Journal, UK and the Rolex Arts Foundation, being on the global shortlist for the Patna Museum and Nalanda University are others. All the partners enjoy research and teaching, so in one way starting to teach at our Alma Mater SPA, Delhi in 2007 was also a special and rewarding experience. SpaceMatters is known for spearheading cutting-edge designs in landscape designing. What differentiates Spacematters from other firms? We do not differentiate between interior, architecture, urban, landscape etc... For us it is important to visualise the project in totality, holistically and benefit from in house expertise. That contributes to the final design being more than a sum of its parts. Which has been a hallmark project undertaken by the SpaceMatters team? We would name two - One is Bhopal - where we overtime have engaged with the issues beyond what is understood as the conventional scope of an architect. We have worked with stakeholders, conducted workshops, conducted research. This process has defined the kind of practise we are - aware both of the possibilities and limitations of architecture. The other is the Temple of Stone and Light, which was culmination of many years of research and learning how to work with traditional crafts, material and artisans over many projects. We felt me managed to best achieve design innovation and expression using both - the technology available to us as well as traditional skills and knowledge systems. Source: Zingy Homes