Architectural Design for Hospitality and Public Spaces
I design resorts, retail centers, and community hubs that perform well in their climate while fostering social interaction.
The bar at the Yellow House by Taj, Goa, is a study in heritage revival. I restored the Portuguese-inspired villa, blending a historic trussed roof and arched windows with a modern chevron-patterned floor and custom brass lighting to create a timeless atmosphere.
In a suite at The Yellow House, I preserved the original arched windows, which fill the room with soft, natural light. The furniture, with its clean lines and rattan details, offers a modern interpretation of classic Goan design, creating a tranquil retreat.
The landscape design for the Taj Yellow House features intimate courtyards with water features and lush, native plants. These spaces blur the line between indoors and outdoors, enhancing the warm Goan hospitality experience.
This dining space at the Taj Yellow House shows how tradition meets modernity. I preserved the heritage aesthetics of the Portuguese bungalow while introducing contemporary comforts and bespoke lighting for a unique resort experience.
Handcrafted furniture and bespoke terrazzo tiles reflect local artistry, personalizing spaces with a rich Goan cultural narrative. This reception area at the Taj Yellow House is a testament to my commitment to local craftsmanship.
Adaptive reuse was key to the Taj Yellow House project. By restoring heritage elements and merging historical charm with modern luxury, I was able to enhance comfort while conserving the building's original soul.
The exterior of the Taj Yellow House in Goa showcases my S.O.U.L. philosophy, uniting architecture, interiors, and landscape with environmental awareness. The project is a model of sustainable design in a hospitality context.
Coexistence is key to architectural renewal. At the Taj Yellow House, featured in Elle Decor, I focused on a contextually sustainable strategy, restoring an old villa to blend heritage with modern functionality for a timeless result.
At the Taj Bangalore, a five-level atrium is anchored by a massive tree-inspired sculpture, a nod to Bengaluru’s “Garden City” heritage. This piece, made of countless small reflective tiles, captures and plays with the natural light from the skylight above.
At the ceremonial entrance of the Surat Diamond Bourse, this striking water droplet sculpture anchors the reception area. Inspired by Surat's coastal identity and the facets of a diamond, it brings contextual relevance to this grand commercial space.
About Hospitality, Retail & Community Hubs
When planning large scale commercial or hospitality spaces, I prioritize passive cooling techniques to reduce energy dependence. For instance, in our Surat projects, we use stack ventilation to naturally exhaust hot air, ensuring the interiors remain comfortable for visitors throughout the year without relying heavily on mechanical cooling.
My approach to hospitality and retail design centers on how users inhabit space. For hotels and resorts, I focus on adaptive reuse to preserve local history while upgrading functionality, as seen in our work with heritage villas in Goa. This process involves careful restoration of structural elements alongside the integration of modern amenities.
For retail environments and community hubs, I employ climate-responsive design to maintain comfort. This includes using jali screens for natural ventilation and shading, which also adds a layer of cultural identity to the architecture. By utilizing local materials and prioritizing natural light, I ensure that large public spaces do not feel sterile or overwhelming.
My process relies on rigorous testing, using digital modeling to predict environmental performance before construction begins. Whether designing an educational campus like Vidyashilp Academy or a massive commercial center, the goal is always to create environments that facilitate human connection. I consider the flow of people, the impact of local weather patterns, and the long-term maintenance requirements of the building.
I look for opportunities to integrate green spaces within the architecture, acting as natural air purifiers and social zones. This is not just about visuals; it is about building structures that sustain themselves and the people who use them every day.
Morphogenesis
Sonali and I lead Morphogenesis with a focus on architecture that respects its context. We design spaces, from hotels to schools, that work with the local environment rather than against it.
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