You may or may not see yourself traveling the globe with the spin of your whims. But everybody is somewhere waiting for something special to happen on a unique destination. Human existence births – desires, and without the architectural zing of co-creation, there is no spark to the backdrop of drama in life.
Picture this: a group-forming exercise in college that sends shivers down the spines of even second-year graduates. These were no social butterflies; they were more like caterpillars trying to avoid eye contact.
From the intellectual’s scrutinizing eyes to the backbenchers’ indifferent shrugs, the leftovers found their group—the clash between daydreams of cozy café moments and the harsh reality of architecture school. But college made them realize, even better places to explore. Like the beauty of local but forgotten heritage spots, botanical gardens, public courts and circles with comfortable thermal comfort, forts, and the befriended temples for their beauty and knowledge and whatnot. The catch? You barely have time for all that. By the time you can make wiser decisions, you have already found comfort and acceptance with those pals, with whom even the strolls to stationary and eateries in extreme weather our the golden refreshing splashes of your mundane setup.
Those are the moments some of us lived our childhood dreams, of being grown up and strolling carelessly within a group, while acting like professionals, who are judging why the canopy made for this bus stop by students flew away.
Thanks to the stars for architects – their casual strolls aren’t confined to the mundane local lanes; they’re famed for turning it into a world tour with their site visits. Whether it’s within the city limits, just a hop away from their doorstep, across state borders, or gallivanting in foreign lands – it’s their ultimate bragging right. After all, since college took a big space in their lives, socializing had to be part of the curriculum for these creative studio cave communities!
During a supposedly casual stroll, a bunch of girls, who usually stuck to their orbits, found themselves in the less-charted territories of the city. The local girl, who was not too thrilled about exploring an area she’d only heard about from her parents, was already zoning out. And just when she thought it couldn’t get more amusing, the hostel gang decided to spice things up with some good old-fashioned bickering about other group members and college gossip. All this, right in the middle of their innocent talks about favorite music and movies.
1.The Unexpected Charm of “Boring” Neighborhoods:
A familiar pile of litter greeted them once they trespassed the metro station bridge above their head – it was the neighborhood entrance, for the hypothetical boutique hotel site. Little did they realize that this all-too-familiar scene was not exclusive to supposedly neglected corners; it was a shared memory, a reminder of the ubiquitous litter that adorned even the more “developed” parts of the city. The laughter, tinged with irony, underscored the absurdity of their expectations, hinting that without the intervention of initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the supposedly refined cityscape might not be much different from the less-explored territories they were navigating.
Upon further entry, they were met not with the expected hustle and bustle, but rather an absolute afternoon hush. The lush abandoned plot, nestled amidst independent villas boasting varied economic standings and charm, seemed to have taken a vow of serene silence.
A cluster of 2-3 unassuming government quarters, each with its own porch, nestled low like a wise and wealthy grandfather crouching comfortably to meet the visitor’s gaze. Quite intimidating for the three stories, towering villas depicting ambitious sons, each trying earnestly to carve out a unique identity with hilariously varying colors and styles, all within a budget. Some houses boasted a contemporary modern flair, all these style scenes by them, putting the students only two years into college, into the shoes of teachers watching their first-year models – all scened and done but appreciated. Realizing the owners’ deep affection for their dwellings “Uff!” escaped their lips, realizing the colossal amount of sweat, toil, frustration, and love invested in making a building not just aesthetically pleasing but profoundly functional.
Just as they were about to assume the reason their university teachers selected this site was not merely for its serene ambiance, but also to be able to prove their uniqueness, where everyone is trying to leave their mark, alongside the silent lessons these diverse structures held, echoing the spirit of what architecture means to locals. They were to design a snoozing space, a boutique hotel, that would get inspired to leave its own unique mark on this neighborhood of colorful imprints. The contrast between trying to prove ourselves, and making it restful for those who are invited in such spaces, like the house homed their families.
2. The Human Element in Architecture:
Circling and mapping the site, they chuckled at the short, lazily spiked boundaries and the bold names on the fence, reflecting the human hustle to claim law and property. The irony struck them – meticulous protection of the mundane and neglect of the beautifully lush, abandoned pieces of land.
Designing may demand a whole semester’s commitment, but at this moment, right here, right now, they wondered all that could be done on this wondrous piece of land, not like architects, but like children in playgrounds. After all, design is a whole semester’s job, but right now, right here, the canvas seems ripe for fostering communal gatherings, encouraging children and heck – adult experimentation, nurturing playful gardening and the possibilities are limitless, like their college playgrounds that are colored differently each season. It struck a chord—sadly, most were confined within the walls of their dream homes.
But the good thing was, the plot was not housing trash at least. There was wild vegetation that was protected by the neighborhood before the architects could retain a few of them on their hypothetical site.
3. Boutique Hotel Site:
As the sun’s path painted the sky in mesmerizing hues, they witnessed a tranquil scene resembling a Japanese painting. The boutique hotel, nestled in this quiet neighbourhood, aims to provide guests with the opportunity to witness overlooked beauty and the humbleness of life. The realization dawned that their seemingly routine assignment held the ambition to showcase the often-neglected simplicity of existence.
4. Exploring Neighbourhood Context:
A hesitant pause gripped one architect as colleagues urged them to venture beyond the site. Breaking free from conservative reluctance, a stroll through a replica of Ajmer’s vibrant surroundings filled them with pride. The colorful houses, lined narrow lanes, and vibrant streets mirrored the hues of both human existence and architecture.
5. Meeting with the Old Architect Neighbor:
An unexpected encounter with an old architect neighbor brought forth a realization about the underestimated intelligence and positions of fellow countrymen. The pervasive influence of stereotypes and the revelation that faces often hide unimaginable depths of wisdom expanded their perspective.
6. Epiphany About Stereotypes:
Reflections on their experiences unveiled the tendency to underestimate the intelligence and positions of others based on appearances. Cute, judgmental faces often hide unimaginable depths of wisdom and experience. As they stepped into adult life, these experiences helped them see beyond faces into the everyday hustles, laughter, and life within infrastructures and human existence.
Conclusion:
From the overlooked corners of a “boring” neighborhood to the vibrant life lessons hidden behind stern faces, the architects gained a holistic view of life. Architecture, in its truest sense, mirrored the depth of human existence, shaping their minds and life’s landscapes practically through their curriculum. Every aspect of life played a part in shaping the grand tapestry of minds and life’s landscapes, leaving them in awe despite expressing so much. The impact was so immense that words failed them.
