Language of simplicity

Design pervades our lives like never before. Couture, car or the cabinet in the kitchen, the designer's imprint is all around us. Apart from adding instant value, anything that is "designed" is believed to fulfil specific functional requirements and express personal taste in a unique way.

Designing is a daunting creative challenge. Nevertheless, it is this fascination for design that brought three sisters — Savita Idnani, Vandana Nath and Amita Patel — from diverse academic backgrounds, to forge a creative partnership and design buildings and interiors that reflect distinct flair and imagination.

Catch up with the enterprising trio (one is an architect, the other a commerce graduate who has specialised in computer-aided design and the third, a psychology graduate involved in design concepts) at their Zen-ish office in State Bank Street, off Mount Road, and they rattle off about their work — both architectural and interior, with sincerity.

The power of architecture has little to do with space and scales. That's precisely what their works prove. ``Whether it is a moderate house or a plush commercial complex, it's the inventive designing and detailing that matter. Will the design endure? Will the detailing suffice? These are the questions we ask ourselves repeatedly. A sense of design and taste is something that constantly evolves. Every new work must refresh our sensibilities...''

To what extent does the client's self-expression manifest? Where do the designers draw the line? ``Creative freedom is absolutely important. At the outset, it's important to build the client's confidence. In the case of clients from the corporate circles, it is total. They understand that we too, like them are professionals. Most of the domestic projects become cumbersome because of frequent interference. Sometimes, tastes and requirements keep changing, so much so the project will turn out to be drastically different from what it was conceived to be.''

And that's why Naksha/Insight Interiors (their architecture and interior firms) are not too keen on taking up domestic projects. But when it is pointed out that there could be more variety on this front than in office spaces that are becoming stereotyped, Savitha, reeling off a whole list of projects, explains how some of the health spas, dental clinics (Apollo, Dr. Acharya, Vijaya Bharati etc) and jewellery showrooms (GRT, Lalitha, Nathella Sampathu Chetty) have thrown up a variety of creative challenges. Design in architecture/interior confers a strong sense of identity. ``Take the Charles Correa work for the Sundaram Group, off Mount Road, for instance. Simple, yet dramatic, the building stands apart for its deft plan. Doing up the interior for one of the offices — IMPAL, in the building was a pleasure. I think Chennai needs more simple structures rather than glitzy ones that literally scream,'' Savita adds.

And yes...despite the surfeit of styles barraging designers, Naksha/Insight's trademark is simplicity. ``Less really means more...''the sisters say, reiterating the modern mantra of minimalism. Visit some of their projects. And what instantly strikes you is the contemporary, urbane, clean look."

Smart designers understand that design is not merely about the way things look, feel or work. It's also about emotions and associations they arouse. So while the ambience is hep, it also soothes the senses. With an astute sense of consciousness of the client's prerequisites, the mood is created with a primary focus on colour and textures. Materials are used to the minimum — for optimum function that is.

In today's automated office set-up, the interior tends to become predictable, boring...``True. One has to make a conscious effort to be different every time. Computers have invaded offices. But systems furniture only makes the interior dull. So we suggest that clients go for custom-made pieces and play around with colour."

The trio's works reflect a sure-fire colour scheme. Be it hospitals or industries, they have been successfully experimenting with colour as if the walls were canvases. Crayon box brights add a dash of drama to most interiors. Flaming yellow, rich purple...are splashed on walls with a touch of wit. Nevertheless, the tone poem is not as jarring as to distract the eye from the subtle play of forms.

Knowing well that connoisseurs go beyond colour to form, the designers don't stop with revved-up visual needs. They also seek to define their spaces with spare, pared-down forms. Take a look at Ramco Systems Ltd. in Prince Khushal Towers, for a sample. Clean, fluid lines mark the furniture. The office design is resolutely anti-clutter and the storage space is hardly visible. "The idea is to be simple, not overdo."

A majority of Naksha/Insight's projects is driven by the urge to integrate the exterior and interior. Be it the dental clinics or Intimate Fashions at Guduvancheri (see box), it is this aspect of dissolving the boundaries that gives the spaces a sense of openness. The glass partitions may prevent the landscape outside from being annexed as living spaces, yet they add colour and life to static interiors. ``Oh, we love the concept of the interior flowing outdoors. Vibrant courtyards are an integral part of our work. They are always strategically located. In hospitals and workplaces, patches of greenery are visually stimulating."

Space is a precious resource in modern times. Do they have some tips for those planning with small spaces? ``Yes. It is important to make the most of space,'' Savita explains.``Plan meticulously as you are not going to do up your homes frequently. Explore the possibility of multiple functions. For instance, a living room doubling up as some other space. It is important to see that taste, requirement and budget reach an amicable accord."

What about the new urbanist initiatives that are variously called green, eco or sustainable architecture? Smiles precede a profound pause. Then words come rather guarded. ``Well, all these concerns have not really caught on here in a serious way. The situation is quite unlike the Western countries, where the government and urban planners/ architects work in tandem to build beautiful cities. Here, commercialisation is in. We've really achieved something even if the basic MMDA specifications are stringently followed", Savita breaks into a meaningful smile again.Talk about planning with a sense of harmony with the surroundings and the three come out vociferously. ``Where is the awareness of the past? Change in our context is not necessarily congruent to its surroundings. Even if architects try to strike a balance between continuity and change, the picture outside is different. Driven by commercialism, so many quaint buildings are knocked down and replaced by screaming structures. A concerted effort is needed. Otherwise, change will be at cross purposes with preserving the past.'' In a special way, Naksha/Insight has refurbished old buildings by retaining the facade and working on the interior. The result, old-world charm coupled with modern comfort.

When asked about the materials of the future, Savitha elaborates, ``Ours is still a labour-oriented set-up. So we can't expect drastic changes. Conventional building materials will continue to hold sway. Structural glazing, aluminium sandwich panels etc. are entering the scene. But then affordability will remain a big question. However, more than the materials, what really matters is how creatively you use them."

Talk about globalisation and what they have absorbed from other cultures, they chorus spontaneously, ``It is the quality, detailing and finish that's of prime importance abroad. The construction industry in Western countries is more organised. Planning is painstakingly executed. At a sub-conscious level, all these aspects have influenced our works."

As architects/ interior designers, they do have a role in inculcating taste...``Yes we do have a role. But I am not quite sure how successful we will be,'' Savita confesses. In recent times, there has been a feverish concern for style and design.

But discerning designers are quick to point out that it's fake. It's sheer status-seeking that informs many decisions about interior design and decoration.

``We've seen this craze for antiques turn many cramped homes into cluttered galleries,'' they laugh. True... what's important is not snob value but comfort that comes with simplicity. Period.

T.KRITHIKA REDDY

* * *

It's about form, function

You almost miss the turn in the vast expanse of barren land. But the stylish signboard stops you. What was once a paddy field has been transformed into a swank fashion house. That's Guduvancheri- based Intimate Fashions for you.

Designed by Naksha/Insight, the MNC has that unmistakable stamp of style and function, so typical of Savita, Vandana and Amita. With our premises spreading over 12 acres and over 700 girls working at a time, "Our prime concern was the circulation pattern. From the spot where the girls alight from the buses to the production unit, the flow had to be efficiently managed. Designed with clockwork precision, there is no scope for time loss — be it in the security, locker room or the canteen".

Moving beyond the hushed sobriety of the front office (the courtyard offers vibrant visual relief), to the production unit, you realise how much importance has been given to aspects such as cabling and fire safety. Though the production unit is a delightful clutter, it is meticulously organised. ``The design philosophy here is that ``we can be organised only if we have organised spaces.'' Even the warehouse is a flexible, serviceable space with details taken care of painstakingly. Yellows and greens add bright tones in a subtle way — a far cry from the asthetic blights we see in some factories.

Stormwater drains and a sewage treatment plant are other highlights in this streamlined, well-organised space.

In contrast to some other industrial projects undertaken by the three, Intimate Fashions was creatively satisfying. ``But we have handled several projects involving small spaces, shoe-string budget and limited time frame.'' But, is it not, for the talented to make the best of such constraints?

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