Bangalore-based architect Sujit Nair’s happiness knows no bounds. He is representing India at the Architecture Biennale 2012 in Venice from August 29 to November 25. The 13th edition of the biennale has over 55 countries participating and is one of the most important architectural showcases in the world. The theme this year is ‘common ground’. Nair says, “The theme is meant to remind us of our shared history, and the collaborative nature of architecture, no matter which country we come from.”
The Biennale will be curated by internationally renowned architect David Chipperfield, who will also present an exhibition with 69 projects, by architects, photographers, artists, critics and scholars. They have been invited to develop original proposals and installations exclusively created for the biennale.
Nair, who is the co-founder of an innovative design firm SDeG is the only architect from India to have been invited. It is a big achievement, Nair says, “I was first invited to propose a project that reacted to the theme of common ground and reflected my vision of architecture in its context of influence and affinity, history, language, city and culture. My firm was thrilled to be identified as an emerging practice from a large pool of talent in India, later we were invited to send our proposal which was then accepted,” he enthuses.
His exhibit at Venice comprises nineteen projects — each one described through diagrams, renderings, and photographs. He will also have a cartoon video feature of eight projects as part of the display.
Nair founded SDeG along with his wife, who is also an architect and urban designer from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. He graduated from BMSCE, Bangalore and holds a Masters’ degree in ‘Architecture and Urbanism’ from the Architectural Association, London.
Together the couple conceptualise a plan and present it to their clients as a team. Nair describes himself as a dreamer, and says that his wife keeps him grounded and practical. Working in tandem, they often manage to bring clients around to their dream and vision of a home, office or school. But not always. Some of their work frustratingly remains on the drawing board. But Nair is optimistic.
One of his pet projects is titled ‘Jewel Box’. A building that resembles the facets of a precious-stone, and houses the headquarters of a gemstone company. A new school extension is in the offing with bright crayon colours and edgy art work. Also a multi-use food pavilion in the heart of Bangalore’s Central Business District. In addition to several homes and apartment buildings. And his connection to a project does not end once finished. “We like to create several points of interest in a building, so that the user may be able to uncover an interesting moment much after they occupy it, from the many ‘moments of difference’ as we like to call it, that we try to embed in the design.” he elaborates. And as far as the future of intelligent design is concerned Nair is especially gung-ho. “I predict an age that allows the path-breakers, the moderates, the skeptics and the theorists to co-exist and even collaborate to form solutions, ” Nair says, as he heads off to Venice to possibly inspire, collaborate and bring home fresh ideas.
