Jaisim
These days, the ‘humm’ word in the world of building is Green Buildings, eco-friendly designs, ethnic, etc… a combination of letters in an attempt to signify a desire to belong and market a popular palliative to the people at large. It also placates the authorities, both political and bureaucratic to say to the people at large “Hey, we are with you, we are for you!.”

Let us without much ado, examine what it all attempts to mean. Energy is a big word. Its consumption is looked upon as a crime that has to be swallowed and accepted. The purpose of man’s life on this planet is not merely to sustain his life but find means by which he will achieve his / her full potential and live a life of happiness and joy. That is -an objective to achieve. To do so, one must strive to learn what is and create from this information and knowledge, with wisdom to reach the goals one sets for oneself. One of these goals is to have a home- a space that can meaningfully be called one’s domain.

What is eco-friendly architecture? Is it not about conserving energy and space? Any space is composed of materials used in a fashion that they metamorphose the elements into not just structure that becomes the frame, but also the walls and floors that mark and demark spaces in all the dimensions. In doing so, the inherent value of such elements adds further value to every nook and corner of the built environment. It is here that the selection and judicial use of these elements become of paramount importance.
If you build hundred percent of your site and then open your windows and doors on to the road or your neighbour – who are you kidding? Yes, our building bye-laws are archaic

Optimization, that is, to stretch every building component that has played a part in realizing these spaces to perform to their maximum potential. Great architecture does not observe the rules of caution. Safety and security means compromise on creativity and original interpretation.

Private residence in BangalorePrivate residence in Bangalore

The location of the plot is dictated by many factors and presumes that wisdom and pocket guides the decision. Next, the family, its aspirations and dreams, this is the wish list. Remember that you are building for your comfort & senses and not for the roadside passerby or the neighbor. A home must have light and ventilation. It must allow fresh clean air to permeate all areas of its inner spaces. The structure has to be efficient. If you build hundred percent of your site and then open your windows and doors on to the road or your neighbor – who are you kidding? Yes, our building bye-laws are archaic.

Keeping it simple does not mean a bare space. We are a vibrant people with deep culture. That richness must be expressed. It is a myth that local materials mean cost effective and ethnic design. It is your design imagination and ability to innovate that is important.

Conclusion from the above scenario is obvious. The ability to choose wisely with freedom and adding value to all aspects of the built environment is paramount. Always attempt to add more than one value to any aspect, element, component or space and integrate them into a holistic realization. Here, it must be observed that the expression of the true nature of all the elements is a conditional must. This will enhance the very nature of man’s search for happiness and oneness with nature. They are not only very warm to embrace, but also create a healthy environment. A space where the young can grow, with confidence and the elderly with a sense of joy, is the objective.