Some people think it’s funny that 24yr olds are “teaching”. What’s the joke here? First, there is no 'teaching' in architecture – no one can 'teach' architecture – it’s the exploration of ideas, especially in the first year. To have as jury or faculty, architects with 20years experience, I actually think, does not serve the purpose of the studio. When fresh ideas are showcased, the experience of the architect works against him in the appreciation of the idea. I really think seasoned architects, especially in this age of globalization, are terribly weighed down by their 'workability' issues. How can someone like that appreciate an idea involving absurd new forms? The intent gets lost somehow, and all that remains is “How the hell are you going to make that work??”. First year architecture students need to 'go crazy', and having a faculty who’ve been building toilets for decades is not going to help. That’s where I come in. :)

Change is good.

Wind is like electricity – it has a mind of its own, a logic of existence and movement. It does not simply “flow” – unlike most misunderstood human beings believe. It moves due to a difference in potential, and this can be controlled and made use of. Wind can single handedly change the idea of ‘human comfort’ in a humid city. And noone belives that. Why do you think there are ventilators in apartments? And why do you think they are at the roof level? So that they can be closed up? Or so that some idiot can build next door and force close the opening? You are changing the wind movements here, and noone cares. Later, they crib about the heat. Stupid. Judging a flat on the ninth floor as ‘windy’ with the front door open into a internal well is stupid. Once the main door is closed, it will NOT suck any wind from outside the balcony, even if it is on the bloody eighteenth floor. There is a logic of flow of energy, and it can be studied and implemented for human comfort. Every king, every civilian, every human understood that. A hundred years ago. Now, we’re more interested in capitalizing on the increase in sales of Air Conditioners because of the blocked ventilators. We’re all breathing in the stale but cool air from the ACs in the name of progress. Pathetic.

As I trace the 'worship' of cult divinities in history, it makes me wonder what category of 'worship' fan following falls in. Can 'temples' of Amitabh Bachhan be accepted in about 100 years’ time as 'pilgrimage spots' ? It’s a strange logical connection. What would human beings 500 years from now study about us? That we followed the ‘rituals’ laid down for us 5000 years ago? Or will we make our own independent history?

I am trying to understand the word ‘confidence’. It has such a blurred definition, and changes meaning with context, culture and time. How important a factor is it, in the happening of things? I think ‘being confident’ cannot possibly imply an infinite bracket of knowledge of content; it’s a state when you know how much you know, and have the sense to understand that you need to learn more. I think being confident is about being sure of your ability to learn- and then you can step in into any field, conversation or context with ‘confidence’. You know that you don’t know, so you find out. And once you know, you have an opinion. And then there are those whom I call ‘sweepers’ – those that question and understand information coming their way well enough to have an opinion on them. These kinds can never fall prey to ‘half knowledge’ – and I admire that. Some day.

Indian currency notes are post modern in design. It is time for change.

Indians have lived for five thousand years, and yet today, we have a design history of about twenty years. Did the british screw up our attitude this badly? How did 150 years of a rule wipe out all possible artistic inclinations of a nation? This is seriously depressing. Even with 60 years of freedom, we weren’t really free until 1991! Does that mean something lacks in our leadership priorities? Or does it simply mean design is not really a priority? Did illiteracy and poverty not exist in the thirteenth century? The fact that we study the ‘navratnas’ of Akbar’s court just goes on to say how much importance was attached then to art, culture and thus design. Is today a simple coming together of uncontrollable factors? Is India today what it was ‘destined’ to be? I need answers to these questions- and they are all hidden in decisions made in history! And to think that people think history is irrelevant.

“Shattered by invasion and colonialism and an uneasy accommodation with modernity, we can’t now construct five columns of equal proportions.” Indian history is depressing.

‘Busy’ is a word of the twenty first century- I cannot stop being shocked at the change the computer revolution has brought to our lives. It has hit everyone- every age, every strata, every existence. I imagine in my head an assorted group of people standing in line along a sea face- and the waves slapping them all, all at once. Comparison is flawed, and remarkably inaccurate. This revolution has changed more in one generation than anything else has in ten generations- and I believe we’re doing just fine... Human beings can be so amusing.

“The truth today cannot be divorced from the one telling it.”

There is design, opinion, and risk. And then there is a doctor. Or rather, there should be. But it is hitting me suddenly- it’s not true. Doctors are ‘good’ and ‘bad’, ‘expensive’ and ‘ineffective’, and ‘thorough’ and ‘not-trustworthy’. I do not understand the existence of opinion in this field. How to fix the human body cannot be an opinion. Can it be? Are we really living such a delicate existence? Wow. Who are the world’s ‘best’ doctors? The most creative ones? Or the gutsiest ones? This is scary. Medicine is not like physics, and it freaks me out. Does this mean a ‘better’ doctor has a better chance of saving a dying man than an ‘average’ doctor? What the hell?! A doctor is a doctor, and he must be able to treat the same way as any other doctor. Money and medicine is a very, very bad combination. It is to the downfall of all.

Pills are pills, even if they're bright green in colour. Yuck.



It is intervowen, then. Multiples. Are we heading towards jacks of design trades?

Water can be mean and wicked- we are misunderstood that it is our best friend. If water had a will of its own, it would grin at itself- it would be the cleverest of all beings. You think it’s the universal solvent; it cleanses and purifies... Its true nature, though, is hidden- it leaves behind marks- circles, spots, lines, trails- loci of all that it once touched. It is ruthless, sharp and impossibly frustrating- there is no escaping it. On one hand, running water exposes all human action, while on the other- still water is deceiving. Whilst it shows you your beautiful self, it attracts evil- mosquitoes, flies, insects and their diseases- it’s a non-negotiable package. We must be careful- should it mean more harm, we must run! Thank God the survival of the human race does not depend on water. Hehe...

The good thing about life after college is that there is no fixed path, there is no “correct”, no “wrong”...It is just a marvelous coming together of unimaginable factors to shape an existence- an existence so unique to the individual that eventually there is no such thing as “better”...Each is a path- unique, significant and inspiring- and I am beginning to celebrate the difference. It is exhilarating to see the variations and range- welcome to the real world, you’re going to love it!

Rani Mukherjee makes for the most beautiful bride. Maybe it is Sabyasachi who makes her so. It’s the backstage- ignored, forgotten and under estimated. Tch.

It’s the worst time to get a cold- the Mumbai monsoon. The nose keeps leaking like the clouds; makes similar sounds too! It is a positive development in one sense- you cannot smell the filth. It only looks dirty! But the thing is, there is so much layering in Mumbai that it can be helplessly distracting. Even if you left for office after a fight with your roommate, you will be smiling at the school kid in the jammed train...there are so many dimensions, so many visuals- that there is no concept of “bored”- that’s only for the rich and snobby- those that remain snobby all their lives, whilst they travel in the air conditioned air with reflector glass beside them. Honestly, doesn’t everyone always talk about the smile on the faces of the poor? The joy in the eyes of those that have nothing to lose, and nothing to hide. Travelling by train is poor, but definitely the most satisfying. Everyone looks at it like a pain, a sacrifice- to live the life without luxury and comfort. But to live like me is to live with contentment. With peace in the mind and a song on the lips. Even in the rain! It is a very, very precious joy- and there are those who can never experience it- they never allow themselves to- my brother. Rithvik. Geetha G. B...Walk in the puddle, honey- it will make you grin- if only you allow it! I love my life, I love the rain, and I love Mumbai!

Everything is “कच्चा” and “cheap” these days. Lol!

The idea of progress in my head is continuously changing; with time and exposure, I see different analogies and different imageries. I have started believing in the act of “doing” – someone, somewhere DID something, which is why we are ‘progressing’. Progress is not an inevitability; it is not a necessity, but action on an idea. Someone spoke up; someone stirred. People around were uncomfortable and dislodged- they protested. But even then, ideas survived. “Necessity is the mother of all invention”, they say- was linux necessary in the 15th century? No. Progress is a trap- it makes you need more and more- it is addictive. “Improvisation” is the word; and to me, it is a branch of ‘change’. We are in continuous motion; and we will always be. And on the way, we need those who think, act and “do” - even though they’re weirdos.

It is time to buy the Vims, the scotch brites, the surf excels, the harpics, the eggs, the onions and the tomatoes. Maybe a broom, too. :)

“Of all the experiences in the world, travel is undoubtedly one of the most life-altering. It enriches, fulfills, indulges, opens your heart to other worlds and experiences and fosters co-existence in an increasingly intolerant world. But perhaps the most profound and tangible impact it has is on our inner selves." The world is conspiring to answer my questions; but no, this is not good enough.

The biggest trouble with walking to work is maintaining your CG. In a city like Mumbai, footpaths with free space on them are rare- you are almost always walking on the road. Now the exact trouble with the road is that it serves not only the pedestrian- but also the cows, the rain water and slum kids. And not to forget- the vehicles. In this complicated layer system, your locus runs parallel to that of the rain water- literally- with an offset of 300mm. “Do not draw parallels”, they say- in a world where the basis for measurement of ‘achievement’ is comparison.

“Bringing intellect back in style”, the magazine reads. Intellect and style- good combination, eh? :)

I have been wanting to write about Robert for a long time now. I never get the words- his is a diverse and rich personality- so many layers, so many directions. What I feel for him also ranges from frustration to awe, irritation to affection, and disappointment to trust. Sometimes I see intense passion in his eyes- passion for life, people, and work- but it quickly disappears behind his terrible jokes. What made him travel half the world? I still cannot find the answer- but I can see in him, a very fundamental yet strangely strong connect with human beings- he seems to care, and very deeply- underneath the thick top layer of mistrust. He loves innocence, truth and people that live by both. He seems to be searching for something continuously- meaning, maybe, in this complex system of ‘life’. If not anything else, he has travelled far to seek it.

Living in Mumbai can have strange advantages- with barely 3sq.m. per person in a dorm, you can never lose stuff. It’s either on your bed, or it is on your bed! People living in Bangalore take up too much place. Hehe...

I have been travelling again! It is such a delight to sleep at 1am, gossiping and packing at the same time, looking forward to catching a flight in four hours! My poor body and even ‘poorer’- my backpack has been put through too much stress- I think its about being ‘young’- its great to feel the energy within; the excitement to meet and explore new is strangely satisfying... I am taking full advantage of the fact that I live more or less in the geographical centre of the country- if someone plotted my locus as I float around, there would be many, many radii! I plan on a big leap next- even if it means I have to eat grass for 6 months- I am not sure, though- good quality grass might just be more expensive than pasta! :)

Getting a new haircut can transform your face- I did not believe it until now. Design is important; it can modify, uplift and also retain intent- and this can apply to ANY field- and I am surprised that I did not follow this through with all aspects of living before. I should; this is going to be my ultimate intent in life. Also, to make design cheaper, if not cheap.

“..to be happy with the present, to live for today, without worrying about the nature of tomorrow- soaking in completely what today can give, with lessons from the past-”....I think I am learning.

Hanging out with Ankit is like spending time with a solid think tank; he is in a continuous state of ‘doing’- his head is always wanting to move, change, initiate, act. His ideas are very ambitious, and in most cases, he gets carried away. Give him a small opening, and he’s busy building a grand entrance. It is incredible, how much energy is generated in his body by these thoughts- sometimes even I cannot keep up with him. His coming to Mumbai and living a jump away from my place is definitely going to make the ‘mumbai experience’ even more spectacular.

Yesterday I read an article about a devoted spiritual singer who also teaches science at school. It was very interesting how he looked at both in union- “Kabir said we must learn from our first hand experiences, and not go by faith. That is what science also says. Faith can be scientific.” I didn't competely understand what this could mean, but was left wondering if this is infact the unified theory of physics.

Being able to trust someone comes from a long and invisible process of spending time together- and in most cases, you realise you cannot trust that person. When I say 'trust', I mean trust with respect to promptness, with communication and clarity. Trust with being on time and meaning what you say. Trust without excuses, without “I forgot” or “I didn't have time”. To say “I trust him” means a lot. This does not necessarily make a person 'good' or 'bad', though- it is just a state of being that I really appreciate. And it is very difficult to find. Everytime I meet my brother I feel like I am far from being there myself, and everytime I meet anyone from work, I feel they are far behind. It's the damn ladder again.

This is the world’s most celebrated irony- Penelope Cruz sitting on a modest bench, looking at you with a bright smile- “I’m just like you.” I mean, COME ON!



Taran simply cannot iron her clothes. And I am beginning to realize that it’s not her fault. Not at all. First, we put together 2d fabric to cover a very complex and curved 3d object. And on top of that, we try to flatten it on the ironing table before letting it take shape of the body. Are we crazy or what? If something fits you well, it should be very difficult to iron. And if you see something that can be flattened easily, it’s definitely not meant for the human body. I wonder what fashion designers would think of this.



I feel like going to receive someone from the airport. Not just someone, but someone famous. Someone ‘great’. I want to go and receive Rehman. Or the Olympic champions. I want to be one of the hundreds. I want to cheer and celebrate. It is almost an overwhelming thought- to let go, to dissolve. It’s not about ‘making a difference’ for once. I like it.



I enjoy reading Santosh Desai’s articles in the paper- his writings are a good documentation of time and present an accurate picture of the existing. I love best ‘the death of vulgarity’- I simply cannot summarize the article- the entire article is brilliant. After that I read his view on Mallya ‘buying back Gandhi’s stuff’- about how we “bought back Gandhi’s stuff and sold him down the river”- beautiful. Yesterday he wrote about why the ‘arranged marriage’ still exists in the Indian middle class today- most of it, I did not understand. I assumed that meant the article was good. :)



Time changes things. Exposure modifies personality. "Life changing experience"- I believe it now. I must get settled before I change into something I cannot change.

I see him everyday, bent and tired of this world; a blank expression at the paving blocks, beedi in hand. I don’t suppose he has another set of clothes- the weary plastic mug laid front of him, waiting endlessly; I wonder what he must be thinking.. what his life in the past must have been like- what amazes me most is how quietly he rests on the footpath.. Sitting right across sukh sagar, how could he not look up at the food? I do not want to live his life, but I want to study it. His old eyes seem so controlled and calm that it amuses me. Not today, though- there was emptiness in that busy corner of Mumbai.



I am beginning to like the gill font better than courier font. It is time for change, again.



“Love your work, not your job.” Wise fellow.



A Spanish girl will be joining my office soon! My office is more like a zoo; people from all possible races with painfully different accents converge at RMA. The guy from Chennai takes three seconds per word to follow the new Zealander- the American cannot stop giving me gyaan on how differently ‘vet’ should be pronounced from ‘wet’. Our mallu accountant sometimes blinks at gujrati words smuggled into hin-glish. It is even worse, when the American is trying to speak in marathi, and the new Zealander in gujrati. I can only think of replying in tamil. Not so long ago, we almost hired a british chap- and for the life of me, I could NOT (desperately tried, but failed to) run with his fast lines. I mean, what’s with the hurry?? I was utterly disappointed when we rejected an architect from Rome- not good enough, they said. For now, make space for Spain, people- here she comes!

How do we sense thinking? Do we hear it? What is making the vibrations? Do we read it from our minds? How are our five senses helping? Or is it our sixth sense?



I was about to start this sentence with “I am amused by-” and stopped myself with a grin. :)



People get ‘bored’ rather easily in life- my brother comes to my mind immediately. As I understand it, he is in a state of boredom more than not, any given day. I don’t understand it. There are so many things to do, so many questions to ask- that there is no time! Do you know what exactly how a fighter plane can fly upside down? Do you know why MS columns in the porch need a base? Do you know how an operating system is infected when there is a virus on your computer? What is a virus? Why do we have seasons? Why does it cost so much to be unique? Why is an idea so expensive? How does the stock market directly affect my life? ASK!



Life seems to have meaning again; it seems to me that my work is directly affecting something concrete- the choices I make are making a difference- I don’t seem like one of the useless million anymore. I am more comfortable with myself now- I am at peace in the head. I have an endless list of questions, but I have learnt to live with them till I find the answers. I think it is the ‘growing up’ that most believe has been long-pending. My faith in the human race is restored- whatever that means. :)