Desire for dignity

“A divulgence into the thought process of the founder of Somaya and Kalappa Consultants unveils her compassionate design approach and nuanced understanding of humanity, woman liberty and creative dignity.” “Our responsibility as an Architect is to the occupants of the space we design” an apt range of words delivered by Ar.Brinda Somaya while making an extreme thought-provoking presentation at the event organised by the Engineers’ and Architects; Association, Sangli, after being conferred the P.I. Parikh Technocrat Excellence Award,2023. The lady with bold opinions and inflaming debates about the conundrums surrounding people and architecture, Brinda Somaya reminds us that while beliefs may be subjective, tere mere existence ensures an intention to find balance between ideal and reality. The project of Bhadli Village, Bhuj stimulates sensitivity as the grassroot driven approach converts villagers into designers and the designer into facilitator became a brilliant example of collaborative architecture in the Indian context. Ar. Brinda Somaya further reinforces why the role of an architect cannot be peripheral to the society but has to rather become intertwined with the perils of the ordinary. “Architecture entrusts us with the responsibility to include people in our design, not just hear them, but listen to them while not diminishing our creative abilities.” says Somaya when she was asked about four decades of her practice, contributing enormously to humankind development. She says Architects are truly blessed to have a profession like this, where their work creates a huge impact on people in various ways. If we look back at the range of projects, they have envisaged a million sq.ft. campus on a hundred acres and also have designed a tiny, little garden converted from a garbage tank, this explains “the beauty of being an Architect”. In her concluding message for young architects and designers Somaya says “In a country like India, there is so much to be done, so many opportunities simply waiting for you to grab. But, it is important that when you take up a project, no matter how big or how small, you must finish it.”