The globe-trotting Gujarati architect has returned to Ahmedabad where it all began, though only for weekly trips.
Globe-trotting Gujarati architect Dipak Kotecha has returned to the city where it all began, though only for weekly trips.
The School of Architecture (CEPT) grad who hails from Rajkot, spent 27 years in the UK where he earned his spurs in the now frenetic architectural world before returning to Mumbai as MD of the Indian arm of the 100-odd years old British firm Lewis and Hickey.
After having worked on such prestigious projects as the Marks and Spencers stores, two retail projects in the city — Reliance Retail (Kankaria) and Vimal (CG Road), —McDowells (10 restaurants a year) and (coming up) Shoppers Stop in Vastrapur, a Walmart outlet in Indore and many others, Kotecha is now working on what he calls his "most challenging" job — the YMCA International Club on the SG highway.
In a free-wheeling conversation with DNA, Kotecha says he feels less constrained working in India than abroad, where he admits he is sometimes only a "cog in the wheel" at a time when machines are fast assuming more importance than man.
"We've done hotels, gyms, spas, sports arenas — you name it — but the YMCA, I promise you, will be the showpiece of a city of which I have such fond memories."
Kotecha plans to make the club, which will be spread out over 400,000 sq feet and cost around Rs 100 crore, the focal point for the citizens of Ahmedabad - for sports, cuisine, relaxation and a place to hang out.
"Amdavadis like eating and swimming. So I have decided on three swimming pools which will actually be 'wet areas' the kind of which you find in Europe with 'spontaneous fountains, multi-functional gadgets etc which will cater to the entire family."
"We are planning on five kitchens which will dish out food to two 'Fine Dine' restaurants, a couple of multi-cuisine ones, banquet and wedding halls and external party eateries."
In the multi-layered structured club which will be ready in 18 months, members will walk out of their rooms onto green spaces — lawns which will give them an undiluted view of the swanky Prahladnagar area. The place will also have underground parking for up to 1000 cars; a multi sports centre, 100,000 sq ft of lawns, and half-a-dozen entry/exit points for easy access.
Kotecha was born in Uganda and studied in St Mary's, Rajkot (5-11 class) and at MSU and then at CEPT. He concedes that architecture it still is very much a client driven profession, but adds: "I am happy and satisfied that my employers at YMCA are giving me a largely free hand. This is professionally very satisfying."
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