'Vastu has become a construct of the mind'

Meera Vasudev, Principal Architect of design studio M:riad, talks about Vastu’s evolution and what’s latest in the art of building.

How important is Vastu’s role when designing a house?
Vastu vidya is believed to be an ancient science rooted in the Vedas. It was basically used to understand the factors that govern the role of a body in spaces such as light, wind, sounds, texture, colour etc. In recent times this connection has been manipulated and Vastu has largely become a construct of the mind. There is a huge paradigm shift from traditional houses to modern apartments and lifestyles that are not necessarily conducive to the rules of Vastu. The usage today is questionable and is primarily to appease the fear of the unknown, rather than an attempt at architecture than generates a sensory experience.

A lot of architects are asked to design the interiors of a home, once the structure is built. Does that help in better results?
Like any meaningful work, the experience of architecture is a gradual process of revelation, with an unravelling of layers to reveal deep-rooted concepts and allow metaphors to emerge. The opportunity to extend the sensory experience of the built form to the experience of living through its interiors culminates in an architecture that is poetic.

What are some of the new trends that have come up in designing?
Computer-aided technology has taken the world by storm. The challenge has always been the translation from the virtual to the real. This has of late become possible with the aid of parametric design methods and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines. In contrast,, eclectic design that counters the dominance of technology with cultural influences, keeping in mind sustainable living practices and green environments are trends that will move well into the future.

Bangalore has evolved a certain style of architecture and is considered to be one of the best in the country in terms of designing. What’s your opinion on this?
Bangalore has seen a large influx of people from all over the world. This brings with it ideas that are varied, consequently giving rise to design that is a by product of this cross culture and context. Holistic design has been relegated to ocular-centric design, with aesthetic consideration gaining dominance. Designing buildings where the science of the space affects the interior space, and allows inhabitants optimum usage, rather than just being mere spectators, is something that we need to strive towards.

There is always a complaint that woman architects mostly branch out into interior designing. How far is it true?
Some of the greatest architects of the century have been women —Zaha Hadid, Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang, Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA. Closer home, architects like Samira Rathod, Brinda Somaya, etc have been making an impact.  Branching out into interiors is possibly a personal choice.