Vinu speaks to Blur The Border :

Blur : What key insights have you gained from the transition from the early stages of your career in

architecture to starting your own practice?

Vinu : The early stages of my career set the course for the sustainable and atypical approach to architecture that I pursue today. I was highly influenced by the thoughts of Gandhi and design strategies of Laurie Baker, and also had the opportunity to receive training from the French architect Satprem Maini. I started my own firm with these ideologies that influenced me. Actual practice taught me various other crucial aspects of design, like resilience, adaptability and the need to understand and connect with the workers on site. Engaging directly with construction sites, materials, and workers, highly influence the efficiency of the project, and it is one of the most pivotal insights that helped me in the practice.

Blur : How has your artistic style evolved over the years and how do you view this evolution?

Vinu : I do not believe I stick to a particular style. In our work, the essence of the project; the design elements, the planning and the overall architectural approach, are all highly dependent on its natural context. The form and style are influenced by this. The core idea has not changed, and since every site has its own characteristics, the design itself is as unique as these factors. Over the years, I’ve developed more diverse design philosophies, that allow me to create stronger connections between the site, the design and its users.

Blur : What role does the environment play in your work or fuelling your creativity? Are there any habits or rituals that help you get into a creative mindset?

Vinu :There are no habits or rituals that I follow in particular, to help me get into a creative mindset. However, the environment plays a crucial role, especially during the early stages of design. Initial site visits help me understand the possibilities and limitations of the context, guiding me

toward a design approach that maximizes the use of natural elements without causing harm. It is this need to ensure harmony that influences different design choices, making the environment perhaps the most pivotal part of the creative process.

Blur : How do you balance the need to be creative with the practical aspects of being a professional artist?

Richa : I'm a bit of a purist in thinking about an art practice. I believe the only thing that matters is to get good at your art. To enjoy it, to investigate what you want to say, and how to go about doing it in the best way you can. Everything else is just toppings and is easy to put into place if the work is good enough. I see no ‘practical’ aspects that hinder the creative process. Well, sometimes I do have to do boring admin work, but that's a negligible bother compared to this vast task and gift of creating.

Blur : Your studio has received numerous awards and accolades, including some very early in its journey. How have these recognitions shaped the evolution of your practice today and how do you approach your work today compared to a decade ago?

Vinu : In the beginning of the practice, such awards and accolades brought immense joy, as it signified that the work was being appreciated despite its unconventional nature. In the recent years, however, the greater happiness comes from the influence this recognition has had on the younger, budding architects. It is reassuring to know that more architects and designers are now leaning towards a more sustainable practice than before. A decade ago, we were focused on creating spaces that challenged the norms while taking a sustainable approach. While that commitment remains, our perspective has now broadened, as we approach projects with a deeper sense of responsibility, not only to the environment but also toward setting an example

in the industry.

Blur :Your work often incorporates unconventional materials like beer bottles, tyres, and discarded toys. What is the process of discovering such materials viable for construction and are there any other materials that you are looking to experiment with in the future?

Vinu : Extensive research is an integral part of our design process. Following multiple site visits, we focus on understanding the environmental, cultural, social and industrial context to develop more meaningful design approaches. Materials discovered through this process are incorporated into the design, provided they serve no other purpose and can be safely used in construction, like in the case of Toy Storey residence where we used discarded toys or the pavilion for Sharjah Architecture Triennial where we used discarded tyres. While there are many materials we are eager to experiment with, we believe in using them only when the opportunity arises naturally, rather than forcing their inclusion into a project.

Blur : Meeting the pioneering architect in sustainability, Laurie Baker, marked a turning point in your career. What about the interaction became significantly pivotal in your journey as an architect?

Vinu : Meeting Laurie Baker shifted my perspective on architecture entirely. Until then, I wasn’t sure what studying architecture would truly involve or how could contribute meaningfully to the industry. That chance encounter opened my eyes to the destructive nature of conventional construction and its impact on other living beings. His insights also led me to the Auroville Earth Institute, where I discovered the beauty and resilience of mud bricks. This experience helped me choose a different path in the industry, shaping a new ideology, one that continues to guide us to this day.

Blur : In a country as densely populated as India, how do you envision Wallmakers creating a largerand broader impact to champion sustainability at scale?

Vinu : Dense populations and growing urban areas highlight the urgent need to improve our built environment. Our practice is dedicated to doing our part by striving to achieve a balance ensuring we take only what is necessary from the planet. In India where the context, geographical and economic conditions significantly varies across the country, it is of utmost importance to not consider any factor negligible, study the framework and introduce unique approaches. We also aim to spread awareness with our projects and hopefully instill a positive change with this, fostering responsible practices and smarter resources management.

Blur : Your works such as Gulmohar Projects and Studio Virtues serve as prime examples of architecture that embraces creativity, functionality and sustainability. What can the industry do in India to take more steps towards incorporating all of these elements in the urban future?

Vinu :The most important step is perhaps to understand the need to embrace these elements. The world cannot move forward by simply preaching without practicing. The future must be the cumulative result of all creativity, functionality and sustainability. The first step is to help everyone realize that this is the need of the hour. It could be considered one of the greatest responsibilities of an architect or builder. With every project, we have to strive to address a concern and provide a solution without compromising the requirements or the design aesthetics.

Blur : If you were to collaborate with other artists outside of your discipline, what is one collaboration you would love to do?

Vinu : Our ideologies are at the core of all our projects. When we collaborate with other professionals whose practices align with ours, it leads to beautiful results. We enjoy working with like-minded individuals from any discipline, who understand and value the path we are on, and can meaningfully contribute to it.