Ancient Architectural Wonders of India

Mahabalipuram

India. One word for chaos, madness and miseries of all kinds brought about by sheer variety and numbers. 2nd most populous country with the largest number of officially recognized languages, communities, religions……..the list seems endless.

To top it all, democracy (or shall we call it democrazy!!)! In the classical Indian way, everyone want to express their views at the same time! Since no one is the leader and everyone is, expressing ourselves is second nature. 

Expressing can go beyond the obvious. It may include even Architecture! 

Mad we were and mad we are. Mentioned below is a list of places that we think are architectural wonders that express how madly marvelous we Indians are!

Ajanta & Ellora: Only because they are relatively close by and belong to the same era, they are read together. Otherwise as diverse as chalk and cheese, these sites are about 100 kms apart and the stuff inside also belong to different times.

Ajanta: Had the British army officer John Smith not gone on a tiger hunting expedition, way back in 1819, we would have possibly missed it for another century and a half! About 2 dozen-odd caves with close to as many monuments cut-out from hard basalt rock something not too easy on the chisel, these contain Buddhist religious art which include paintings and sculptures which are described by authorities as "the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting". It depicts the Buddha in various forms as depicted in the Jataka tales.

Ellora Caves: A corruption to its original name Elapura, this grand monument which lies 30 kms north-west of Aurangabad city in Maharashtra, was buit by the southern dynasty of Rashtrakutas, is as impressive as (if not more than) Ajanta. A total of 34 caves were carved between the 5th and 10th centuty AD into the vertical face of the Charanandri hills made up of basalt. Consisting of religious structures of the then prevailing three religions of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddisim, it does speak volumes of religious co-existence. Massive meeting arenas with high domes and so multi-storied  buildings were carved out to perfection which is difficult to imagine today. 

Shravanabelagola: If you ever happen to pass by the town of Hassan in the southern part of Karnataka, you would not miss the this wonder. A free standing monolith of 60 feet, it stands on a hillock called the Vindyagiri Hill. You have to be completely blind to miss it. Built in the 10th century AD, this monolith (yes, one single piece of dark grey granite!) was Chandragupta Maurya’s gift to us Indians. Arishtanemi, the supposed sculptor might have been a genius. Every detail taken care of and looking like it was made only a while ago and not +2000 yeara back!

Mahabalipuram: You could not expect anything less that this from the warrior-wrestler-artist King Narasimhavarman I! Yes, a full-fledged sea-port which exported as far as Rome, Greece and the South-East Asian countries- only around 2000 years back! Even the firangees acknowledge this !! A string of 7 temples in the form of chariots once lined the sea shore depticting the entire Mahabharata. The sea gods consumed 6 and left one for us to admire! They were rich!. Very, very filthy rich. From accounts of local poets, it seems ships were so laden with precious metals and goodies that they almost toppled over! 

Hampi: After the chaos comes the silence. Once the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire (it in fact, predates it), it saw its heydays between the years 1343 to 1565. It is located in the north Karnataka district of Bellary infamous today for rampant, unchecked and mostly unauthorized mining. In fact, such has been the scale of destruction that it has started to affect the structures at Hampi and also the Tungabhadra dam close by. The word Hampi is derived from Pampa, the erstwhile name of Tungabhadra. Amongst the runis are a number of Hindu temples like the Virupaksha Temple, the Achyutaraya Temple and the Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple besides many others. At the height of the Vijayanagara empire, the city was enclosed in seven layers of fortification of which the innermost is still more-or-less intact.

These are by no means the only ones. India is dotted with such ancient wonders waiting to be discovered. We shall endeavor to bring these to you with the hope that these inspire you to try making your life just as grand and wonderful despite the problems and shortcomings you may face.

Alone it may be impossible to create master pieces. But then what are architects for? Dream, plan and employ, and hope your dreams come true!

One last thing. Cities come and cities go. What remains is stuff which is strong, resilient and architecturally sound. The Pune of today has come a long way from the small town of the Peshwas half-a-millenium back. One thing remains though. The sense of pride and self worth which has been nurtured by great people like the Warrior-King Shivaji. The mantle of building master pieces which promise to out-last their residents has now been passed on to great architects in Pune like Sovereign Architects who are proud of their lineage, work and ethics.

We hope to see our city in safe hands; hands which invoke safety and grandeur in equal measures.

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Please feel free to post your comments below.

About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the founder of Sovereign Arcitects.

Go with the flow; Feng Shui and the Art of Living!

Feng Shui

Feng shui is an ancient art and science which finds its origin nearly 3000 years ago in China with a central theme being the designing of environments to support the optimal, focused energy flow to enhance life with assured health and bountiful means. The basic premise of this thought is 

- One’s Belief in the concept that “energy” on Chi that “flows” through the universe, and 

- You can, by putting in place certain factors, harness this energy. 

Ironically, despite being Chinese by birth, its birth place has place severe restrictions on its practice. Even more ironical is the fact that despite these restrictions, it has grown and grown not only into people’s homes but also their hearts! Notwithstanding the hurdles in its path, people seem to have found enough information on it to make it a stand-alone appendage to architecture. 

The word feng shui is a combination of two elements of which Feng is wind and shui water. The orient, believers of Taoism, always regarded land as alive with Chi, the life force and considered the wind and water as sources of nourishment to make life bloom. Taoism has further bolstered Feng Shui with the concepts of yin and yang, and the five feng shui elements. 

Feng Shui in its most original form gave importance to three things namely, time, Space and Action. If you want it to work, it is expedient to have the right mix of the right action in the right place at the right time. 

The three most important factors affecting the study of Feng Shui, in the order of importance are: 

•  The first and most, the ‘earth luck’, which indicates the energy prevailing in your present space and time. 
• The second is the ‘man luck’, which you either make or break with your own actions and free will. Opportunity lands in everyone’s lap. How you use it is what makes for the difference, and  
• The third rather obviously is the ‘heaven luck’. Most call it destiny or fate. This is not within our scope to create or change. It happens on its own , which is your fate and destiny and least in your hands. 

These three factors make us aware of why people occupying the same house under one lineage going in varied trajectories in life. The main tools of the trade are: 

• A compass, called Luo-Pan consisting of bands of concentric rings arranged around the magnetic needle. 
• Bagua: A feng shui energy map connecting energy levels to periods in time which also contains the feng-shui oracle, I Ching  
• Knowledge of the five elements ie understanding nature, how it evolved and its functioning and how one can balance it in one’s life. 
• Knowledge of Yin & Yang ie the positive and negative energy. 

Feng shui offers a variety of cures to improve life situations like the use of aquariums to attract prosperity to the use of crystals and fountains to colours and clocks. There are many ways you can improve the energy in your home or office with solid, good feng shui. 

Nothing is without strings attached, including prosperity. Money and material affluence may not always spell peace and happiness especially when you are in a race. Pune is no exception. From being the pensioner’s paradise, it is moving quickly to be the tensioner’s paradise! 

Thankfully, all is not lost. Since it is about places of dwelling, it is but natural that the experienced hands of architecture would have found a solution. Some like Soverign Architects, interior desigers in Pune, do have. Go to them, do as they suggest and see life change for the better.

How does architecture affects human behavior ?

Soothing Architecture

Ever been in a building which makes you feel uneasy? Your 6th sense constantly tells you something is not correct and that being here in bound to bring some harm. This can happen even in the most posh and luxuriously furnished place. 

Conversely, you may have been to places which despite its sparse and ordinary set-up, made you feel extremely happy and positive for no apparent reason! 

Both these situations may have one thing in common. Architecture. 

Humans have come to define this planet and all there is here. We now have a vice-like grip on the resources of this planet including the spaces upon which we can build further. There is a very obvious mismatch between want of space and its availability. The result can sometimes mean a living area devoid of any feelings existing only to fill a need. 

But like it happens, even the darkest hour can bring unexpected revelations. Thankfully, humans as specie have the ability to study and change their surroundings how-so-ever bad they be. This change in most cases is brought about by a science called Architecture. 

To illustrate how surroundings affect our feelings, we take the case of the Dr Jonas Salk who did pioneering work for the cure of polio. Functioning from his lab in a dark basement in Pittsburgh in the US, he traveled to a monastery in Italy on vacation to break the monotony. Suddenly amongst the columns and courtyards, he got this blinding flash of an insight which led him to conclude his study. He was thus convinced of the ability of places to bring out the best in humans and in fact teamed-up with a renowned architect to create an institution to study this further.  

Coming nearer home, ever visited an old educational institution (like the Agricultureal College of Pune). Its corridors invariably make you inquisitive towards what the institution professes. You want to study and you want to explore! 

Mind you, this is all an inter-play between the elements ie water, air, sunlight and our constraints in terms of use of scarce resources. And it does not end with making a structure with windows and doors in place. What you put inside to make the interiors look good also matters. 

The science of architecture is a science of observation. It seems obvious that we should intricately study people, behavior and psychology before designing any place. In India, given our space constraint, all too frequent brawls and fights take place in terribly crowded places. Places too big or too small restrict people’s choice to interact or stay isolated. Make it too small and you feel physically and psychologically cramped with the more than required un-necessary interactions. It threaten the sense of control individuals have over privacy and how they choose to regulate social interactions.

Making it too big means you are wasting a precious resource which could otherwise have been a stable source of income in these uncertain times. 

In this world of unending complexity and crowd, imagine yourself wanting to live in a structure and enjoy every moment of it, be it a residence, an office, a shop or any place humans normally frequent! Well, if you have the good fortune of being in the city of Pune famed for its valorous past, prosperous present, fine weather, food, education, people……. you visit an Architect. 

There are architects in Pune and interior designers………..and you have Sovereign Architects who don’t boast but boost. Being a government-certified entity with the right kind of experience and infrastructure, you get something which will remain the owner’s delight and very obviously the neighbour’s envy!

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Please feel free to post your comments below.
About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the founder of Sovereign Architects.

Interior Designing tips for Indian homes

Tip for Interior Designing

“A real building is one on which the eye can light and stay lit”.

Everyone’s dream is to have a dream house of their own. There are a lot of passionate people who decorate every available space in their house and make it look so colorful and wonderful. People approach a good architect too for the innovative ideas, usage of resources, to be economical and help them improve in making their dream house come true. There are a number of such interior designer in Pune and across India. You can get one of them to do the job with perfection. And remember a good architect always has a vision and then make it appear to others keeping their eyes lit by the beauty of architecture.

India is a country rich in various cultures and known for Unity in Diversity. People of each culture have their own taste and style of designing their house.

Designing Indian Homes:

Although India is a huge country with a great variety in climate, much of it is hot, so the purpose of much of the decor is to avoid the hot sun and admit cooling breezes to the home. Floors tend to be made of wood, stone or ceramic tile, and because heat rises, rooms are often built with high ceilings for the heat to rise into, while most living takes place on or near the floor, where it's cooler. Traditional Indian furniture is often built low to the ground: low cushioned couches or divans, floor cushions and woven rugs are typical. Lacy, perforated screens let breezes enter the home while preserving privacy.

In cold conditions, Using lots of cushions, on the floor as well as on your furniture, chaise (A form of a  sofa with a backrest at one end only) or daybed will help create a relaxed, informal feel. Hand woven rugs on wooden floors enhance the decor.

Color & Pattern:

Color and pattern are the best tools for creating specific Indian style.

• Paint color is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a room and add value to your home.
•  Jewel colors may be added in curtains, cushions, carpets, or other accents.
• One can make bed hangings, pillows or window curtains from saris, for example; these beautiful garments may be brilliantly colored, sheer, and ornamented in gold thread.
• India also has a long tradition of making a beautiful cotton fabrics block-printed with floral or animal designs or elaborate paisleys. Using these fabrics for bedspreads, pillows, curtains or wall hangings will help you create an authentic Indian atmosphere that's quite different from Hollywood's idea.
• Indian furniture is often made of dark, richly carved wood, solid and rustic. Adding even a single carved wooden piece, such as a table, chair will help achieve Indian style.
• Cushions or boxes decorated with animal motifs will help create the style.
• Ornate arches are a typical Indian architectural element that may be reproduced in mirrors and headboards.
• Wooden boxes or other items with bone inlay, and furniture or fabric decorated with tiny mirrors are also typical of different Indian regions.

Well, at the same time in this globalized world, people are exchanging their styles in designing homes too. Most of them are getting attracted towards posh and neatly designed homes. Not only on the cultural base but also as per the person’s nature and thinking the interior designing are preferred. ‘Sovereign Architects’ one of the talented interior designers in Pune can help you in creating a beautiful décor to your home.

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Please feel free to post your comments below.

About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the head of Sovereign Architects.

Landscaping and Tree Plantation...

Landscaping

The fast growing population and demand for human shelters have increased level of pollution in atmosphere. The landscaping and architecture to build beautiful living has occupied people’s mind. If the living or work place is closer to the nature, it brings more tranquility giving an eye soothing and relaxed environment.

Is it possible to grow plants, shrubs or trees  amidst our building sites ?

The creative use of natural materials gives us many ways to live and garden. Landscaping is an art and science which allow us to grow plants, shrubs or trees midst our building sites.

"Right plant, right place" is a short phrase that embodies many art- and- science based concepts for landscapes. The fundamental concept is choosing plant species, varieties, provenances (the plants earlier grown), or genotypes that are adapted to the location and situation in which they are placed. Fulfilling this concept requires knowledge of plant and site characteristics, including environmental and growing requirements, function, and aesthetics. It also is useful to remember that a successful planting design often is a compromise between the ‘Science of growing plants and the desire for artistic expression with plants. To choose a right landscaper who has  blend of knowledge of science and art is a key factor.

Where to plant trees in a landscape?

Well planned planting project starts with Appropriate design,Site evaluation and Tree selection. A good landscaper for a successful landscape understands, what to plant, when to plant, where to plant and how to plant.

Sovereign Architects, one of the good architects in Pune guide you to have good plan of landscaping and well planned Interior designing.

Where to Plant?

Look at the space where you intend to plant the tree or shrub. Estimate the height and diameter of a tree or shrub that will fit there. Check to see if the soil stays wet, or if it drains quickly. Figure out how much space the roots will have. Ask yourself what role this plant will play in your yard. Will it be the center of attention.

Once you know the function, soil type, sunlight, temperature, water, size, and root requirements for the plant, head out to a nursery to see what they have. Look for healthy, disease- and pest-free plants with well-formed root and branch systems.

Here you are preparing a spot where a tree or shrub may stand for decades, so be sure it is well-drained and well-aerated. Roots need water and air to grow properly. Soil types vary not only between regions, but also between two spots in a yard. Know your soil conditions before you plant. Check subsurface drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water doesn’t drain away within two hours, you either need to improve the subsurface drainage or select only those plants that can tolerate wet soil.

When to Plant?

Early spring (that is end of march to june) is suitable period for planting trees and shrubs as new growth starts. Certain tree species essentially demand spring planting, because they establish new roots very slowly and soil stays with the roots. Buy the plants just before you intend to put them in the ground. Until they're planted, you'll need to protect the roots from damage, such as drying and overheating.

These are the few tips which you can follow to have a good and satisfying greenery in your courtyard.

Happy Landscaping for the landscapers. Go green, stay relaxed, come close to nature.

Get in touch with Sovereign Architects, for tranquil filled landscaping and architecture solutions. 

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Please feel free to post your comments below.

About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the Founder of Sovereign Architects.

Landscaping and what to do where grass won't grow ??

Landscaping

Architects have gone way above the technologies used in the past and have been successful in building up masterpieces which can look above the clouds. No matter how intricate and elegant is the architectural design of the monument; the fact is it is incomplete without landscaping.

The soothing greenery of plants and trees brings magical change in the ambience. Landscaping is particularly necessary in places which are a hotspot for visitors or tourists. Every structure, whether it is a residential place, hotel, restaurant, a university, or offices are looking forward to extend and improve their building by adding a landscape garden to it. A beautifully designed landscape helps in maintaining a fresh, cool and clean environment enhancing the property rates simultaneously.

Sovereign Architects, one of the architects and interior designers in Pune practicing architecture, Interior Designing and Landscaping can help you by providing solutions to the requirement of architectural and interior designing needs.

Now, let us try and understand what landscape is, landscaping and factors affecting the growth of grass.

Landscape:

An interaction between people and place; the bedrock upon which our society is built is called Landscape. Landscapes can offer aesthetic enjoyment, tranquility, and a sense of belonging to an area with a distinct natural and cultural identity.

Landscaping:

It is an act that is performed in order to change the physical appearance of an area or a piece of land. Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills.

It includes:

·      Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly known as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.

·       Natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, also bodies of water.

·      Human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans.

·       Abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.

Landscaping varies according to different regions. It varies according to different regions. Sometimes the land is not fit for landscaping. In order to landscape it, the land must be reshaped. This reshaping of land is called ‘Grading’.

Types of Grass:

You might be tempted to think that all lawns are pretty much the same, but there are numerous varieties of turfgrass and installation methods which can have an impact on looks, maintenance, water needs, and price.

(Note: Turfgrass is a surface layer of fields and pastures, consisting of earth containing a dense growth of grasses with their roots)

1. Sod: This is a sheet of soil and turfgrass that is delivered in rolls.
2. Seed: To start a lawn from seed is the cheapest route, as homeowners can just scatter seed on their prepared area. However, when establishing seed, the lawn will need ample, regular water, and since you’re creating conditions where seeds can germinate, seeding a lawn often produces weeds as well.
3. Hydro Seed: A hydroseed machine agitates a blend of seed, fertilizer, and papery mulch in a tank, and your landscaper uses it to spray lawn seed into place. This is a fast and cost-effective way of seeding large areas of lawn
4. Artificial Turf: Artificial turf is a no-maintenance alternative to grass. It needs zero care beyond keeping it free of debris, and is great for backyard putting greens, and small to medium-sized areas of lawn for sports or entertaining. Artificial turf is more expensive than seed or sod.
5. No-Mow blends: Scientists are developing a number of new no-mow strains of grass which are available to buy in seed form, or plug which can be individually planted. These need less fertilizer and water.

Factors to be checked if Grass does not grow in the Yard:

When grass does not grow, the first thing to do is to find out why. If nothing grows, the soil may be contaminated with herbicides or other chemicals that prevent growth. If the soil is dry, rocky, infertile or hard-packed, this, too, can prevent grass growth. Trees that out-compete grass for light, water and nutrients or heavy foot traffic from people or animals are some other reasons for problematic grass growth.

      Soil Conditions

·         Soil test to be performed before planting. Poor soil conditions can prevent healthy grass growth. A soil test will determine the pH level (Acidic or Alkaline), as well as the nutrient content, of soil.

·         Compacted Soil - Compacted soil prevents adequate drainage, aeration and root growth. Use a spading fork or aerator to remove soil plugs and alleviate compaction.

·         Moisture Levels

·         Nutrient deficiency

·         Chemical Problems - Landscape soil may be contaminated by soil sterilants or other chemicals. If nothing is growing in the soil, perform a growth trial to see if the soil has been sterilized

      Poor Soil - Dry, rocky, hard-packed or infertile soil can also prevent lawn growth.

      Shade - The combination of shade and lack of water often makes it impossible to grow grass under trees

Once all these factors are checked and acted upon you can enjoy the carpet of grass in your yard.


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Please feel free to post your comments below.
About Author :- Vaishali kawalkar is the founder of Sovereign Architects.