Q&A with Vaishali Kawalkar : 'How architecture has changed the world' ???

Architecture affects the world

In this exclusive interview we speak to Vaishali Kawalkar Founder of Sovereign Architects, the finest architects in Pune. She is a passionate architect with an aim to bring in innovation in the field of architecture she founded this design organization in 2001. Her professional qualification and expertise in the field of Interior Designing, Architecture and Landscape Designing and offering Turnkey Project Management Services is noteworthy as helped her evolve into a pragmatic and an accomplished architect. She is a visionary who believes that architecture should be an integral part of the environment. According to her, Architecture can change the world into a better and wonderful place.

We are sharing with you excerpts of the interview:

Question: Good Morning Ma’am, it is indeed a wonderful opportunity to interview an accomplished young achiever.

Vaishali Kawalkar: Pleasure is mine and indeed it is as an honour to be considered as a young achiever.

Question: Why did you choose this profession?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Right from childhood I have always aspired to create beautiful buildings and I would always enjoy drawing them. This aspiration in my later years turned into a passion.

Question: How has architecture changed the world?

Vaishali Kawalkar: As an architect many a times I have wondered “How architecture has changed the world? Is it possible for architecture to really change the world and bring in a new dimension?”

I still remember the first time that I questioned myself about this. This is quite an interesting question which makes one ponder. 

Question: What is the basis of today’s architectural splendor?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Today’s cities are marvels of engineering which comprises of architecture splendor.  The soaring skyscrapers, office buildings, massive structures each defying gravity and touching lofty heights. These innovations in architecture can find its basis in ancient monuments and structures. There are many architectural breakthroughs that changed the world.

Question: Can you quote a few examples to validate it?

Vaishali Kawalkar: History has been a witness to this change. The greatest achievement of ancient times in architecture is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is considered to be the oldest seven wonders of the Ancient world which still stands intact having the credit of being the tallest structure for almost four millennia.

Another innovative masterpiece of architecture was the Assyrian Jerwan Aqueduct built during 703 and 688 BC which used waterproof concrete. This was a source of inspiration for people to build massive structures in water.

 In the past 2000 years the rounded arches which was invented by the Mesopotamians and later popularized by Romans has evolved from time to time into many different and innovative shapes. The modern architects have also incorporated these arches to beautify buildings, parks, monuments, office space, etc.

Glass windows which are in vogue making your rooms trendy and classic were first used around 100 AD by the Ancient Romans in Alexandria.

Can anyone forget the still existent Great Wall of China the initial construction started in 7^th century B.C and is over 13,000 miles long?  It is an amazing and largest civil construction project ever conceived.

The white marble splendor of Taj Mahal and the ancient temples and churches can also be considered as structures that represent the combination of religion, art, culture and designing. These monuments were elaborately designed taking into account every minute details of the elements of architectural designing bringing in a lot of visual interest and aesthetic style till date.

Question: What is the reason behind the creation of these architecture wonders?

Vaishali Kawalkar: These architecture wonders was created to serve a specific purpose like fortifying their territories against invasion, providing housing, recreation, water facility, drainage, etc.

The sky scrapers and the lofty cathedrals denote that the sky is the limit. The Lincoln cathedral was constructed in 1300 and the first skyscraper was constructed in Chicago in 1884. The innovation of the skyscraper was height combined with lots of load bearing floors, ease of construction were specifically designed to increase urban density. This is now become a trend world over and you would not have witnessed urban revolution if any of these factors had not happened.

Question: What has been the contribution of your firm?

Vaishali Kawalkar: The human race has been able to transform the environment into an effective one which could actually impact the lives and communities. There has been a growing trend in the recent past world over about the creation of more sustainable designs which are more responsive to the environment like the creation of an Eco Metropolis in China, Bio Reactor building in Germany, etc.

Everyday architecture is being re-invented and re-imagined wherein more technologies and materials are being explored that could transform the world completely. We at Sovereign Architects have this unique vision to bring in a positive change in the world by creating some wonderful architecture structures like bungalows, apartments, office buildings, landscaping, etc. We believe that designs can change the world and our team of expert architects help in building a better tomorrow. We aspire to create more innovative and inspiring structures which can bring in people and communities together.