Engaging Spaces

Architectural Values and Voices

“All fine architectural values are human values, else not valuable.” Frank Lloyd Wright.

Through the last 3.5 years of running an architectural studio, we have engaged in the process of creating (and then refining) a value system for our company. We have been believers in long term relationships with- our studio family and our clients. It was with this understanding, that we have always thought twice before bringing a new person into our studio family.

Earlier this year, BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore asked us to be on a panel to discuss-“The life of a trainee” with various other firms, for the benefit of their graduating class. The discussion on the panel brought up many questions and problems that studios and trainees face. Discussions ranged from portfolios lengths to presentation styles and prior experience to finding the “right” firm. Our take was simple- we asked students to be part of an office which shares the same values as them. This would result in a symbiotic relationship and would lead to development of both the human and architectural values.

Another prevalent problem that many of the panelists voiced-was the challenge of trainees relocating every few months. However, at Engaging Spaces, we have been able to make, long lasting relationships with our studio family. To paraphrase Wiliam Henry Davis’ Leisure to “Stop and shout out” to all of you wonderful-wonderful people and fellow architects who have been/continue to be part of our journey. You are the reason we move forward every day. With Eisha Nagpal, Syed Mohammed Sarmad, Murtaza Awais, Afsar Hamza, Shifa Sheriff, Shagun Kohli, Sharik Syed, Aishwarya Somisetty, Keziah Malcolm, Tejal Pandit Fisto Jose Kamal Kumar
PS- If you wanted to know about the William Henry Davis poetry quoted.

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

LBC Collaborative Bangalore and MSRIT are starting a Net ZERO NOW initiative.... For info see the poster below

Engaging Spaces is taking the first steps towards creating awareness about - "The Living Building Challenge(LBC)". This is the built environment's most rigorous performance standard. It calls for the creation of building projects at all scales that operate as cleanly, beautifully and efficiently as nature's architecture. To be certified under the Challenge, projects must meet a series of ambitious performance requirements, including net zero energy, waste and water, over a minimum of 12 months of continuous occupancy.We are proud to have registered and started our Design work on our first project in Brisbane (Australia) to achieve a full compliance with the LBC. Our Engaging Spaces Team will further spread the awareness of LBC in Bengaluru in days to come. To do this we are in the process of forming an LBC Collaborative Group to spread the awareness among like minded individuals and groups. Our Co-Founder Syed Mohammed Sarmad will be our contact in Bengaluru and he will be providing further updates about this initiative.