Overview Of Asian Architecture & Design In Wade Asia

It was a special moment for WADe Asia to host and listen to some wonderful Women Architects across South Asia such as Ar. Dorji Yangki (Bhutan), Ar. Shamima Sharmim (Bangladesh), Ar. Patama Roonrakwit (Thailand), Ar. Anju Malla Pradhan (Nepal), Ar. Patama Roonrakwit, Ar. Anupama Kundoo (India & Spain) on a common platform ably chaired by Dr. Anuradha Chatterjee (Sydney). Diverse yet connected, how is the architectural & design scenario in these countries, are we more similar than diverse, do we have common issues and how do we innovate in our own spaces and circumstances, these and more ware the agenda of this panel. This issue of SURFACES REPORTER presents to you some of the key extracts from this discussion. Please write to us with your queries, questions and feedback regarding the subject at [e-mail]

Design Journeys, Shared Values & Economies

To start with, it is imperative to mention the diverse backgrounds, all these women come from as well as their different styles of practice. Anju Malla, after graduating in 1993, first worked in private firms, even did many projects for free that belonged to her relatives, later, winning the first prize in the National Design Competition in Nepal for Municipal Building. Her first project when she opened her own practice was a large school project, considered to be the first big project handled by a Woman in Nepal and that started the journey.

Shamima Sharmin was clear about creating a solid base before starting her own practice even as a student. Attending a lecture by famous architect Rafiq Alam, she had made up her mind to work with him which she did for about 4 years. Pregnancy and child care meant tough decisions for her as it was increasingly becoming difficult to manage work & home. A universal issue for women all across the globe, taking a break meant, coping with technological advances, rapid changes in the design field, tough getting back to mainstream architecture and so on. Eventually, she opened her own firm and is successfully running it.

Anupama’s journey started with Mumbai, having studied at the JJ College of Architecture, a city she says taught her so much. A conscious decision to not take up projects that she didn’t believe in, led to her to living and practising in Auroville which eventually led her to teaching offers and developing academic & research side of her work in cities like Berlin. Anupama also says the saying ‘No’ to certain things led to take bigger risks in life which she still continues to take.