ABIN CHAUDHURI: EXPLORING THE POWER OF HOLISTIC INCLUSION IN ARCHITECTURE

Noted architect Abin Chaudhuri of Abin Design Studio (ADS) talks about his experimental approach to architecture, the true meaning of sustainability and how design should consider the collective experience of the community at large...

- NISHA KAPIL

A creative mind who is constantly in search of new thoughts and ideas - Abin Chaudhuri is considered to be a young visionary who is invariably redefining the vocabulary of architecture in today's time. After graduating from Jadavpur University, Kolkata in 1998, he pursued Industrial Design at Domus Academy, Milan after which he came back to India and founded Abin Design Studio (ADS) in 2005 with an idea of responsible architecture and socio-cultural development. His design language is strong, bold and thoughtful having an artistic and human expression to all his projects. It will be difficult to bracket Chaudhuri in one category or section as his portfolio is quite diverse; having designed public buildings, hospitality projects, educational, residential, commercial.

Chaudhuri believes that his approach to architecture is not defined but is more about the need of each project. From building a temple pavilion in bamboo, to creating a retail building, in exposed concrete with brick and terracotta Chaudhuri's love for experimenting with material, form and art is well-known. His explorations intend to push the boundaries of thought, prevalent socio-cultural landscape and spatial construct, challenging the role of architecture in the society. "At ADS, we believe that architecture is not merely about creation; it is a search. With the ever-evolving human existence, there arises a spatial demand, and the purpose of architectural design is to embark on a search to fulfil such a demand. At the same time, the human experience of 'life' starts with an emotional investment into the land we inhabit-we don't just exist on it but rather, co-exist in our communities, and it is for this reason that the architecture we use must spill beyond the walls and embrace the neighbourhoods they are in". For him, his work gives him unfiltered joy and happiness and inspires him to go on unknown explorations.