BRINDA SOMAYA ON EMPATHY, SUSTAINABILITY & ARCHITECTURE’S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYE

Q You began your practice modestly in the late 1970s, at a time when architecture in India was still a male-dominated profession. Looking back, what were the biggest challenges in establishing your voice, and how did those early years shape your design philosophy?

I focused on listening to the clients, to the users and to the socio-cultural context. This period shaped my belief that architecture must be rooted in empathy and responsibility and that good design emerges from understanding people and places rather than from imposing a personal style.

Q Your work often draws from vernacular architecture and local building traditions. How do you translate lessons from rural India into large institutional and corporate campuses without losing their authenticity?

Vernacular architecture is about climate responsiveness, material wisdom and social patterns of use. When working on large institutional or corporate campuses, I try to distil these underlying principles rather than replicate surface aesthetics. Courtyards, shaded transitions, passive cooling strategies and the use of local materials are reinterpreted at different scales. Authenticity comes from respecting context and craft while adapting them intelligently to contemporary needs, technologies, and programmes. It is a process of continuity rather than nostalgia.

Q The reconstruction of Bhadli village after the Bhuj earthquake is often cited as a model for community led rebuilding. What did that project teach you about the social responsibilities of architects beyond design and aesthetics?

The reconstruction of Bhadli was a profound learning experience. It reinforced my belief that architecture is fundamentally a social act. The project taught me that architects must act as facilitators and listeners, not just designers. Engaging with the community, understanding their lifestyles, livelihoods and aspirations, and involving them in decision-making were critical to the project’s success. It highlighted that dignity, participation and ownership are as important as structural safety. Beyond aesthetics, architects have a responsibility to empower communities and help rebuild lives, not just buildings.

Q You have worked extensively on heritage conservation, including the restoration of the Louis Kahn buildings at IIM Ahmedabad and St. Thomas Cathedral. How do you approach restoring iconic structures while adapting them to contemporary use and safety standards?

Heritage conservation demands humility and deep respect for the original architect’s intent. My approach is to first understand the spirit, materiality and construction logic of the building. Any intervention must be minimal and reversible where possible and clearly distinguishable from the original fabric. At the same time, buildings must remain relevant and safe. Integrating contemporary services, accessibility and safety standards requires careful detailing and collaboration with other experts in the field. The goal is to ensure that these iconic structures continue to live, evolve and serve society without compromising their integrity.

Q Across schools, campuses, and public spaces, your projects emphasise sustainability, climate sensitivity, and human scale. How has your understanding of sustainability evolved over four decades of practice?

When I began practice, sustainability was basic to the design. It was about responding to climate, using local materials and designing efficiently. Sustainability today encompasses not only environmental performance but also social equity, cultural continuity and long term resilience. It is about creating buildings that age gracefully, consume fewer resources and enhance human well-being. Technology has provided new tools, but the core principles remain timeless: respect for nature, economy of means and sensitivity to human scale.

Q As Chairperson of the Board of Governors at SPA Vijayawada, what changes do you believe are most urgently needed in architectural education to prepare students for the realities of India’s cities and communities?

Architectural education in India must move beyond an image-driven approach and engage more deeply with ground realities. Students need greater exposure to on-site learning, rural and urban fieldwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Issues such as housing, infrastructure, climate change, heritage, and social equity must be central to the curriculum. Equally important is nurturing ethical responsibility and critical thinking. Architects must be prepared not only to design buildings but also to address complex social and environmental challenges with sensitivity, innovation, and compassion.