Previously viewed as merely "statements of architecture", buildings are now seen more as gathering places that generate an experience. Although a place's initial impression is automatic, establishing a genuine sense of space requires more work. This idea resonates with the essence of creating interiors that align with people and place. Following this ethos is Ar. Rajkumar Kumawat of Rajkumar Architects, crafting designs with a human-centric approach.
He creates architecture that listens with strategic layouts and play of volumes and voids, while being deeply rooted in the regional context. From designing private residences to office spaces, every creation evokes a sense of belonging. This article sheds light on designing structures that listen and allow occupants to breathe in the same way.
The idea of place-centric design begins by understanding the intricacies of the region. Kumawat’s sensitivity to climate and vernacular traditions leads him to create spaces that breathe and adapt. For instance, residences in Rajasthan become extensions of the terrain, earth-toned, tactile, and timeless. He also carefully orients the structure to beat the harsh climate of the region. Natural ventilation, passive cooling techniques, and the use of locally sourced materials are embedded into the design logic from inception.
Kumawat's architecture is about storytelling. His buildings often revive forgotten crafts and echo traditional forms without resorting to pastiche. By collaborating with local artisans to create custom stonework and terracotta panels, he imbues the idea of locale in his designs. This commitment to cultural resonance extends beyond aesthetics. He also integrates age-old spatial typologies—like the courtyard, reimagined for contemporary needs. These elements foster social interaction and community bonding and serve as passive design features, reducing dependence on mechanical systems.
Architecture that listens also depends on the choice of materials. With natural materials like plaster, sandstone, exposed brick, and bamboo, structures narrate their story and resonate with the place. For him, materiality is not a visual gimmick but a bridge between the tactile and the temporal. Kumawat also experiments with new-age techniques, but never at the cost of spatial clarity. Adding to the same, he asserts, "Innovation must not dilute identity. Technology should enhance the sensory and emotional experience of space, not overpower it.”
Furthermore, resonating a structure with its people requires an emotional and personalised approach to design. At Rajkumar Architects, this begins by understanding the requirements of the occupants along with their lifestyles. Accommodating a small kid to designing for the elderly helps to create a space that feels homely. Be it integrating a puja room or crafting a gallery wall for the family, every small detail is artfully implemented by the team. All these, when merged, rise in a design that listens!
In essence, Ar. Rajkumar Kumawat’s designs offer a perspective to create designs that listen. By grounding his work in empathy and experience, he challenges the profession to reimagine success not by scale or form alone, but by resonance!
