Sanjay Puri is the award-winning Principal Architect of Sanjay Puri Architects, established in 1992. With numerous international and national accolades, Sanjay Puri is a distinguished architect in India who emphasizes the importance of contextual architecture. Over the years, he has amassed a stellar portfolio of architectural projects spanning hotels, residential and office buildings. In an interview with Asia Designers Directory, Sanjay shares his insights on architectural developments in India and reflections from his illustrious career.
You started out on residential projects in your early career. How has residential buildings in India evolved over the years? What do you think is key when designing housing in India?
More than 90% of residential buildings in India are often built without taking cognizance of the climate. Despite having a tropical climate in most parts of India, developers tend to mimic Western building, favoring international or glass-clad facades. One reason why Mumbai is not as polluted as cities like Delhi despite having its large population and high-density traffic, is owing to its location at the coastline, where a consistent southwest breeze naturally ventilates the city. However, developers are constructing fully glass-covered buildings with windows that cannot be opened beyond six inches, natural airflow is restricted, forcing people to rely on air conditioning unnecessarily for six to eight months annually. This trend isn’t limited to Mumbai; smaller towns are also following suit.
Nobody wants to live in a box. It’s crucial to remember that India has a tropical climate, where residents should be able to open windows and live in outdoor spaces that shield from the elements yet offer freedom. Fortunately, about 10% of constructions prioritise these considerations, although architects often face challenges convincing developers. Over time, we hope to shift towards more climate-appropriate and contextual buildings.
What type of projects excite you most? Is there a project that is the most memorable?
Until recently, hotels were the most exciting because they offer ample public and residential spaces where you can craft unique atmospheres. A hotel getaway is an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in a completely different experience. There’s room to experiment creatively, although it is subject to clients’ approval, and requires persuasive efforts on our part.
This year, however, we just completed the Nokha Village Community Center in Rajasthan’s Nokha district, nestled in the heart of western India’s desert landscape. Spanning just 9,000 square feet, this community center has become a hub for village children, who arrive in busloads to enjoy its offerings. We’ve witnessed local communities gathering for music programmes and other activities. Designing a space that unites and engages a community, providing facilities previously unavailable, is the most satisfying to an architect.
You are a speaker at many events and a judge at many competitions. What is close to your heart when it comes to architecture?
I believe architecture ought to respond to the climate, the needs of its occupants, and the social and cultural context of its surroundings, while also pushing boundaries. Many architects replicate designs from decades or even centuries ago, which isn’t necessarily bad, as it is respectful and can be aesthetically pleasing, however, true innovation lies in contextualising traditional values and planning principles in new ways, creating something both grounded and exhilarating. This approach not only respects tradition but can be exciting at the same time.
You have won many awards in your career journey. Is there something you want to achieve in your remaining career years?
There are many awards like the Mies van der Rohe or Pritzker that one would like to receive. However, I believe it is most rewarding to see satisfaction on people’s faces when they interact with a building you’ve designed. Creating something meaningful that resonates with people supersedes any award.
From aspiring artist to architect, what is your biggest takeaway from this career journey and what is important for next-generation architects?
I think the biggest giveaway is believing in yourself. Firstly, whatever you do must have a reason—not just following trends. It’s about doing what you believe is right. Every design decision must be backed by a clear rationale and perfect reasoning to take you forward.
For the next generation of architects, it’s important to simplify learning by sharing knowledge. That’s why we’ve launched “The Dialogues Design Directory,” a YouTube series offering concise videos on various architectural topics. Our goal is to cover all aspects so that viewers can learn efficiently during their free time. Understanding the reasoning sheds light on why things are done in a particular way, how it solves various problems simultaneously, how it responded to the client, climate and its surroundings.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
We are currently working in a variety of projects, from interesting community centres, hotels, housing, office buildings tailored for tropical climates, and educational facilities. Each project, whether in hospitality, residential, educational, or community development sectors, brings its own unique challenges and rewards.