As architects, we often talk about the studio culture in an office environment or an academic setting as well. But what is the ideology behind setting up a studio? How does it establish the ideals behind the practice and the practitioner?
In our studio, we think that dialogues are a fantastic method to close the gap that we see between the architect, the practice, and architecture itself. Establishing forums for these conversations is one such effort to close the gap. Regardless of the subject— even if not architecture, —we think that exchanging experiences may strengthen our feeling of community and pave the way for meaningful conversations, collaboration, or even just plain old socializing. More often than not, we love the process of coming together than the potential outcomes. Forums are a medium through which we try to establish and address this gap in the community of architects.
In conclusion, the architectural studio serves as a hub for fostering dialogue, cultivating a sense of community, and bridging the gap between architects, the practice of architecture, and architecture itself. By establishing forums for open exchange, studios encourage meaningful conversations, collaboration, and shared learning, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment where architects can grow and thrive. Thus, the architectural studio stands as a testament to the power of collective engagement and the transformative potential of dialogue in shaping the future of architecture.
In Conversation with Ar. Anuja Dhopade from Atelier DA – Art, Design and Aesthetics
To kickstart our forum sessions, we invited Architect Anuja to share insights into the work culture of her studio, Atelier DA. This interactive session served as a catalyst for communal growth and fostered collaboration among architects in Hyderabad, promoting a culture of shared learning and open dialogue.
Ar. Anuja did her bachelor’s in architecture in JNTU, Hyderabad. Later, she pursued her profession as an architect in Kruthica Architects and continued to work for 7 years and stepped out as an Associate architect and currently runs her own practice under the name Atelier DA.
The talk commenced with a brief introduction of Atelier DA and its distinctive work culture. Shaped by a progressive approach that embraces learning and working in diverse contexts, Atelier DA has broadened its perspective, influencing its design approach across a wide range of projects. The studio consciously avoids relying on overly complex technological solutions, instead favoring innovative and economical designs that utilize simple, prevalent construction techniques. This approach aligns seamlessly with the Indian context, where adaptability to societal needs is paramount.
Architect Anuja presented a series of projects from their studio, delving into the design intent and processes that shaped each structure. The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, engaging both architects and architecture students in attendance. This inaugural forum marked the studio’s first step towards fostering interactive social connections between architects and architecture students in Hyderabad.