I have had too much to do and see in the past two days. So much so that as I look back, it stuns me to recollect all the energy and experience to be collated into a single narrative. At best, I shall be able to list down the activities and then reminisce the vigor of the people with me.
On Friday, along with a large group of youngsters some of us adults ventured to see the city in a new light and lens. We took breaks and pauses as multiple pairs of eyes looked high up the skies to spot elements of architecture strewn on fading and shiny surfaces. There were brief interludes as we waded through the traffic of people and buses, honking taxis and the many dug road sites. Somewhere in quiet streets, bougainvillea blossoms shone with sunlight and buildings gleamed in delight even as we gathered in groups to take in the beauty of horizontal lines around us. There's a certain madness when lots of young hands are raised in motion to capture the many fascinating sights around them. I felt at ease even as I lay back walking in a slow tread taking in the familiar precincts.
The journey continued as we heard about some interesting anecdotes about art and eventually bustled into a bookstore which was a much needed respite from the heat and walking. It was an opportune moment to be in a place that grasps attention with its tall, lined bookshelves and marble statues and multi-lingual quotes on the walls. It was another world with excited voices discovering books and stories. We did not just stop here but stepped into another with its quiet reverence for worship and the beloved departed souls resting in peace. The day ended with a cheerful mosaic of happy faces and aching feet.
Saturday brought happy reunions with people I hadn't met in close to a decade. The event was nothing short of glamour that architecture brings with it. Professionals spoke about the diversity in architectural practices where these were young new firms. It certainly brought ideas regarding education and means for making it interesting to those who don't seem to find themselves fitting in the curriculum. The many times learners move away from the core building practices are due to a lack of innovation and inspiration. The architect in the city can be too closeted within the confines of structures on paper. Some individuals are seeking newer ways of being an architect and an artist in the city. It was quite refreshing to see regional projects that encased spatial dynamics with nature in subtlety.
Conversations in Architecture have become rare as I often look for narratives and counter-tales of personal involvements on the subject. It is either too large- larger than life itself wherein it seems artificial and disconnected or either too disengaged, thus seemingly ineffective and oblivious of the world around it. Last night highlighted some obvious and overlooked aspects of thinking that should be spoken of more regularly. I hope this trail continues to fire questions and answers that matter, other than the exoskeleton of luxury we seem to have wrapped ourselves within.
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