OF THE THERAIN (page 1)

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The design process is actually closer to the one experienced by an artist while creating a work of art," says architect Rajeev Agarwal. While site, context, materials, and function are incidental to his preoccupation with design; for him, the design process per se is characterised by ingrained values that humanise structures with clarity and simplicity, honesty of approach and a playfulness that is in tune with nature and its intrinsic vibe with humankind. These vibes, he further explains are manifested in a duality of sorts - two colours, two geometries, changing views, light and shadow, two axes and so on...

Following these very principles, is this abode cocooned within a green oasis and guided heavily by the principles of Vaastu as it sits on a large tract of farmland in the suburbs of Delhi. Designed by Rajeev Agarwal with landscaping by Atul Vashisht, the architecture deliberately eschews direct historical references to the surroundings of the Mehrauli region, rich in the historical arched and domed remains of the erstwhile Mughal monarchy. Yet, a feeling of dejavu tends to bind the simple rectangular plan with its North and South zones bifurcated through a seminal long corridor, which runs East-West cutting the house into two and silently representing the lifeline between private and public spaces.

The whole plan comprises three distinct zones: public, semi public and private. The public Zone constitutes the entrance, parking lot, Swimming pool and a spa and office structure and leads to the large north-facing open garden, which is a semi-public Zone; and is used by the family, as well for large public parties. The house stands facing this lawn, and has the formal living room and the lounge opening on to it via a deck. The linearity of the plot is obliquely divided by the
house into front and rear parts. The rear garden – South facing, is the private zone, and has all the bedrooms overlooking this garden.

(Continues...)

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