Beyond Aesthetics: 4 Lessons Every Designer Should Know

🗞️ SamaCHAR: The Poetry of Architecture with Prof. B.V. Doshi.

Feb 06, 2025

This week’s Samachar is from my conversation with the legendary Prof. Balkrishna Doshi. ( ▶️ India’s Design Hero - Prof. Balkrishna Doshi - Ep. 100)

Kedar with B.V. Doshi at Sangath (Ahmedabad)

Late Prof. Balkrishna Doshi (26 August 1927 - 24 January 2023 (95 years) is a Pritzker Prize-winning architect and a pioneer of modern Indian architecture. Known for designs like IIM Bangalore and Aranya Low-Cost Housing, Doshi’s work is rooted in sustainability and cultural sensitivity.

1️⃣ What makes a good design?

Short Answer: Surprise and joy.

Long Answer: Design should feel alive. It’s not just about structure; it’s about how it makes you feel. Think of a courtyard where light dances at different hours, or a staircase that invites you to sit. The best designs don’t just function well, they evoke a response. If a space doesn’t make you feel something—curiosity, comfort, joy—then it’s just a structure, not design. A well-placed window, a playful archway, a transition between spaces—small things can make a place feel magical.

“Doshi”: Documentary

2️⃣ Can design change how we live?

Short Answer: Directly!

Long Answer: The way we live is shaped by our surroundings. A house with thoughtful lighting and open spaces makes you feel at ease. A cramped, harshly lit space does the opposite. Good design can uplift. It can bring people together, encourage conversation, and improve well-being. It’s not about luxury—it’s about thoughtfulness. When you design with people in mind, you create spaces that inspire better living. A home can bring hope, a school can spark curiosity, a street can foster community. That’s the power of design.

Read about the transformative Aranya project

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3️⃣ How should architects think about materials?

Short Answer: Like artists do.

Long Answer: Materials have life. The way you touch wood, the way stone weathers over time, the way brick absorbs warmth—it’s all part of the design. The problem isn’t materials; it’s how we use them. RCC, glass, steel—each has potential if used thoughtfully. But today, we copy, we repeat, we don’t experiment. Architecture should explore the essence of materials, not just their efficiency. The best buildings don’t just use materials; they bring them to life.

Doshi: A Film Series Video On Demand

4️⃣ How does space influence emotions?

Short Answer: It changes you.

Long Answer: Space isn’t neutral—it shapes how we feel. A grand hall makes you feel small, a cozy nook makes you feel safe. A poorly lit room can dampen your mood; a well-placed window can lift it. It’s about rhythm, proportion, light, air. Even small shifts—lowering a ceiling, and widening a doorway—change how we experience a space. If you design with care, you don’t just create shelter, you create a mood, a memory, a feeling that stays with people long after they leave.

Explore iconic designs by Doshi

This conversation with Prof. Doshi is a treasure trove of wisdom. I have taken some creative liberty based on the context and paraphrased this interview with the help of AI.

Listen to the full episode on Audiogyan, or catch it on ▶️ YouTube, 🎧 Spotify, and 🎧 Apple Podcasts.

Love this week’s Samachar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. See you next week for more insights and inspiration!