Interview with Divya Ethirajan

My partner Pramod Jaiswal and I cofounded BetweenSpaces in 2010. We operate from our own studio in Bangalore
Our work is an expression of our beliefs. We believe Architecture is about conversation, a dialogue between spaces. Between Spaces could be bricks in the wall, the mortar between bricks, glass, water, light or even air. Between Spaces defines the street between houses, the fence between the buildings, the stairs between floors, the space between walls, the wall between rooms, the threshold or even a fold between pages. The making of these spaces and something between spaces through simple strategies of orientation, scale, volume, proportion, spatial and material manipulations and manipulation of light to get these unique spaces forms the core of our practice.

As architects, we endeavour to create buildings that are respectable and responsible, are cost effective and makes living comfortable and gratifying. As much as the practice loves to explore these intimate spaces and work on construction details, it also has its interest in how the building sits on the site and interacts with the street and its surrounding. Our design evolves as a response to a clear understanding of our client’s requirements and aspirations. We question, we debate and analyse the brief to come up with ideas which are unique and native to the context.

Our most favorite design of our firm is our studio cum house. We had a very modest approach to this design and is a reflection of who we are as people.

The first thing we designed as a company was house interiors for Mr Vinod Madappa, a simple house for an entrepreneur couple and their 2 sons inspired from their native ancestral house in coorg, India.

Our favorite material is Brick.

I feel the most creative when I visit old building like palaces or temples in India. They are very inspiring.

Excited, zelious

Elated, gratitude

Design is successful if the end product is true to its core concepts at the beginning of the project.

Good design have a deep sensory experience. The experience of being in a building should leave an exhilarating feeling.
Bad design is when flashy materials are used to clad a building just to grab some attention.

Designers have to be sensitive to both the immediate surrounding and the city itself.
In a city like Bangalore, incorporation of openings, courtyards and skylights can avoid mechanical ventilation. Unnecessary usage of curtain glazing walls can be avoided to prevent heating up of building.

Integrating lifestyle changes of people in building has become vital. We are constantly incorporating new materials and technology in our design and trying to find new meaning to traditional and local materials.

BetweenSpaces was one of the 10 young architectural practices in Karnataka selected for Architecture Praxis Exhibition held in 2016 at YMCA Bangalore.

Design inspiration comes from everyday life. From the uninhibited creativity of my 3 year old son to masters in architecture. Our first inspiration for each project comes from the client themselves, the stories they want to tell and in what way our design could impact and enhance their life.

We refrain ourselves from any stylistic approach to a project and like to keep it simple. In all our works, irrespective of the size and nature, we endeavour to achieve a balance between ever changing, pluralistic milieu and the rich traditions we are rooted to. The search is for a contemporary expression with a soul deeply embedded in traditional sensibilities which could produce an architecture that belongs to its time and place.

We live in Bangalore, India. Our cultural heritage affects us deeply.
Pros - Our design is rooted to the sensibility of the sub-continent. We have developed an understanding of locally available materials. We do not incorporate traditional motifs or styles but are influenced by traditional concepts and ideas.
Cons – Because we are so rooted to our heritage, we try to refrain from using materials that aren’t sensitive to our environment. This may not always be acceptable to clients looking for buildings that need to ape the west.

We don’t have a set rule and the nature of our work makes each day different. Typically my day starts at 9:30 in office. We discuss project schedule and deadlines with respective seniors and target to finish it by 6:30. I try to keep site meetings in the mornings.

When you set out on a long journey, don’t count on the number of thorns you will encounter on your path. They are just the reality checks and indications to tell an individual about so many things they didn’t know about until then and that they have so many things to learn. Patience is another virtue, a design entrepreneur have to have.
Stick to your core design values. Its always good to go back the them for each project.

Positives – design process for each project is always engaging. There are no mundane days, each day is exciting and something new to look forward to.
Negatives – Its not a lot of money to start with. Process for each project can be a slow and requires patience.

Never compromise on design process. We don’t take it to site till we are completely sure of it.

Hardwork and aptitude for design

We make sure the client is aware of the timeline for each project. We also deligate enough time and people at the beginning stages of the project, so that we have enough time for the development. Our process is very rigorous and thorough for every minor details of the project.

We will continue to have a small and dedicated team of like minded people. We are working on a few institutions and houses. We want to explore hospitals and public architecture in the future.

We work as a team. The initial sketches are done by the principal architect and developed by the entire team

They can mail us at touch@betweenspaces.co.in or call us at 91 80 40902769