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Beyond Blueprints With Pooja Bihani:
On The Art Of Creating Soul-Enriching Spaces
Pooja Bihani is an architect and interior designer based in Kolkata, India. She is the founder and principal architect of Spaces & Design, a studio that offers architecture and interior design services for residences, workspaces, and lifestyle spaces. Bihani's design philosophy is based on the idea of creating spaces that are harmonious, aesthetic, and functional. She believes that good design should improve the quality of life for the people who use it. Her work is often characterised by its use of clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on practicality.
The concept of ‘Interior Architecture’ underpins every design endeavour by Spaces and Design. The studio is renowned for integrating architecture and interiors to create an inviting ‘inside-out’ experience. Based on simple circulation plans, the spaces flow into each other, highlighting the studio’s inherent style of capturing the beauty of simplicity and symmetry. Here, Pooja Bihani talks about her journey, her design inspirations and how to craft soul-enriching spaces.
Ashira, a Kolkata home that celebrates the luxury of art and craftsmanship. Image credit: Ishita Sitwala.
1. Could you tell us a bit about your journey in architecture and interior design?
In 1999, after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architecture from Shivaji University in Kolhapur, I moved to a new city—Kolkata. An early marriage brought a lot of responsibilities in my personal life. However, eventually, my journey in architecture and interior design started with a decision to make a small difference in society, and then it was one step at a time. From one-bedroom to full-fledged stand-alone projects today…the journey continues! To me, design is manifesting your inner passion, no less than meditation!
2. Your design philosophy is focused on creating spaces that are harmonious, aesthetic, and functional. Can you elaborate on what this means to you and how it shapes your approach to design?
Certainly! Our design philosophy revolves around seamlessly integrating harmony, aesthetics, and functionality in every space. Harmony ensures a balanced and cohesive environment achieved by ensuring free circulation of energy, aesthetics add visual appeal, and functionality ensures practical utility. This approach guides our design decisions, emphasising a holistic and enriching experience for the users within their living spaces.
R.A.W Office in Kolkata by Spaces & Design. Image credit: Talib Chitalwala.
3. What role do you believe the soul plays in design? And how do you strive to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also enriching for the people who inhabit them?
The ‘soul’ in design refers to the emotional and personal connection individuals have with their surroundings. We believe infusing soul into design involves understanding the unique identity of each space and its inhabitants. By incorporating personal elements, cultural nuances, and deep consideration of the user's needs, we aim to create emotionally resonating spaces. This, in turn, contributes to an enriched and meaningful experience for those who inhabit the spaces, transcending mere aesthetics to create a profound connection with the environment.
4. You've mentioned that you incorporate principles of Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga into your design work. Can you share some examples of how these practices influence your designs?
Some shapes, forms, placements and directions can make life better for the user and act as a catalyst to enhance things. We use the principles of Pranic Feng Shui in our projects as a service to our clients. For instance, we ensure that the spaces we design have no sharp edges, which enhances one’s aura and can make one feel better. We try to take care of such aspects from the point of view of energy.
Bar at 19, Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) by Spaces & Design. Image credit: Vivek Das.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a designer? And how do you overcome them?
Budget over design or design over budget is a constant challenge, but I like this challenge, as this conflict brings out newer ways of applying techniques and design, and each space turns out unique—true to the aim of Spaces and Design.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on trends in the architecture and interior design world that might influence your design choices?
Travel keeps me up-to-date with design and architecture trends. I like to explore places and meet new people when I am travelling alone for work. Besides, I am always hungry for new products, materials, and technologies.
Trapezoid Home, Kolkata by Spaces & Design. Image credit: Suryan//Dang.
7. What are some of the latest trends you're seeing in design? And how are you incorporating them into your work?
I see fluidity at all levels getting fluxed into the design. There are no set trends, but there is an underlying theme. It’s a paradox, which is difficult to explain.
8. Material, colour and form that is currently predominant in your recent work?
No material, colour, or form can be constant in my projects as we try to break the mould each time. But given a broad framework, I would sum it up to newer ways of treating all openings—doors, windows, or doorways as our approach. And we chose curves as our predominant form in 2023.
Upstairs—A modern Kolkata home by Spaces & Design showcasing symmetry and curves. Image credit: Ishita Sitwala.
9. What advice would you give to aspiring architects and interior designers?
I tell aspiring architects and interior designers to always follow their intuition.
10. What's next at the studio? What are you looking forward to in 2024?
This year has started with a bang with the unveiling of The Peach Club in January 2024. Soon to follow are exciting projects such as Fountainhead, Den at Lansdowne and Faceup. Besides, we are also looking at major art collaborative projects this year.
The Peach Club is a Kolkata clubhouse by Spaces & Design. Image credit: Suryan//Dang.
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