The 'accidental' architect

Buildings are increasingly gaining a fair mention, not for their architecture alone, but by those who design them.

- ANURITA RATHORE JADEJA

Arguably, that's a natural progression if the work strikes a chord several times over with a varied assortment of people. Recalling a hot May afternoon, when crossing a building designed by architect Apurva Amin, I was told his designs are never over the top and have functional clarity. I could spot a fan speaking, though perhaps, as one familiar with the architect's rich platter of work, it was easy to nod to those assertions.

This architect is first an artist. Until I met him face-to-face at the exhibition Hinchko, at The Raw House some days back, and curiously strode through the nine swings he has designed—a first ever—I believed he was a popular, sought-after architect. But that moment proved my notion was limited. I met a true artist, someone who has a story behind everything he makes—a theory, a philosophy, a relevant approach—just as those extraordinary swings did.

Over the next couple of hours came through a striking narrative involving design with geometry at play, spaces streamlined with functional ease, contextual design, artful features, and various surprises. That Apurva Amin took 10 years to graduate was my first surprise ("I wasn't very sincere academically or with attendance"); another was his decision to not work at his father's established architectural firm, but to grow as an architect individually, earn respect, and not embrace it as mere legacy. Interestingly, his father also encouraged him to start on his own and work in a way that satiated his creative and idealistic pursuits.