Lofty Ideas

Architect Parthavi Patel’s debut as an independent practitioner, this Ahmedabad apartment dovetails facets of the client and architect’s personalities. A free flowing, quirky and expansive programme, replete with memorabilia, speaks of the owners’ zest for travelling and entertaining; meticulous attention to detail points to the architect’s penchant for perfection.

- Rupali Sebastian

“Life is about evolving and growing. So as we grow, our homes should have a scope to grow with us. It should reflect who we are and not what we are expected to be,” says architect Parthavi Patel. She’s discussing the project that marked her debut as an independent practitioner, a home for a London-based Indian couple that was repatriating to Ahmedabad. “She's fun and loves to entertain friends and family,” says the architect of the lady of the house. “So the apartment had to serve the purpose while accommodating the familiar feel from her stay in London. Along with the brief provided, I felt since she traveled a lot, she should come back to a home, a place where she could just be. It had to be a home for her and her husband, where they could unwind, make it their own. It had to have a quality whereby she could add details over time — and not be hotel-like pristine where she was afraid to ruin the sanctity of the space. The vibe had to be fun and interesting just like the client, with every corner holding your interest and a story to tell.”

The space was stark, laid with glossy beige tiles (which Parthavi had to forcibly make peace with) and exposed concrete ceilings. “I decided on the form and space division based on not only how the client wanted it but also how I 'felt' a certain area should be in terms of scale, materiality and usage. It was as simple and complicated as it sounds. Of course, practicality and efficient space usage are also primary factors…” says the alumnus of MSU, Vadodara.