"If it can't include a garden, we won't pursue it," asserts Shibanee & Kamal Architects.
Located in Bangalore—a city renowned for its high population density—this architectural studio emphasizes the integral role of gardens in designing residential projects, as highlighted in an exclusive video produced by Dezeen. Gardens are not merely decorative features; they are foundational elements that influence the overall design, from organization and structural form to the execution of the projects themselves.
The firm passionately states, "Every single home we create includes a garden; if a garden isn't possible, we simply won’t proceed with the project." This commitment reflects their deep belief in the importance of green spaces, particularly in bustling urban environments like Bangalore.
To incorporate greenery effectively within the limited spaces available in the city, Shibanee & Kamal Architects have devised various spatial strategies. "We experimented with numerous configurations," noted Kamal Sagar, a co-founder of the firm. "Some designs feature staggered layouts, others are duplexes or L-shaped, and in certain cases, gardens are integrated within the living spaces themselves."
The studio's perspective is clear: gardens are vital to the essence of a home. "A house doesn’t truly feel like a home without a garden," Kamal emphasized, underscoring the emotional and experiential significance of these natural elements.
This philosophy also influences how the practice manages project delivery. After encountering frequent alterations to their designs when collaborating with external developers, Shibanee & Kamal Architects decided to take complete control of the process. They established their own construction and development branch, Total Environment, which allows them to oversee architecture, construction, and development seamlessly. "In our initial projects for developers, we found that our designs were often modified almost immediately," Kamal recounted. "The only viable solution was to acquire a piece of land ourselves, allowing us to design, construct, and market the properties directly."
Shibanee added, "This approach works because architects are closely linked with construction teams. There’s a powerful synergy in this collaboration." A prime example of this methodology is their project, Windmills of Your Mind, located in the heart of what’s referred to as "India’s Silicon Valley." This high-rise residential complex features extensive landscaping throughout the development, showcasing the firm's commitment to integrating nature into urban living.
Kamal proudly remarked, "At Windmills of Your Mind, we’ve actually increased the amount of greenery on the site since the buildings were constructed." The team believes that longevity in design is a critical measure of success, dubbing it "timeless design." Kamal shared, "We’ve observed residents enjoying our homes for over two decades without ever wanting to move away."
Their dedication to incorporating greenery stems from a lifelong appreciation for nature. "As a child, I was enchanted by books like Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, which transported me to a dreamlike world filled with nature, and I've always aspired to create that ambiance in our buildings," explained Kamal.
Founded in 1996 by Shibanee and Kamal Sagar, Shibanee & Kamal Architects is an internationally recognized architecture and design studio. They are currently working on a new residential community named Tapestry in Frisco, Texas, which will feature uniquely designed, curved green roofs and provide garden access from every room.
Photography for this project is provided by Total Environment.
This video was created by Dezeen as part of a collaboration with Total Environment. To learn more about Dezeen's partnership content, visit our website.
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