Gauri Kelkar‘s 20×20: Twenty Architects x Twenty Iconic Homes of India features a hand-picked collection of India’s most spectacular architecture firms and their projects, showcasing exciting contemporary design while also celebrating our country’s splendid geography. A deep bow to the architects practising in India today, the homes presented in this book give an unique glimpse into how architects working in India have perceived, crafted, created and shaped, in a variety of diverse geographies, into spaces of stunning recall value, spaces which combine that residence that their clients want. The book celebrates the different kinds of architecture visible in India today – and in this way, the idea of luxury and comfort and personality manifest.
Here is a candid interview with her.
1. What is the last book you read?
It’s been a while! But I was re-reading a PG Wodehouse, a Blandings Castle story.
2. A guilty pleasure?
In terms of books? It would be fast-paced crime thrillers you tend to inhale over a couple of days, reading even when the lights are off, and otherwise, any kind of dark chocolate—the more decadent the better!
3. Where do you write? Do you have a favourite spot?
I know it’s never at my desk! And I’m pretty flexible about where I sit, though the bed tends to be a frequently used spot.
4. What is a book that has stayed with you?
Quite a few actually! Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings to name a few.
5. What apart from what you do today do you wish you could do or pursue as a career?
I hadn’t really thought too much about that but if I had been able to develop that muscle, then I think I’d have enjoyed becoming an artist or an illustrator. Unfortunately, I really suck at all things art.
6. Your greatest fear?
Writer’s block!
7. A trait you admire in yourself?
I didn’t think this would be possible ever but I think I’m pretty good at self-discipline—now. It’s taken a lot of effort to get there. Though that also has to do with meeting deadlines I suppose.
8. Who would be the guests at your perfect dinner party?
JK Rowling, Tolkein, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. They weave absolutely wonderful worlds rich with memorable characters that spring out of fantastic imagination.
9. A book you’d recommend to someone to get them out of a reading slump?
Literally any Wodehouse book. Or if it’s a really long slump, then start small—a collection of Peanuts comics or Calvin and Hobbes. Life lessons served in bite-sized humour. Always works.
Explore her book
20×20
Take a tour through a select collection of homes across the length and breadth of India built by architects both new and experienced, conjured in diverse geographies. Hillside holiday homes, modern apartments in large metros, beachy villas opening out to views of the rolling surf – this book takes a look at well-designed homes crafted by architects working in India. Get the opportunity to look …
