DEAN D’CRUZ

Whereas most architects see sustainability as one of the approaches to architecture, co-founder of Goa-based Mozaic Design, Dean D’Cruz says that it is the only approach “considering the suicidal way the world is g oing in terms of consumption.” He lays emphasis on the greater purpose of conservation architecture, as other than just recalling history, “it is about recycling buildings and reducing our footprint.”

Propagating sustainable architecture since the beginning and using low-cost materials always, masonry, according to him is a method that lasts for centuries, even in roofing systems as this ensures that the rain does not seep into or erode the building. For instance, D’Cruz employed sustainable techniques even 20 years ago when he worked on a heritage boutique hotel, Nilaya Hermitage in Goa. Constructed on top of a hill, it is made out of stone excavated from the pool and uses coconut wood for roofs, doors and windows. The light frames were created out of waste steel.

D’Cruz draws inspiration from the Indian history and preaches that we get ideas from our past to create appropriate architecture. “The key is just to be sensible and sensitive in choice,” he says.