Uplifting Residential Design in the Pandemic Phase

Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder & Principal Architect at Cityspace’82 Architects believes that the buildings of the future need to be independent and self sufficient

Sumit Dhawan

Ar. Sumit Dhawan started a solitary practice directly after completing B.Arch in the year 2005 and founded Cityspace’82 Architects. Looking at his father,

Ar. Satish Dhawan working on his drawings with fancy architecture equipment always fascinated Sumit to pursue this field and he enticed a passion for the profession. Having an experience of almost two decades, Sumit experiments and innovates his projects with numerous design styles fusing one into another and delivers impeccable intricate spectacles.

The fate of single homes and multigenerational residences has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique situation the world has been thrust into has led to some major reconsiderations in terms of lifestyle and basic habitual changes for the common man. Public spaces like parks, restaurants and movie theatres have adapted to the new normal while incorporating safety and sanitary measures. It is high time that such a shift is observed in the residential sector as well. It is especially relevant in India as the area per person, per square feet, is fairly limited here. Therefore, smart utilization of space needs to be addressed in the current times.

The connections we have with our residences have grown stronger over the course of the year 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. Such a mental-physical relationship between our homes and minds will persist well after the pandemic has subsided. Therefore, it is necessary that the layouts of one’s abode are adaptable. At the same time, certain areas of the house need to be designated for specific activities like working, studying, eating and sleeping. The current situation demands a fine balance between multipurpose spaces and rooms with fixed function. Else, the process may hamper the work life and personal life if this balance is disrupted. For instance, working from the bed is a faux-pas. The lines between office life and home life can be blurred, leading to faster burnout.

The buildings of the future need to be independent and self-sufficient. Each apartment or house must have its own water and heating plan in place in case the city’s power grid fails. A lot of people are looking into renewable sources of energy like solar power in order to cut down on electricity bills while opting for eco-friendly

solutions. A safety net needs to be created. Solid fuel boilers, stoves and batteries shall be kept as an emergency option in case of power failures amidst this global crisis. It is best to be prepared.

As the lockdown slowly gets lifted, public spaces like restaurants and cinema halls open up. These places are envisaged to be wellequipped with sanitization, disinfection spaces and temperature checkpoints at the entrance. These techniques are required to be employed in private residences as well. In order to keep homes clean, the entryway or foyer can serve as transitional spaces where guests can be sanitized. Also, the installation of antimicrobial surfaces in living rooms can help. Such surfaces are resistant to damage or rust, are easy to clean, and are relatively maintenance-free. It is also important to incorporate air-purification systems into daily life in order to avoid breathing in contaminated air.

Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Principal Architect and Founder, Cityspace 82’ Architects using his design sensibilities to the best has been including every possible amenity in his residential designs prior to this lockdown and pandemic situation. Leaving no stone unturned, Sumit has included gymnasium, sauna and spa, office, spaces for rejuvenation with indoor sports, green indoors, home theatre, etc, in most of his residential projects. Firmly believing a perfect balance between functionality and form adopting a to and fro methodology for the same, Sumit ensures rationalise both, the aesthetics and functional regime of every endeavour he outlines. He also believes that a building must speak for itself with its concept, rather than having theoretical philosophy to it.

Inculcating advanced amenities in a project called ‘The Centaurus’ located in New Delhi gymnasium and spa have been incorporated in the design. Sunken gardens in the basement were incorporated in order to allow abundant light and ventilation for the gymnasium and the spa. A vibrant terrace garden is laid out on the second floor. The basement is the most recognised part of the project. While acquiring an entirely different look from the rest of the house, the basement demonstrates an industrial aura, forming a perfect air for partying where the young generation can rejuvenate.

Indoor sports activities like snooker have been incorporated. A prop installed here with numerous signboards with different city names inscribed bestows a sense of paragon to the seating area.

The reliance on the homes will persist even after the pandemic will be over. We need to accept the new reality and adapt to measures that will ensure greater freedom and mobility in our homes to accommodate a variety of activities in life.

The

reliance on homes will persist even after the pandemic is over. We need to accept the new reality and adapt to measures that will ensure greater freedom and mobility in our homes to accommodate a variety of activities in life.