Timeless Wisdom through the Life and Works of Raj Rewal

A conversation between Raj Rewal (RR), Founder of Raj Rewal Architects and Jabeen Zacharias (JZ), Editor- IIID Inscape at Delhi, 24 Jan 2024.

In this tete-a-tete with editor Jabeen Zacharias, Raj Rewal shares invaluable insights into his design philosophy, prolific processes, and the evolving landscape of Indian architecture. Reminiscing his seminal projects, he shares the intricacies of his approach, emphasising the integration and blending of the inside and the outside to evoke a sense of harmony with Yards often playing the protagonist. 

The conversation gives us a peek into Raj Rewal’s visionary mind as his timeless works continue to inspire and enrich the fabric of Indian architecture and design. It invites readers to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation, urging them to delve deeper into the realms of architectural discourse and the profound impact it has on shaping our collective experience of the built environment.

JZ: The Indian Institute of Interior Designers is celebrating its 50 years with a series of 7 publications. The Golden Jubilee Rainbow Series. Each of the folios has different topics which are key to a holistic understanding of spaces. For the second folio, we are exploring the idea of “yards” with you. I would like to start our conversation with a simple question, what comes to your mind when you hear the word yard?

RR: Yard or Yaad? (he counters with a very charming smile) like reminiscences, akin to the Hindi word 'yaad?
Maybe the literal meaning, yard as a unit of measurement?
Then, of course, there's the spatial connotation—courtyards, backyards, etc. It's intriguing how one word can evoke and hold such diverse interpretations each with so much depth. I must say I wouldn't have loved any other word more for this conversation. Yards inspire me!

JZ: Yes, it is truly fascinating how different interpretations of "yards" emerge in our conversations with different people. But the nuances of yaad have come up for the first time; beautiful! It reminds me of how Charles Correya used to say "..we live in memories." In this edition of Inscape we are focusing on yards as spaces and as a measure. Inscape would like to listen to your thoughts on yards from these dual angles.

RR: In my design philosophy, I envision the trinity of space—a symphony where architecture, light, and structure harmonise to create a canvas for human interaction. Beyond this, I add another layer: Rasa, the essence that imbues each space with emotional resonance. It's this Rasa that imbues every built form with a sense of grandeur. Yards, whether nestled within, flanking, or surrounding a structure, whether adorned with lush greenery, tranquil water features, or rugged stone, hold the keys to realising spatial visions that not only engage the senses but also evoke cherished memories. Yards contribute as silent narrators of our experiences, stirring the soul and etching indelible imprints on our consciousness.

Consider my recent venture, the Martyrs Memorial(Jung-E-Azadi) in Punjab, where a series of courtyards serve as poignant expressions of reverence for the many sung and unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives for us. Rooted in sacred vernacular traditions, this memorial intertwines narratives of bravery and resilience, paying homage to Punjab's spirited legacy. Tradition seamlessly merges with the contemporary, epitomised by a minar—an emblem of triumph—standing proudly at the entrance, a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Phulkari textile, interlinked courtyards breathe vitality into the surroundings. Each space pays homage to the land's generosity and vibrancy, unfurling like petals in gentle grace. Such is the power of its design, that one can almost hear the rhythmic cadence of Bhangra and feel the emotional resonance of the melodies. It is a celebration of culture, climate, and context, where yards serve as the foundation for meaningful design and heartfelt remembrance.

JZ:The museum is an ode to Courtyards too considering how the whole design came alive through the intertwining courtyards telling the story. Could you share your thoughts on the cultural significance and contextual considerations of courtyards across our times? You have often sensitively used courtyards, how can courtyards integrate contextual, cultural ethos into our designs?

RR: Of course, I don't think there is anything more relevant than courtyards, with their special blend of sky, ground, flora, fauna, light quality, breeze, smell, and comfort, to set a better context for any project. It reminds me of another project that took me to Portugal- the Lisbon Ismaili Center. Here too, we explored a modern interpretation, honouring Islamic design principles amidst a tapestry of cultural exchange and courtyards were the commonality. This is very apt for the theme, here, courtyards emerge as the central characters. Six sacred spaces, woven intricately into the design, unveil a loom of purpose and tradition. From the majestic grandeur of the entrance to the Char Bagh to the tranquil sanctum of the prayer hall, cocooned within its courtyard, and beyond—to civic realms adorned with their verdant retreats. Even aloft, smaller courtyards cradle intimate structures, echoing the Jamaat Khana's essence. Designing its crown, a roof of granite and steel, posed both challenge and revelation, birthing a jali reminiscent of timeless wonders. Not only was I evolving the form for courtyards but also reliving the intricate grace of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra's stone marvels and the aura of Alhambra's splendour, all of which play and blend the inside and outside seamlessly. Let me share some sketches as we curated this reverence to tradition embraced by the breath of modernity.

Raj Rewal's vision of the jali embodies the timelessness of the building, blending tradition with modernity seamlessly.

JZ: Bringing all that together; the local landscapes and contexts, the religious overtones and social-historical essence, the interiors and exteriors, the blend of natural elements, light quality, and cultural significance is a complex difficult brief you set for the project. How do you navigate these requirements blending boundaries and creating amazing spatial experiences?

RR: We begin our design explorations with a desire to venture beyond the mundane, embracing all spatial dimensions and weaving them intricately with the tapestry of the local landscape and context. This is our vision for every project. The challenge, in the Lisbon Ismaili project, was in infusing sacred religious essence into architectural design, you can see it in these hallowed halls of the Jamaat Khana—a sanctuary of Islamic significance. Over three and a half years, Lisbon, with its rich heritage, became our muse. Immersed in its essence, inspiration blossomed, culminating in the intricate Islamic kufic style—a homage to the Quran's exquisite artistry. We were guided by the community and revered figures like the Aga Khan himself. In the skilled hands of Portuguese artisans, our vision materialised, exemplified by the creation of a fountain—a testament to love and dedication. Particularly poignant is the mural, a cherished creation by my departed son, its whispers intertwined with the gentle murmur of water within these sacred walls. It is not just in monumental buildings, we embrace yards in even simple housing projects.
The Belapur Housing project in Navi Mumbai for example was driven by the plan- a desire for yards serving as lifelines of very essential communal spaces. These plans were meticulously crafted to preserve the social-cultural essence of Mumbai’s chawls. They form a series of yards within the layout. A courtyard is but a public room.

The poignant mural, a cherished creation of Raoul, the departed son of Raj Rewal resonates with the whispers of the gentle murmur of water within these sacred walls.

JZ: Earlier when I was talking to your team, I was almost possessively told by them that the interiors of the project are always done by the firm. Can you elaborate on how you ensure that the interior of each project receives the same level of thoughtful consideration and care?

RR: The marriage of interior and exterior spaces is paramount—a symphony of form, function and aesthetics dancing in harmonious unity. Yet, at times, the melody may falter as external voices could disrupt the design when specialised interior designers are not in sync with the original vision. While their expertise can enrich, it often diverges from the overarching vision and can lead to a discordant blend of success and disappointment. The outcome can sway unpredictably in the public sector, where quotations dictate direction. In projects where we wielded the brush of creativity internally, like my own house the Rewal residence or Sham Lal House, Parliament Library, Lisbon Ismaili Centre, and World Bank Resident Mission Building, our hands always shaped a completely cohesive narrative. Landscape design is also important, its embrace fluctuates—sometimes cradled within our expertise, guided by external wisdom. Landscaped yards are the one pure element that blends the inside and outside. 

Within the walls of the Rewal Residence, a deeply personal narrative is painted in both interiors and architecture that echoes throughout every corner.

JZ: Earlier, you mentioned the concept of Rasa, infusing spaces with a certain essence or emotions. Can you delve a little deeper into how this profound idea gets integrated into your designs and the significance it holds in shaping human experiences within those spaces?

RR: The infusion of Rasa in design, as Dr. Kumaraswamy expounded in Indian aesthetics, imbues the design process with a transcendent depth. Much like the myriad emotions penned in literature and painted on canvas, buildings resonate with a symphony of dynamics—echoes of exuberance, whispers of gentleness, and screams of joyous whimsy. Consider the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Rohtak, where we created a labyrinth of courtyards that births a sanctuary for creativity and collaboration, where disciplines intersect, and minds intertwine in a dance of exploration. Here, architecture becomes the pulsing heart of a "city of arts," drawing inspiration from the storied legacies of Nalanda and Fatehpur Sikri—a homage to cultural exchange and intellectual vitality. Rasa is a dance of harmony, where design transcends the confines of the physical realm, reaching deep into the emotional and cultural fabric of humanity—creating sanctuaries where souls can soar and connections can blossom amidst the whispers of the sublime.

The courtyards at the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Rohtak, inspired by the timeless beauty of Nalanda and Fatehpur Sikri, offer a serene haven for artistic exploration and expression.

JZ:  Given your passion for historical and geographical contexts, have you ever intentionally explored the intricate design principles of such traditional setups in your architectural research? Has the socio-psychological relevance of courtyards in shaping relationships and cultural values, etc been a topic of study and practice for you?

RR: Indeed, they are very fascinating topics of study. We're actually in the process of compiling a book on a similar theme. In my journey, inspired by Pupul Jayakar, I curated India's architectural essence for the Paris Festival of India. Fatehpur Sikri, with its whispered echoes of history, became my canvas—a city not merely of buildings but of a holistic urban vision. Stepwells of Gujarat, steeped in mystery, beckoned me with their silent depths, while Mandu unfolded its secrets—a complex steeped in the tales of yore. Though our designs may not mirror these ancient wonders, their essence dances within our creations, shaping the very soul of our architectural philosophy. We are in the process of publishing a new book, "Architecture in India," born from the pages of our past endeavours. Jaisalmer's golden spires and Dattia Orcha Palace's whispered

melodies find sanctuary within its pages—a testament to our dedication to preserving India's architectural splendour.

Within these traditional setups, courtyards often play a crucial role in shaping life and relationships, especially for women. They were often the designated area where women could gather, engage in activities, and find solace. These courtyards not only serve functional purposes but also act as cultural symbols that influence social interactions and relationships within the community.

From the sun-soaked lanes of Italy to the coastal havens of Portugal and Spain, courtyards whisper tales of sanctuary. Verandas, front yards, and backyards alike serve as gateways to worlds beyond—a delicate balance of shelter and openness, tradition and innovation.

JZ: With your deep reservoir of wisdom in design and architecture spanning epochs, how do you perceive the interplay of past design paradigms with contemporary ideals, and what do you envision for the days yet to unfold?

RR: Navigating the shifting tides of urban evolution, we are now at crossroads where high-rise living emerges as the harbinger of change. Some trade the comforts of small houses for the allure of towers. Towers, with their promise of clubs and amenities, beckon them with modernity and convenience. Yet, for some, like myself, the embrace of tower life still feels a little foreign, a departure from the sanctity of open spaces and the warmth of connection.

In cities like Bangalore, Bombay, and Gurgaon, where private outdoor spaces have shrunk, the communal/public spaces should remain steadfast. And so, as the urban landscape continues its metamorphosis, the importance of courtyards as communal threads, woven into the fabric of city life, remains an unyielding testament to the essence of human connection in an ever-evolving world.

JZ: Architects and Designers despite being part of a critical primary service sector are in reality a luxury only available to a small percentage of our people even today. As designers, how can we address the needs of almost 80% who need us? What strategies can you propose for leveraging our expertise to benefit the majority?

RR: Reflecting on my journey, three decades ago, I recall Charles Correa's call—to pioneer low-cost housing in the heart of Navi Mumbai. Bombay's unfamiliar climate and architectural landscape initially daunted me. But alongside visionaries like Laurie Baker, we embarked on a transformative odyssey. Our canvas: the Belapur housing for Income Tax Officers is a testament to innovation and resilience.

The fruition of our labour was a vibrant community, each abode adorned with access to intimate courtyards—a sanctuary of affordability and camaraderie. Yet, our path was strewn with obstacles. Despite global acclaim, urban dynamics veered our project astray, as units were repurposed, drifting from our original vision. Nevertheless, the courtyard spaces endured as communal sanctuaries, radiating solace and enchantment. Serving the marginalised 80% isn't merely a mandate; it's our sacred duty as designers to society.

JZ: Reflecting on our conversation about yards and their impact on interior spaces in our lives, what closing thoughts or insights do you have about the future of our profession and the role of design in shaping our built environment?

RR: I'm struck by the profound significance of courtyards and yards in the narrative of architecture and design. I did think of it intuitively earlier, in this conversation, I am spelling it out. These spaces, emblematic of both tradition and innovation, serve as poignant reminders of our interconnectedness with the built environment and the natural world.

Reflecting on the past, present, and future of architectural and design practice, yards emerge as timeless motifs that bridge the gap between heritage and modernity. They represent sanctuaries of serenity amidst bustling urban landscapes, fostering a sense of community, connection, and respite amid daily life.

In contemplating the trajectory of design, I'm filled with a sense of responsibility to honour and elevate these sacred spaces, and would like the next generation to be aware of this responsibility. In closing, let us remember that the legacy of design lies not only in the structures we build but more importantly in the experiences we create. May courtyards and yards continue to serve as timeless symbols of human ingenuity, resilience, and imagination, inspiring generations to come to dream, explore, and connect with the world around them.

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The architectural journey and philosophical musings of Raj Rewal have been nothing short of enlightening. His profound insights into the symbiotic relationship between space, structure, and light, coupled with his unwavering commitment to integrating Rasa with modern design principles, showcase a lifetime dedicated to the art of architecture.

In this dialogue, Rewal also illuminated the significance of courtyards in architectural design, emphasising their role as communal spaces that foster social interaction and cultural exchange. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape, Rewal's wisdom serves as a guiding light, reminding us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of design excellence while staying attuned to the needs of society.