Kalpak & Vikas Bhandari
Rather than work with an architecture firm, architect Vikas Bhandari took the bold step of striking out independently immediately after completing is course in ‘Housing in Urban Development’ conducted by The University College, London. Then, as is now, the aim was to be absolutely clear in planning principles, to maximise the functionality of the project and the use of natural resources and to achieve a certain graceful aesthetic. He understood the importance of mentorship under structural designer PR Phatak, who taught him structural behaviour, planning and detailing. Perhaps this is the reason why Vikas Bhandari is now closely involved in the field of education through the role of visiting faculty and lecturer, as also being part of the zonal jury for Council of Architecture’s National Dissertation Award. Kalpak Bhandari joined his father’s firm in 1998, and went on to study at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, 2009-2010, after working for 11 years.
This infusion of new energy resulted in a string of victories in national competitions (design of Manikchand Plaza, a largest-of-its-kind urban structure in Pune) and awards (AESA Award for Best Project in Group Housing Category for ‘Water’s Edge’ designed for Sagar Properties) for the firm. Kalpak’s entry signalled inclusion of interior design as a key area of interest. Though this firm has a diverse range of projects in their portfolio — residential developments, retail and office buildings, school and college campuses, institutional architecture, hospitals, industrial projects, hospitality and recreational projects, residences and farmhouses – statistics favour the residential segment: 10 million sq-ft and over 100 bungalows and farmhouses designed so far. For this firm, the change of name from Architect Vikas Bhandari & Associates to Veekas – a word with its positive connotations of progress and upward mobility – sparks the beginning of a new, and larger, chapter.
Read more at: Architect And Interiors India
Credits: Architect And Interiors India | March 2016 | Volume 7 | Issue 12
