The New Acropolis Culture Circle hosted a studio visit and discussion with architect Sameep Padora on Friday, 31st March 2023. The conversation explored the philosophical values and principles which make his work not just beautiful, but also meaningful and inspiring.
Sameep spoke of his pursuit for the kind of architecture that changes people’s lives through various examples ranging from the Temple of Steps in Andhra Pradesh, the Aatam Hostel In Kota, to the Jetavan Buddhist Learning Centre in rural Maharashtra. Sameep explained his non-imposing style on his projects that is search based and in collaboration with all the stakeholders involved until he finds a solution that satisfies him and the result is something of great beauty because it meets a need. He also spoke of the values and principles that are a part of his work; such as constantly searching for the right solutions, the value of frugality, bringing the best from around the world to a project and allowing these learnings to enrich the knowledge and skills of the local artisans. Sameep also spoke of the role of the architect in the evolution of the society and the architect’s responsibility to society and not merely to financial demands. He believes that “When you make a building, you make yourself”.
Sameep has completed his Masters from the Graduate School of Design at the Harvard University. He is the principal architect and founder of Mumbai based studio, sP+a (Sameep Padora & Associates). He is also the cofounder of the Bandra Collective, a non profit organisation of architects engaging with the design of public spaces in Mumbai .
