Dialogue with India

PATTERN

Engaging in a design dialogue with India is akin to embarking on a journey through a kaleidoscope of patterns, each intricately woven with history, culture, and tradition.

Let’s explore this dialogue through the lens of patterns:

Diversity: From the intricate kolams of the South to the lush floral motifs of Kashmir, our patterns showcase regional uniqueness rooted in centuries-old traditions.

Symbolism: These patterns are not merely decorative; they hold profound symbolism, from the sacred lotus to the cosmic mandala, transcending time with their timeless tales.

Colour: Colour plays a pivotal role in Indian patterns, with a vibrant palette that reflects the country’s exuberant spirit.

Sacred Geometry: Many Indian patterns are imbued with sacred geometry, reflecting ancient philosophies and beliefs. Mandalas, yantras, and rangolis are examples of geometric patterns that symbolize the interconnectedness of all things and serve as tools for meditation and spiritual awakening.

Craftsmanship: Techniques honed over centuries- Whether it’s stone carving in Jaipur, weaving in Varanasi, or metal work of Orissa, these age-old crafts exude to the unique charm and authenticity of Indian patterns.

We at SALIENT believe in the transformative power of architecture to convey messages through timeless symbolism and sacred geometry, fostering a profound sense of connection and identity. By sensitizing to artisanal craftsmanship and embracing regional art, we localize our approach to create spaces that authentically reflect and resonate with the spirit of the community they serve.

BELIEF

India embodies a rich tapestry of beliefs, cultures, and traditions that have evolved over millennia.

At its core, it reflects a deep reverence for heritage and a harmonious blend of the past with the present. Design becomes a language through which India communicates its ethos to the world.

At SALIENT, the design language is a conduit through which we articulate our ethos to the world, rooted in spirituality and consciousness. Concepts such as balance, harmony, and interconnectedness are infused into the very fabric of design, whether in the layout of a temple or the design for upholstery. This spiritual perspective fosters a sense of sensitivity and intentionality in design, transcending mere aesthetics to create experiences that resonate on a deeper level.

We celebrate tradition while embracing innovation, reinventing ancient techniques for contemporary needs. This dynamic interplay reflects India’s resilience and ability to evolve while retaining its essence.

CODES:

India's cultural codes is a profound exploration of its traditions, values, and identity.

These codes are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian society and serve as guiding principles for various aspects of life. Let us delve into some key cultural codes of India:

Respect for Nature: Indian culture reveres nature as sacred and divine, with traditions such as worshiping rivers, trees, and animals. This code emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
Family Values: Family holds paramount importance in Indian society, and the joint family system has traditionally been the norm. This code emphasizes the interdependence of family members, with multiple generations living together under one roof, sharing responsibilities, and supporting each other through thick and thin.
Atithi Devo Bhava: The concept of hospitality is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, as reflected in the ancient Sanskrit saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava,” which means “Guest is God.” This code underscores the importance of welcoming guests with warmth and generosity, offering them food, shelter, and hospitality without expecting anything in return.
Spiritualism (Quest for Inner Harmony): Indian culture places a strong emphasis on spirituality, with a rich tapestry of philosophical traditions such as Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism. This code encourages individuals to seek inner harmony, self-realization, and transcendence beyond material pursuits.

Veneration of Elders: In Indian culture, there is a strong emphasis on respecting and honouring elders. This code manifests in various customs such as touching the feet of elders as a sign of reverence, seeking their blessings on important occasions, and consulting them for guidance and wisdom in decision-making. Alongside respect for elders, there is a strong cultural code of filial piety, emphasizing the sacred duty of children to care for and support their parents in their old age. This code reflects the deep bonds of love and obligation within Indian families.
Festive Spirit: Festivals form an integral part of Indian culture, with each region and community celebrating a plethora of religious, cultural, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. These festivities bring people together, fostering a sense of unity, joy, and camaraderie.

By understanding and integrating these codes into the design process, the firm creates strives to craft environments that not only meet the functional needs but also enrich the lives of inhabitants by fostering a sense of connection, belonging, and cultural pride.

PEOPLE

Men first make buildings and then the buildings build men.

A design ideology that encapsulates the ethos of empathetic architecture, rooted in the understanding and celebration of the diverse fabric of Indian society. It emphasizes a holistic approach that places people at the center of the design process, recognizing their cultural, social, and individual identities. It involves fostering inclusive spaces that resonate with the people’s values, traditions, and aspirations. This approach prioritizes inclusivity, seeking to create environments that are welcoming and accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. It respects the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional architecture while embracing innovation and modernity.

BIOME

Our approach at Salient is not only sustainable and resilient but also deeply rooted in its sense of place, culture, and community.

At Salient, we pride ourselves on our commitment to embracing the ideology of biomes in our architectural practice. We believe in a holistic approach deeply rooted in understanding and integrating the local ecosystem into every project. Our architects meticulously analyze the unique climate, flora, fauna, and geological features of each location, ensuring that our designs are finely tuned to adapt to local conditions rather than imposing standardized solutions. We seamlessly blend buildings into the existing context, respecting the cultural, historical, and social aspects of the area while honoring local customs and traditions. By attentively considering local conditions such as climate, topography, and natural resources, we optimize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact through tailored, passive design strategies. Drawing inspiration from the derivatives of geology, such as locally sourced materials and natural features, further strengthens the connection between the built environment and the natural landscape, resulting in sustainable, resilient, and culturally relevant architecture.

PLANET

We are Nature

We are an integral part of nature, every rhythm or natural phenomenon around us brings biochemical changes in our body.

For example, the changes in the sunlight around us influence the ebbing and flow of hormone in our body. It controls our Circadian clock (bio clock) in or body.

Similarly, thousands of natural phenomena influence our stress levels, perception etc. Nature has the key to our aesthetic, cognitive, intellectual, and even spiritual satisfaction. This relationship is termed as Biophilia.

Biophilic design gives rise to other connected values such as energy efficiency, promotion of greenery etc. and above all it helps us to increase our performance – good performance leads to good profits and a lot of satisfaction in our corporate world.