Architect Lijo Jos

Architect Lijo Jos of the famous Kerala-based Lijo.Reny.Architects, tells us about his love for art, contemporary architecture and more…

When in life did this passion for architecture  engulf you? It did not happen overnight. Though I was deeply interested in art, never wanted to learn it formally in an institution, so as to be free to explore it in a manner that was personal. If I were to learn something; I had decided that it would be in the field of design as I could explore my interest in art. Making interesting structures as part of school projects prompted me to take up architecture.

Tell us about the team at Lijo.Reny.Architects… does your collaborative energies come together to form the firm’s design philosophy? It’s a tiny studio with not more than five people at a time. We are not interested in having a Guinness World Record for maximum projects done in an architect’s career… we are with what we get to do. As long as you understand each other’s calibre or the lack of it, we think it’s easy to work together. Reny (my partner) and I know exactly how much we can push each other’s limit to attain productive/satisfying output.

Kerala is perceived as a traditional, conventional state; how difficult is it being a contemporary architect there? During the initial stages of our practice we constantly reminded ourselves that ‘taking inspiration from the past was fine but replicating images from the past for the sake of nostalgia could arrest growth’. This prompted us to explore and experiment with new languages for the region. This could be a never-ending process as it can only be delivered in small dosages or else it would be difficult for the public to digest. The situation in Kerala was generally difficult for a contemporary practice. Times have changed as a group of young architects spread all over Kerala are working towards a similar goal. However, it was relatively easy for us as we were well published/recognized/awarded for one of our projects during the initial stages. Moreover, the public has taken a fancy to contemporary architecture since the last few years. Unfortunately, the desire for clean, straight lines and box-like designs only arrest the possibility of a much-needed evolution in this genre. This could also deter those trying to find that contextual balance in contemporary design. However, we are still working on it.

Art has a strong influence in your work, how do you incorporate it in your projects?

As of now, we satisfy this urge with the poetic use of elements. Like in the case with ‘the running wall’ a one of our residences which was a reference/ inspiration from the Storm King wall by Andy Goldsworthy and the ‘Running Fence’ by Christo and Jeanne Claude. The programme of the project demanded such an element and we thought a poetically moving wall would be a great answer. Though most of our present experiments are space and programme oriented, we look forward to extend our limits.

What are the big projects that are keeping you busy these days?

Apart from the many individual residences that come our way, we are working on a novitiate home, a media studies institute and a few art projects. On a lighter note…Which country would you move to and why?

Honestly speaking, I never gave much thought to that idea.

If you would be any character in fiction… who would you be and why?

Probably any character alongside the ‘Guruji’ in the cartoon strip Cheriya Manushyarum Valiya Lokavum (Small Men and the Big World) by film director G Aravindan.

The funniest moment in your design career?

While working for another firm during my initial years, I used to lose track of the clients due to the volume of work we were handling there. Once I was to have this discussion with a client for whom we were designing a handball stadium. The discussion went on for about two hours. The client patiently listened to all my ideas, once in a while asking me simple doubts. Happy that it went well we wrapped up meeting and then came that shattering question — “So when are we discussing the shopping complex we asked you to design?”

The top three tracks on your music list?

Drive by REM, Gafsa by Natacha Atlas and Ladino Song by OiVaVoi. I like these songs not for the content but for how it feels.

The title of your autobiography would be…

If I’m to go by the trend, I guess I should let my ghostwriter decide that.

By: Betterinteriors