New Delhi-based Indian architect Kapil Aggarwal, the Founder of Spaces Architects@KA, has indeed put India on the World Architecture Map with some of his outstanding design creations winning international and national awards since 2000. At the 2024 World Architecture Festival, Kapil Aggarwal’s creativity has earned his amazingly functional and beautiful project ‘6×18 Slender House’ a place in the ‘Shortlisted Residential’ category. As a fellow Indian, I wish him all the very best for a win at the WAF 2024, to be held from 6th to 8th of November in Singapore!
In the year 1996, Kapil Aggarwal graduated with a B. Arch degree from MIT Manipal, Karnataka in India. From 1998 to 1999, to hone his skills, he worked for two years with Morphogenesis in New Delhi. Kapil Aggarwal co-founded Spaces Architects in New Delhi in 2000 with another partner. Having excelled with his creativity and a decade plus experience in the field, in the year 2011 Kapil Aggarwal branched out of the partnership to establish his own studio Spaces Architects@KA in New Delhi.
Entrance -Second Floor
In the last 23 plus years, his multiple award-winning architecture studio have won as many as 12 international awards out of the total 50 wins so far. Kapil Aggarwal was honored with 2nd rank at the 2022 World Architecture Festival – Future Project category (Highly Commended). The monumental ‘Haveli Dharampura’ project is one his most acclaimed projects. The project was adjudged the ‘Best Conservation and Restoration Project’ at the 2019 Forbes Design Award. ‘Haveli Dharampura’ project earned the prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Project recognition for its grandeur.
Regarding the WAF 2024 shortlisted ‘6×18 Slender House’ project, Kapil Aggarwal elucidates, “Slender House is more than just a residence! It is a thoughtful exploration of how a small footprint can lead to grand possibilities. From the play of light and shadow within its walls to the gentle flow of air that whispers through its corridors, every aspect was meticulously crafted to enrich the lives of its inhabitants. As a home that is both humble and remarkable, Slender House tries to set a new standard for urban living, where the essence of family life is cherished above all else.”
Elevation
Johnny D interacts with Kapil Aggarwal to explore his journey in the architecture world, remarkable success and creativity, expertise and his WAF 2024 shortlisted project ‘6×18 Slender House’.
Heartiest congratulations to SpacesArchitects@KA’s Team and you for being shortlisted at the WAF 2024 for your fabulous project ‘6×18 Slender House’ in the Residential category. What was your first reaction, when you heard the news?
Thank you! My first reaction was a mix of excitement and gratitude. I immediately shared it with my family and my team, as it felt important to celebrate this achievement together. It reflects the hard work and creativity everyone poured into the project. I felt proud for the hard work my entire group did, and it really motivated us to keep pushing the boundaries of design.
Formal Living
What was your childhood ambition? Did you always wanted to be an architect?
As a child, I always had a passion for the fine arts, which naturally led me to architecture. I saw every space as a blank canvas. I was drawn to the idea of creating art with a story. My experiences, both in education and in working with various architectural firms, helped shape my ambition to become an architect. It has been a fulfilling journey so far, while allowing me to express my creativity to make a positive impact on the community through my projects.
Plan – Ground Floor
What are the projects you are currently working on in various cities/ countries?
Currently, our team is working on several projects. Among them, the prestigious ones are the ‘Toy Bank Museum’ and a ‘Museum in Old Delhi’. Additionally, we are involved in designing multiple residential projects across various cities in India.
Please list 5 of the ‘Best Projects’ that is close to your heart and briefly state each of them 3 to 4 sentences.
Adarshila Vatika: This was my first project, a colorful school for children. Designing it was a joyful experience! I wanted to create an engaging space that inspires creativity and learning. It holds a very special place in my heart!
Central Cut-out
Haveli Dharampura: This project transformed the 135-year-old Haveli in Delhi into a unique hospitality space. Starting with a structure deemed uninhabitable, we spent two years researching and blending Hindu, Mughal, Jain and Rajasthani architecture. Now, the renovated Haveli features 14 themed rooms, a spa, museum, shops and a restaurant. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid from the terrace, all the while experiencing the vibrant life of Chandni Chowk.
Charti Lal Goel Heritage Park: The Heritage Park, transformed from a previously barren area into a cultural oasis, is a revitalized sanctuary in the heart of Old Delhi. The park preserves 27 century-old trees and features distinct zones, including a lush garden, shaded seating inspired by the Red Fort and an open-air amphitheater for community events. It serves as a recreational space, thereby promoting safety and well-being for residents while celebrating the rich heritage of Old Delhi.
Dining and Bar
Swatantra Residence: The project is an example of innovation in concrete and art, designed to accommodate three generations of the client’s family. The inward-looking layout features a triple-height courtyard, fostering connectivity among spaces while incorporating green elements and a pre-existing tree for privacy. With a focus on sustainability, the residence utilizes solar panels and rainwater harvesting, blending modern design with environmental consciousness to create a unique, yet private family home.
Intersekt: Intersekt Showroom, a 1,500 sq m space in New Delhi, was designed like a museum to showcase tiles as prized artifacts. Visitors move through dark areas toward bright displays that highlight the tiles’ colors and patterns. The showroom features various applications of tiles throughout, including mock-ups of washrooms and living spaces, helping architects and designers visualize complete concepts.
Elegant Bar
What really goes in your mind, when the client states the first brief?
When a client shares the initial brief, my first thought is to understand their personality and vision for the project. I focus on their specific requirements and how those needs will shape the entire building. It is essential for me to connect with them and grasp their goals, as this will guide my design approach to ensure the outcome reflecting their aspirations. Eventually, I want to create a space that resonates with my clients.
Bridge and Informal Dining – First Floor
What was the brief of the ‘6×18 Slender House’ project?
The ‘6×18 Slender House’ is a private residence designed for a family of five on a narrow site measuring just 6 by 18 meters. The goal was to create a home that stands out in its neighborhood, while enhancing the cityscape. We focused on the thoughtful design rather than expansive space, ensuring the house felt connected to the family’s lifestyle. The design features staggered cut-outs and skylights to bring in light and air, creating an open inviting atmosphere. These elements also foster connections among family members, thereby allowing flawless interactions across different floors.
Plan – First Floor
The layout includes a stilt floor for parking, a ground floor for formal gatherings and separate floors tailored to the individual needs of family members, including private spaces for the parents and children. The terrace provides a spot for leisure and family time. Embracing the “less is more” philosophy, the house promotes passive sustainability through natural ventilation and daylight, showcasing that even a small footprint can lead to a beautifully functional home.
First Floor Central Cut-out
What were the major challenges to execute the project on the real grounds?
Building the ‘6x18SlenderHouse’had several challenges, because of its narrow perimeter. One main issue was ensuring there was enough light and airflow in such a compact space. Additionally, the staircase took up nearly half of the site’s width, which made designing the spaces and managing circulation more complex. In such a tight urban environment, we needed to create an inward-focused home. Emphasizing sustainability in a limited area required us to think creatively about materials and design.
Staircase View
How did your team overcome them creatively?
To overcome these challenges, our team used several creative solutions. We designed staggered cut-outs and skylights to maximize natural light and airflow while encouraging family interaction. Regular discussions with the family helped us tailor each floor to meet their individual needs. We also carefully planned the construction process to navigate the urban environment effectively. Lastly, we explored passive design strategies and innovative design features to create a comfortable and functional home despite the constraints.
Father’s Room – First Floor
How would you describe the ‘Significance and Transformation’ of ‘6×18 Slender House’ project?
The ‘6x18Slender House’ project depicts the importance of creative design for small spaces. What began as a compact site brought unexpected challenges, transforming our initial vision on paper into something entirely different in reality. The design focuses on light and air with staggered cut-outs and skylights, making the home feel bright and lively. It also encourages family connections by allowing interactions between floors. Each level was designed to meet the different needs of a family of five. Overall, this project shows that even a small home can provide meaningful living and positively impact the urban environment.
Daughter’s Bedroom
What is the total area of the project, estimated cost and design-to-finish time period of the project?
The ‘6×18 Slender House’ has a total gross built area of 1,200 sq ft. The estimated cost of the project is € 3, 23, 198.70. The project started in January 2023 and was completed in February 2024.
The “Global Urban Failure” has seen all the major cities being flooded in the recent years. Elucidate your views as to how the future of urban planning of cities can be tackled to overcome this existential crisis?
Urban flooding is a significant challenge for cities today, and we need smart planning to address it. First, all the roads and public spaces should be designed with the future in mind, looking ahead 10 to 20 years. This means creating infrastructure that can handle heavier rainfall and severe storms. Second, every public space should include green areas, regardless of existing land use. Parks and green pockets can absorb excess rainwater, thereby helping to reduce flooding. They also improve air quality and make cities more enjoyable for everyone. By focusing on these strategies, we can build cities that are resilient to flooding and better equipped for the future.
Sectional View
Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ is an eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Elucidate your perspective about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.
Hostile architecture is increasingly common in cities, often aimed at excluding certain groups. This trend turns public spaces into unwelcoming areas, which goes against the purpose of architecture: ‘to serve everyone’. As architects, we should focus on creating inclusive spaces that invite community and connection. Instead of designing uncomfortable features in urban landscape, we must build parks and areas that everyone can enjoy. Ultimately, we need to prioritize compassion in our designs, in order to make sure our cities are welcoming and accessible for one and all.
Master Bedroom – Second Floor
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
I really liked how ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ brings together various aspects of urban design, like architecture, landscape architecture and engineering. It is inspiring to see the work and success stories from all across the world, showcasing diverse perspectives and approaches. The global platform motivates me by showing how collaboration can lead to innovative projects. Learning from others in my field encourages me to push my own boundaries and explore new possibilities in my work.
How would you describe Kapil Aggarwal as a Leader and a person?
Kapil Aggarwal is someone who constantly thinks about architecture, blending his artistic vision with practical design. He is quiet and introverted, often finding inspiration in music, which influences his work.
Master Washroom
Please state five recent awards’ win by your Studio or you with respective project’s name.
2023: World Architecture Community Award – ‘Spaces Architects@KA Office’ Project;
2023: LOOP Design Award – ‘Swatantra Residence’ Project;
2022: IIA Award for Heritage – ‘Charti Lal Goel Heritage Park’ Project;
2021: WAF Future House – ‘Urban Nest’ Project; and
UNESCO Heritage Award – ‘Haveli Dharampura’ Project.
Study – Second Floor
Image Courtesy: Spaces Architects@KA Office
Photographer: Bharat Aggarwal