Architecture and art – these two streams of creativity have another thing in common – Dominic Dubé.
The architect and artist in him never have an internal tussle, on the contrary, they collaborate to create perfect symphony.
This Bangalore-based architect prefers doing small scale work, that way he has control over each minute detail. He truly is a universal architect, and believes when you connect with new cultures you learn and translate them in your work.
To witness Dominic’s work (and the fans of unadulterated architecture would agree), is pure bliss. Hang in there and let the magic take over…
What inspires you to design?
Having lived in many countries and touched many cultures, I would say that the energy of life of so many human beings living together, their love and passion inspires me and keep me moving forward with the same intensity.
You are an artist too; tell us something about your passion for art…
It’s been a parallel work for the last 30 years. Always having a charcoal, a brush or a computer in hand is the only way to bring this balance in the projects I do. It is all about finding the harmony. One is like the other but both have to be present; Art and Architecture in symbiosis.
Does the artist in you ever have a face-off with the architect?
Never. They always talk together and are a medium to receive information and transpose it into real projects.
Your work is often compared to Le Corbusier’s, your comments…
Been living and visiting many many projects of Corb all over and I use some of his tools like “Le Modulor” to conceive my projects. It is definitely my love for proportion, magic, light and space which I suppose connect me to Le Corbusier.
Whose work amongst your current contemporaries do you admire? And why?
Rem Khoolhass, Zumthor have all my respect and admiration. Jean Nouvel gives me joy with each project. But Kasuyo Sejima and Nishisawa from Sanaa, definitely win the first place. They are capable of bringing immense amount of complexity into great and divine luminous simplicity. Which is one of the main characteristic of Japanese and Universal Architecture. And many other I am sure…
Three design elements that are the foundation of your design? And why?
Design elements I do not know but design ways to reach would be – proportion, simplicity and honesty.
Your favourite simple yet useful tool…
My hands are the most important tools I have as they are the one transposing things… making things visible before the manifestation into the real world.
What are you currently working on?
A school in Switzerland, some condominiums in Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, few residences from Ludhiana till Trivandrum, some boutiques here and there, together with some night clubs and bars, renovation of a heritage building in Vasco, and we always have a few national and international competitions on the table. All medium scale projects where I am sure to control the details and the execution.
A project which is very close to your heart. And why?
Inge’s house in Auroville Pondichery as it is an honest manifestation of artform into architecture and as it is the home I conceived for my associate Inge with special care and love.
Any experience where a client had come to you with a rigid mindset and gone away blown with yours?
They normally come to me with no “mind sets” but with a curiosity of knowing what I can do with them… I, most of the time give one concept and 99% of the time it works for all our pleasure.
What’s the best part about working in India?
Deep inside, and not superficial at all, there is a cultural connection. Something which gives me a great sense of belonging and endless possibility…
A tip for budding architects, something they don’t learn at architecture school…
Wonder in all aspects of life.
Contact :
office.ddir@gmail.com
www.ddirarchitecture.com
