Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ketan Jawdekar ("KJ") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.
KJ : Art is a gift that has been given to me by my father, who is an artist and by mother, who is a classical singer. I have been painting since childhood and have bagged many accolades at the State and National level competitions in my early academic career. Taking my hobby to next level, I decided to pursue Architecture and got a degree in Bachelor Of Architecture from Shivaji University, India. Final year dissertation project got the first ranking in university.
KJ : Nature is the ultimate guru. It teaches you each and every aspect of life. I am fascinated by its creation and the evolution. I believe that nature is open source for all sort of information. What we need is the sensitivity to understand and learn from it. Mostly I get my inspiration from Nature and its marvellous creations. I was always fascinated with various compositions and always tried to extract them into three-dimensional structures. I discovered that visual arts can be explored in larger the canvas if I pursue Architecture and instead of fine arts, I opted for the 'Mother of all Arts' -Architecture, as a career.
KJ : It was always my dream to become a designer.
KJ : I believe that once you are a designer, always you will be! I like to design anything and everything. Design originated from the needs and whenever there is a need, I like to design and fulfil the need. Professionally, I am into architecture and Interior design.
KJ : Mantra to become successful designer is, "AEIOU" That is, Accept challenges, Evolve with time, Implement ideas, Observe carefully and Understand needs. One needs to follow this mantra and work with the vision towards it. Most importantly, Believe in yourself and listen to your inner voice.
KJ : A bird building a nest is a good designer but the one who created life, bird with ability to create a nest, ability to fly, ability to celebrate is a great designer- almighty!
KJ : A good design for me is the one that is strong in following aspects • Functionality • Local context • Dialogs between the built and the UN built • Sustainability • Simplicity
KJ : I choose a subtle fusion of aesthetics. It is interesting to venture how each material behaves individually, in contrast; yet combined together creates poetry in design. As a result, rural materials and objects are seen woven into the contemporary fabric. With simplicity as the primary guiding factor, I choose straight line look and splashes of bold colors are introduced through various elements such as traditional local art-e-facts, displays and merchandise. An engaging play of light and shade – with a cleverly designed lighting pattern enhances the divine experience generated through organic components like wood and stones. The overall experience though quite emotive, I try to showcase local context and philosophy ingeniously without compromising on the functional and visual factors. There is a deliberate attempt in designs to use fusion of traditional elements with a contemporary design as a base. It creates an international look yet does not loose its identity with respect to local context. I call it FAD, the Fusion Aided Designs.
KJ : • Nari Gandhi for his distinctive organic character that created a series of dialogs between the built and the un-built. • Mies van der Rohe for his timeless “less is more” theory. • Tadao Ando for his designing complex spatial circulation while maintaining the appearance of simplicity. • Achyut P. Kanvinde for his vernacular Architecture with a grid of columns forming a matrix giving special and structural aspect that would turn a design to more sophisticated and faceted. • Kenzo Tange for his perfect balance of masculinity and feminity in the design of a building. • Zaha Hadid for her utmost determination and marketing startegies.
KJ : Fine Artist or Airforce Pilot- Indian Airforce.
KJ : Design is a combination of Desire, Enthusiasm, Sustainability, Innovation, Grace and Necessity.
KJ : Support from my family was key in the success storey. My mother and father encouraged me to explore new heights and later, my wife extended her complete support to achieve dreams.
KJ : Definitely The design sets the trends.
KJ : Technology has played a major role in the development of design, especially in metro cities. It has changed the perspective of architects, designers, and developers and even has influenced a common man. With the modern technology penetrating in the market, I think it has given broader perspective and vision to the designers to experiment on various fronts. More and more fluid designs are evolving but sometimes, organic characters that are created with modern techniques lack dialogs between the built and the UN built. Technology is an evolving field and we cannot ignore it. It applies to products as well. There will always be a change. New trends, products and technologies would be introduced. Use of eco friendly, bio degradable, recycled materials is a need of time and future. At the same time, we need to adapt modern technology, and latest materials to stay in tune with the times. We as designers should be able to balance these aspects to create timeless designs without compromising on the functionality and aesthetics of the design.
KJ : Go on a long ride on my Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 or just be myself alone in deep woods and mountains.
KJ : Nobody has taught a bird how to sing, Nobody has taught a bird how to dance.... Creativity is within and celebration is the only way!
© 2020 Design Legends - All Rights Reserved | Impressum
Design Legends platform highlights valuable insights from the best designers from across the globe; a great resource for all designers to learn, reflect and think about good design and how good design helps create value for the society.
Design Legends website was created by DesignPRWire and A' Design Award to promote truly great designers, outstanding architects and inspirational artists that contribute to the development and advancement of society with their outstanding works.