architecture CONCEPTUAL TO THE MANIFEST

The journey of architectural ideas from abstract concepts to tangible realities in "Architecture: Conceptual to the Manifest" by Kulbhushan Jain. This insightful book blends philosophy and practice, emphasizing the transformation of ideas, the role of geological textures, and the importance of geometric patterns in design. Jain's case studies inspire meaningful architectural practices, making this work essential for architects and enthusiasts alike.

Now he says that he would like to extend the idea of the learning process being the more important one and encourage critique methods more for the students as well as the faculty of the studio and seminars. Students will be encouraged to organize critiques and engage in discussions. Incorporating such critiques in their projects and research will be a major goal in this learning process.

Kulbhushan Jain has been designated Coordinator, Doctoral Programs Office. He is Chairperson (Theory & Design), Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University. His educational background is M. Arch from University of Pennsylvania in1968; after securing a PG Diploma in Town Planning, SPA in 1966; his first degree was B.Arch, from MS University of Baroda in 1965. He has four gold medals from the B.Arch. to Educator level, three UNESCO awards for his conservation work at Jaisalmer, Nagaur and Mehrangarh forts, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Swai Man Singh II Charitable Trust, Jaipur and HUDCO awards for low-income housing at Rajkot, Saij and Anjar, and the JK Cement award for his own house.

Several aspects come together to make good architecture. But it is difficult to emphasize all the aspects equally, hence it is usually one prominent theme or idea that conception revolves around. From the conception stage to the manifestation of the final form, a single idea is the dominating one; however, it does not mean that the other ideas or themes are completely excluded. While this is happening, the basic functional expectations from the building can never be sidetracked. This book attempts to identify individual ideas or themes and respective positions they have come to occupy. It also explores how have they contributed to different design concepts which continue to retain their meaning in today's world and age. Above all, most of these ideas and their manifest expressions are characterized by a peculiarly timeless quality. Conceptualism thus continues to maintain its intrinsic value.

Picture 1 shows solid natural rock, at Ellora, carved to a great depth. (Kailash Temple)

Picture 2

shows Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, a built space of great dimension.

Conceptualisation here is the manner of setting the ideas in place, including the well-recognised themes. For instance, the design resolutions revolving around a well-established aspect-say movement, could be addressed in different ways with movement playing the pivotal role. Similarly, a design concept could evolve out of aspects like historicity, structure, light, or façades or even a combination of a few of these.