Architects of Baroda–Manoj Patel

Article on Late Manoj Patel published in Indian Architect and Builder in December 1997

For the large number of practicing architects that Baroda boasts, the number of practicing Landscape architects is appalling. Architects often double as Landscape Architects which results in pathetic results of either incorrect choice of species or planting distances or other such technical errors. Very few have a genuine interest and an inclination for seriously pursuing Landscape Designing as a profession. As an architect, Manoj Patel has shouldered both the responsibilities to a great degree and has attempted to do justice to the otherwise lackadaisical approach to Landscape in Baroda.

* What inspired you to take up landscape seriously as an architect ?

I had a liking for nature since my early childhood. I was born and brought up in Nairobi, Kenya. It was in this part of the world that I acquired a knowledge about plants and grew more and more fascinated with what nature had in store. I gradually acquired a natural affinity for plants and trees. After we came to India, I studied to be an architect from the MSU, and this inclination for nature, which was a hobby I had cultivated as a child matured into a full fledged pursuit in terms of landscape design. Today people have acknowledged my landscapes as "sensitive landscapes."

* What are the distinguishing features of your landscapes?

I try to incorporate water as an element in most of my designs. This can be said to be a distinguishing feature. Usually large water bodies surrounded by beautiful rocky bed give me a great pleasure. These are my favorite elements and I think I have used them inevitably in his every project till date. I enjoy working with rocks. Giving them new meanings and a different shape every time, gives me satisfaction.The feeling of combining the two most important elements required for the survival of mankind and taming them keeps me attracted to this profession.

* How do you start designing a landscape ?

Landscaping, according to me, is not an easy profession. One has to take care of different aspects like the type of land, size of the land, orientation of the plot, ambience of the surrounding area etc. Such factors affect the design and planning of the land. The immediate plot governs the profile of your plot. Your plot has to be designed in a way that it stands out. This requires a considerable amount of study of the plot as well as the surrounding plots.

* What according to you are the problems related to the profession ?

With relation to what I have said earlier, this profession also has the lack of trained personnel. Trained personnel are absolutely difficult to obtain for specialised jobs, especially in a place like Baroda. To solve this problem, I think there ought to be courses for training Gardeners just as there are courses for Draughtsmen.

* What about the present curriculum of Architecture Colleges?

I believe that Landscape designing should be included in the architectural curriculum in a more systematic manner. At least the basics of landscaping can be imparted in the five year curriculum. Students would be far better equipped to deal with a professional Landscape Architect. As the situation stands today, even practicing architects often consult a Landscape architect after the design is done. If one is more aware about the issues concerning Landscape, then he or she would be more conscious as a professional.

* What are the current trends in Landscaping today?

Today the trend is shifting towards landscaping as more people seem to be getting aware of beautiful gardens as a whole. Even people who own small bungalows demand a garden in their house. Not just any garden but one with a small pond or a waterfall with rocky bed. People have begun to understand the need of a garden in their house. As a result I feel that the demand for trained professionals will be on the rise. Today people are ready to spend money for their comfort. Just as Interior designing has gained importance, even Landscaping is getting its due recognition. A lot of good landscape designers and projects have come up in recent years which provides the proof.

* Can you remark on something which has been very striking or has made a strong impact on you?

Water. Water has made a strong impact on me. For me, Landscape designing is rarely complete without a water body in my designs. A water body plays a pivotal role in my designs landscape designing. Mesmerising sounds can be created by placing rocks in a particular manner. The rhythmic sound of rushing water with proper illumination can create a serene atmosphere. I also have a soft corner for animals. I make it a point to give them some space in his designs. Spacious animal houses for rabbits and dogs, beautiful cages for different birds etc. The chirping of birds can be very relaxing. Chirping blends well with the sound of water and you have your perfect garden.

As if reflecting the ideas and the concepts that Manoj expresses in words, the farmhouse of Mr. Arunkumar Shah bore a mute testimonial to Manoj's sensitivity towards Landscapes. Located on the outskirts of Baroda, Manoj has designed the House as well as the Landscape as a retreat for a busy businessman.

A small patch of green and a subdued driveway with an interesting random rubble wall on the left usher you into the realm of this tastefully articulated House. A suspense develops due to this crucially placed stone wall. As one is further drawn inwards a small arched opening in the stone wall beckons you into the world of surprises it has in store for you. A waterfall with its alluring display of rivulets of water and their tinkling sounds attracts you towards your left. " Made out of boulders which were available, these were arranged painstakingly - without breaking the original form of the boulders - to form a waterfall as envisaged specifically for this design." Manoj informs me. A meandering path on the right draws you towards an arched portico. The mango trees and the chirping of birds are the only things that meet your eyes and ears as you try to reestablish your link to the world outside. I was reminded of Rudyard Kipling and his description of the Banyan Tree. As I explored further, Manoj's liking for water and its elements manifested itself again in the form of a small but well done swimming pool in done in cobalt blue tiles. The colour blue punctuates the lush green lawns forming a visual relief in the otherwise intersting Green of the landscape. A cleverly disguised water tank in the form of a tower evokes the memory of the long forgotten clock towers in cities and villages of Colonial India. Another seemingly eclectic element in the form of the inevitable jhoola forms the other edge of the garden closer to the house. A jhoola ia an absolute must in any Gujarati residence which in this case is cleverly adapted from the medieval columns of wood carved by an unknown artist a long time back.

The farmhouse and the landscape seem to complement each other as and seem inseparable parts of one another. I have often thought about Landscape and Architecture as the Yin and the Yang where neither is complete without the other. Almost all Manoj's projects seem to display this facet of designing. He displays this ardor for even while designing office spaces. One rarely expects an office at the fourth floor of a commercial building to have a beautiful terrace garden. When Manoj decided to make his own office, he chose the terrace so that he could have a garden within his easy reach. The office located in Sayajiganj had one such beautifully created garden complete with an aviary and lush green lawns. I use the past tense because the garden no longer exists. Due to some problem with the owners of the building, Manoj had to dismantle the entire garden complete with trees and an enticing lush green lawn. Situated just near the entrance of his office at the terrace floor, the landscape provided a cool relief rather than the harsh glare which meets the eye when one looks out of the window. "I am sure when the garden was existing, it would have brought down the temperatures of the offices below. I did try to convince them as they did not have to bear any cost in maintaining the garden. It was mine and I would have taken care of it. But to no avail. I had to remove it." says Manoj ruefully. All that remains of the garden now is the aviary and the collected sculptures which seem lost in the harsh terrace of the building.

One hopes that people become more active and friendly towards such environmentally friendly gestures if only to save valuable energy and money!