For an architect who has many amazing designs and projects to his credit, Tony Ashai is a man of perfect equilibrium — with a persona to match.
He was in the City recently for the launch of a new project, and spoke at length about architecture in the country and more.
Comparing architecture in different countries, he says, "In the US, there are a lot of by-laws that come into the process. Dubai is open to new ideas and creativity, while in India, people have found loopholes in the system."
According to Tony, "Bangalore has architecture similar to any metro city in the
country — full of low-rise and mid-rise buildings. There's hardly any contextualisation. The traditional buildings are beautiful, but the modern buildings are a hotch-potch."
He pauses and adds, "The City is still evolving and things will change in a matter of time."Prod him further about Bangalore's architectural style and he states, "Bangalore has a big trend towards modern architecture."
"I think modern architecture has a language of its own — it is not visible to a
layman and is more like art," he adds. Of the renowned projects that Tony has dealt with, some were with Hollywood celebrities like Tiger Woods and many others at Beverly Hills.
Then, Tony moved to urban designing, with projects like Dubai Lifestyle City.
The influences for his designs come from the people he deals with. "I try and work with people who have energy around them. I don't believe in working in a certain style.
My influences include the people who will be living in these spaces and the developer's requirements — I try and make each of the details unique," says the architect.
Tony's passion for architecture came from his passion of art.
He says, "I used to do art at school and wanted to take it to another level.
But my father advised me against the same, telling me that I would starve if I were to follow art." "He asked me to use art as an aspect and that's how my interest in architecture developed," he adds.
Tony's favourite city in terms of design is Florence and he believes that it is the Mecca for architecture enthusiasts, where one can find designs varying from mid
to high-rise and urban designs, mostly influenced by the Renaissance.
Ask him if he has anything to say to upcoming architects in the City. And Tony's quick to reply, "It's very important to dream and imagine things. Close your eyes and put yourself in a different environment, and look at all the details around you."
He adds, "Secondly, work as an apprentice under a designer or architect for a couple of years, before jumping into the field.
Most students plunge into the market right after college, and they're just not ready for it."