Less

The repercussions of practicing “less” are enormous. We will state some of them:

The basic question which is entertained by the mind is: ‘why’ do something extra if the same action can be done with optimum resources/ effort and time? This leads to the understanding of the following approaches:

1. Comprehensiveness of the situation: As an architect, ‘I’ am the climatologist, the botanist, the artist, the environmentalist, the technologist, the client’s representative, the Creator, the Builder…all rolled into one. Thus, it is imperative on my part to know the context in totality (climate, place, people, perception, skills) which informs my synthetic process of designing and conceiving a solution for a given situation. Solutions thereby tend to be ‘grounded’/ local/ sensitive. On the other hand, if I sublet all above tasks to experts, I am unnecessarily complicating the situation and what might be delivered is a disproportionate solution (in physical size, costs, and carbon footprint) for a supposedly simple and humble scope.
2. Questioning the necessity of program/ requirements: Clients can be tempted to demand excessive requirements. Is it really necessary to satisfy all of them? Do we act only as service consultants or do we advice the Client on his/her actual needs? Can we suggest necessary reduction in program requirements? This is possible if we know the potential of multifunctional and multiuse spaces. We need to also know the potential of ‘open’ spaces that offer flexible usage. In the same parameter we are addressing the need for sharing of resources and moving against exclusive usage or excesses of private spaces.
3. In terms of form, we start to move towards  highly flexible and a simple form that seems almost diffused and expandable (derivations of a cube)
4. In terms of experience (which is an important consideration), we try to always go towards the fundamental mood expected while moving and experiencing space – that of tranquillity (regardless of the ‘function’ of the building). While trying to go towards fundamental mood creations, we may realize the fundamental role played by light, air, nature, smell, sound and sight. We may realize, we do not require anything else to enliven our spirits other than being fully present and aware of these natural elements! Summarily, I guess, architecture may feel only as gestural, ‘open’ and non-built.
5. The idea of “less” also means to drop of ALL social constructs that prove unnecessary baggage for us – prestige, fame, tradition, maybe culture, etc. We discover what thought connections are most important for our sustenance and what need not be entertained. We can do this by decoding phenomena which we encounter.
6. The extension to (e) is to decode our own mind, because the definition of ‘phenomenon’ is linked to the mind itself! In the process of understanding and decoding the phenomenon, we realize the object (external) – subject (internal) relationship and we continue to decode our own thoughts till we reach the zone of a single thought and beyond which, we have Nothingness. Therefore, we conclude, that the ‘world’ as we had believed to exist, can also be seen as an illusion (not to be treated as absolutely real). What we experience, therefore, is catharsis – dissolution of ego. This maybe a painful process, a lonely process, a frightening process. According to me, it is the process undertaken by the Intellect to outgrow Itself.
7. Another way to move beyond the complexities of the mind (and therefore the world) is to evoke a universal/ profound experience (feeling) in a person. This is done through Art. Art, in its purest form, evokes a feeling (different from gross emotions) and takes us beyond an intellectual purpose. In this state, we do not (and need not) question ‘why’ of the situation. We just exist as an Experience. This approach is through ‘feelings’ and not the Intellect. In this process, we would not feel lost or lonely or anxious. Herein too, we have moved beyond the mind-body consciousness (ego).

It is important to practice above approach in an age of abundance of choice. What we are trying to understand is what really ‘abundance’ is? Is abundance a matter of quantity and variety of forms (manifestations) or is abundance an indication of limitless potential of a fundamental space? Is abundance a matter of visual delight or is abundance a matter of profound experience of potential by encountering the Void? Is abundance the entertainment of a billion thoughts or is abundance the realization of unlimited internal Energy achieved by sharp focussing of a single thought? Is abundance the ability to multitask a billion things in a single moment or is abundance the experience of joy by slowing down the pace of action? Is abundance to be ‘loud’ or is abundance to experience ‘Silence’?