The Small Town Crafter

When I was a fresh architecture grad, living in Mumbai, the word 'Khotachi wadi' cropped up frequently among my architect friends. It remained a mystery to me , until recently , when I finally visited it. It is a heritage wada  situated right in the heart of Girgaum. After much difficultly , I managed to locate it, asking several shop owners and pedestrians. Quintessential photograph of the lane  :) It is 'A village in the City' , as described in this blog . Taking a small lane from a very busy street , it seemed to me that I had reached a different world, altogether - quaint , brightly painted wooden houses situated on either side of narrow streets.  Colours abound in this little piece of architectural history.  The scale was so different from the buildings I had just crossed in South Mumbai. It was small, cosy and intimate. The houses looked into each other , seemed like everyone knew everyone else here. Scale is intimate and cozy ...

I had the most memorable visit to Homi Bhabha 's ancestral property in Malabar Hills a few of months back. It was a big deal and one of a kind visit to one of India's most celebrated scientist, as his home turned out to be treat for a designer like me. Jamshed Bhabha had set up NCPA (National Centre of Performing Arts) in 1969 , India's premier cultural destination. The Bhabha brothers Jamshed and Homi were great connoisseurs of art. They had a huge collection of art work at their home, especially by Indian artists. Jamshed Bhabha passed away in 1997, leaving this home to the NCPA, which decided to auction all of their collection to benefit NCPA itself. The day I went was the day of viewing the items which were to be actioned off. Exquisite clothes , carpets and jewellery were on display. So were fabulous pieces of furniture, lovely crockery and dinnerware. The walls and ceilings were adorned with Lalique chandeliers and Art Deco  lig...