Imagine a home without a garden—it’s like a story without a climax, a painting without color. For Shibanee & Kamal Architects, this is a non-negotiable truth. 'If it can't have a garden, we won't do it,' they boldly declare, and this philosophy is reshaping how we think about urban living. In an exclusive video interview with Dezeen, the Bangalore-based studio reveals why gardens aren’t just add-ons but the very foundation of their design ethos, even in one of India’s most densely populated cities.
But here’s where it gets intriguing: in a world where space is a luxury, how do you weave nature into the urban fabric? Shibanee & Kamal Architects have cracked the code with innovative spatial strategies. From staggered layouts to duplexes and L-shaped designs, they’ve experimented with every format imaginable. And this is the part most people miss—some of their gardens are even nestled inside the homes, challenging traditional notions of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Kamal Sagar explains, 'We’ve tried it all. The goal is to ensure every home feels alive with greenery, no matter the constraints.' This approach isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that feel like home. As Kamal puts it, 'A home without a garden just doesn’t feel complete.'
But here’s the controversial part: their commitment to gardens has led them to take full control of the design-to-delivery process. Frustrated by developers altering their vision, they established their own construction and development arm, Total Environment. 'When we first worked with developers, our designs were changed in minutes,' Kamal recalls. 'The only way to stay true to our vision is to handle everything ourselves—from finding the land to selling the finished project.'
This integrated approach fosters a unique synergy between architects and construction teams, ensuring every detail aligns with their green-centric philosophy. Take their project Windmills of Your Mind in Bangalore, for instance. Located in the heart of 'India’s Silicon Valley,' this high-rise residential development boasts more greenery after construction than before, a testament to their 'timeless design' principle.
'We’ve seen families live in our homes for 20 years without feeling the need to move,' Kamal shares. This longevity is no accident—it’s the result of designs rooted in a deep, personal connection to nature. Kamal credits childhood influences like Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree for inspiring their dreamlike, nature-immersed spaces. 'Those stories shaped my worldview, and I’ve always wanted to recreate that magic in our buildings,' they reflect.
Here’s where it gets even more thought-provoking: Can this model scale globally? Shibanee & Kamal Architects think so. Their 121-home community, Tapestry, in Frisco, Texas, features curved planted roofs and garden access for every room, proving their philosophy transcends borders.
But we want to hear from you: Is their garden-first approach the future of urban living, or is it an idealistic dream in a space-starved world? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to spark a conversation!
