Pushing Boundaries - A conversation with Ar. Reza Kabul

July 29, 2024
By: Editorial Team
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BMR Magazine's April - June 2024 edition celebrates the 4 M’s- Man, Material, Market & Mother Earth, featuring an interview with renowned Ar. Reza Kabul as a Cover story. Known for his design flexibility to go outside the box, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of architecture, blending functionality with aesthetics. In this candid conversation, he shares insights on how he can do anything and is not afraid to try anything, the challenges of his celebrated career, the extraordinary design of Kukreja Infinity and his collaboration with Alumil.

BMR Team: How did the Reza Kabul Architects evolve?

Reza Kabul: Spread across the globe ARK headquartered is in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and San Francisco as an architectural, interior, landscape design and planning company. We are an established design studio with three decades of proven expertise in project design and delivery projects across various sectors including master plans, townships, industrial, hospitality, commercial, institutional, educational and residential segments. Our ethos revolves around the notion that we can do anything as an Architect. We are not specializing in anything but we specialize in everything and that's what drives me as a true Architect.

BMR Team: As an architect, what drew you to the field of architecture, and what keeps you passionate about it?

Reza Kabul: Architecture came into my life by chance. During entrance exams, I encountered friends and seniors who were immersed in vibrant drawings, expressing various materials in different mediums. Intrigued, I inquired about their work, learning it was architecture. Curiosity delved deeper while discovering the roles of an architect and structural engineer. They explained to me the distinction between an architect designing buildings and a structural engineer designing the structure of the building. At that moment I decided that I wanted to do Architecture. I enjoyed arts and sketching from a young age and that brought joy to my life and ignited my passion for architecture. As an architectural student, I enjoyed working, and got inspired by diverse senior architects and that grew my endless love and passion for architecture. As somebody said if you enjoy what you are doing you never have to work. Thus that is the story of crafting joy in spaces that I follow today and work passionately.

BMR Team: Your projects often have a strong sense of identity and character. How do you balance creativity and functionality in your designs?

Reza Kabul: The blending of functionality and aesthetics is essential as practicality and beauty captivate the eyes creating the first impression. Balancing these aspects with end users in mind emphasizes their perspectives and spaces resonate with them. I firmly believe that one cannot design for oneself and you should put yourself in the place of the end-user while designing and guiding the designs that serve purpose effectively.

BMR Team: Your portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects. Could you share the story behind RKA and what makes it special to you?

Reza Kabul: Our diverse basket of projects spanning industrial, hospitality, commercial, institutional, educational and residential defines the unique character and narrative. I feel that every building should have a character with thoughtful design approaches. Our commitment to each building weaves the storyline resulting in the identity of the building.

BMR Team: Windows are an integral part of high-rise buildings. You have selected Alumil’s window systems for the entire project. Please tell us about the products and innovations used in the structure.

Reza Kabul: Facades and windows connect the interior and exterior. While facades serve as a barrier, windows act as the connector between indoor and outdoor. So when we started looking for manufacturers, we specifically looked for brands that provide the best windows which do not act as a visual barrier.

After extensive research, we selected the product featuring a minimal aluminium with a 23mm interlock in Kukreja Infinity, ensuring expansive views and thus end users will be happy as they receive the most pleasing views without any obstruction.

BMR Team: In a rapidly changing world, how do you see the role of architects evolving, and what challenges and opportunities do you anticipate for the future?

Reza Kabul: Life is a series of various challenges. From breathing to the complexities of daily life every day is a challenge and everything as well. It is our continuous journey to overcome the challenges that define our existence.

BMR Team: What are the current trends in window designs for tall structures? Why do you think Alumil’s window systems range is apt in today’s times?

Reza Kabul: Various features are considered while selecting the product, one is visual and another is water. As we construct vertically, we encounter high wind pressure and the risk of rainwater impacting the glass system. Our focus is to ensure that water stays out of the building while optimizing energy efficiency, particularly for air conditioning systems.

Thus we source specialized glass that can cut heat and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. The understanding of these features guides our collaboration with window designers to create solutions that can enrich both form and function.

BMR Team: Can you walk us through the design vision for this premium residential project? What were the key considerations you had in mind when selecting building materials?

Reza Kabul: Kukreja Infinity is the premium tower in Nagpur, a city where people used to love to stay in low-rises and single-family homes. The evolving market has shifted preferences and today the trends have changed where people are moving to apartment living but still need the feel of a single-family home. Our approach involves integrating terraces, large windows, and open areas providing a living experience of a visible skyline from a height.

BMR Team: Walk us through the luxurious features of the Kukreja Infinity project.

Reza Kabul: "Luxury has no definite measure”. At ARK, luxury is not restricted to simply the richness and ornateness but dwells in the details and comfort. Everything from the fundamental design to the infinite details of the exclusive residences at Kukreja Infinity is aimed at delivering a luxury lifestyle. Kukreja Infinity rises 90 meters, reaching for the skies. While the client envisioned uninterrupted panoramic views of the Orange City from the Sky Deck of the tower; the design ensures that the tower itself becomes the focal point, visible from everywhere in the city. The impeccable offerings reflect the demanding tastes of its upscale patrons. With 6 BHK, 4.5 BHK, 4 BHK and 3 BHK apartments, duplexes and sky villas, the project features a multipurpose club level with facilitated amenities, a revitalizing swimming pool, as well as a theatre set-up. The topmost floor sports a stylish sky-lounge.

At Kukreja Infinity the minutest detail shows up to your pleasant surprise at every step. The drop-in, drop-off area is one such thoughtful concept. Your family will never be dropped off at the kerbside but within the luxury, privacy & safety of the meticulously designed sprawling porch.

Beginning at the entrance, you're in for a visual treat as unfolded before you is an uninterrupted view not only of the high rise but also of the vibrant, sprawling space that leaves you spellbound.

The first impression is the last, even when it comes to the personality of your home. The living room is the central character upon which the entire temperament of your household rests. At Kukreja Infinity, we have captured this very spirit to give this space the power and persona it deserves, such that it awes each guest and makes you feel proud at all moments. A supreme confluence of art and architecture, form and function, luxury and sustainability.

BMR Team: In your opinion, what are some key trends in architectural design when it comes to building materials, and how do you see Alumil products fitting into that future?

Reza Kabul: We select materials that are robust and timeless. Considering the Indian climate, characterized by heavy rainfall, acid rain and sunshine, materials must fight all these natural elements. While selecting the windows, it's important to check the details such as the micron of the aluminium coating and the type of glass quality that are resilient against environmental challenges and endure aesthetic appeal.

BMR Team: In your experience, how do Alumil products contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the Kukreja Infinity project? Did they meet your expectations in terms of design flexibility and visual impact?

Reza Kabul: Kukreja Infinity is the tallest building in Nagpur and we chose Alumil, the most advanced company globally catering to aluminium architectural systems. Prioritizing top quality, Alumil's energy-efficient aluminium windows were our exclusive choice where compromise was not an option.

The aluminium windows not only frame scenic views but also add to the robustness and aesthetic appeal of the apartments. Kukreja Infrastructures, a leading real estate company in Nagpur, renowned for exceptional service in the real estate sector, is dedicated to enhancing lives. The natural light pours through the expansive windows, ensuring that every corner receives a welcoming glow. We designed our first tallest building in Mumbai in 2003 and later, we marked another milestone in Nagpur, Kukreja Infinity offering limitless luxurious residences for 57 families - the upper crust of the city.

BMR Team: Can you elaborate on your "working today for today" philosophy?

Reza Kabul: Architecture is Art + Engineering. There is no formula to learn architecture but one needs to be passionate and visionary to see outside the box. I believe that only creativity is insufficient and engineering alone cannot stand without an imaginary artistic touch, it's a union of discipline that is celebrated. One needs to engage their heart and soul by working daily and there is no tomorrow, work today for today.