Photography Vikas Maurya
Sonali and Manit Rastogi
Anyone who knows anything about contemporary Indian architects and architecture will be well versed in the work of Manit and Sonali Rastogi of Morphogenesis fame—in my book the leading architectural practice in India. We have been friends for well over 12 years now, since I chaired the panel that awarded them the contract to design the new British School. It was obvious all the way back then, that here were a couple that really knew what they were doing and above all recognised how important their role was, as professionals, to raise the bar of architecture in India and to make a change.
Ruskin, in his deeply profound work, The Seven Lamps of Architecture, identified the seven moral categories he considered vital to and inseparable from all architecture: sacrifice, truth, power, beauty, life, memory and obedience. Manit and Sonali embody them all. I have seen their work develop from evolved thinking into the ground breaking projects we now expect from them.
We have worked together on many projects. On every one the light, spatial integrity and, one has to say, the sheer spirituality of mature creativity shine. Very few people really know how to own space—these guys do. I have alluded to the deeply philosophical nature of their work. It’s about change, it’s about integrity, and it’s about best practice. It was Manit, over a much enjoyed glass or five, who worked with me on the principles and ideals of Sushant School of Design, an essential part of why it is so successful. I hope, most sincerely, that they go the route of the finest creative thinkers, into education as guides and mentors. Something India still desperately needs.
Text Mike Knowles