Interview with Nuru Karim

Nuru Karim ("NK") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

NK : My journey as an Architect included education and travel in the Metropolis of London, Montreal and Mumbai. Received his Masters in Architecture and Urban-ism from the Architectural Association [AADRL] London, United Kingdom in 2006. Also had the honor to work for Zaha Hadid Architects in 2005 on a host of institutional projects both in competition/ schematic design and design development stages. Travel also lead my to explore several museums and art galleries across the world including London, Paris, New York, Bilbao, Melbourne, Sydney etcThese journeys have been inspirational and a reservoir for dialogue, research and investigation through a multi-disciplinary lens.Innovation is crucial to our commitment as design professionals. Innovation needs to be viewed as an iterative design process driven by ideological, philosophical positions.

How did you become a designer?

NK : Decision to enter into the architectural and design world was primarily a subconscious cerebral act. I was drawn to Architecture almost hypnotically, intoxicated by the drama, play of space both physical and psychological. The decision was taken fairly early on during high school years and although there were no instances of architects within friends and family, the hypnotic drag of the discipline was too strong to resist.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

NK : Through our work we engage design as an open system of interrelated issues ranging from typology, digital methodologies, sustainability, structure, fabrication, materiality, tactility, and use, as well as larger networks of the social, cultural, and environmental. We have been exploring the 'digital' both in design and production largely as a systems based approach. The ability of the 'digital' to augment "design history" as an editable entity enables the transformation of 'design histories' into 'design futures'. Transfer of Technologies and 'smart materials' are significant to our process as well. Design systems are explored both in digital and analogue modes.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

NK : Design is a meditative act and a very intense journey that needs to balance "real world constraints" with the joy of "experimentation" and "innovation". The dichotomy of “experimental” and “real-world constraints” acts as a fuel for systems innovation. We believe to be walking the tight rope, embracing the "risk" quotient exponentially with every project. "Innovate or Die" is an axiom we embrace to the fullest. Innovation is crucial to our commitment as design professionals.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

NK : Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, George R R Martin, Hans Zimmer have been major influences that shaped (and continue to shape) my sensibilities as a designer. Technology, Cinema, Music, Arts & Installations introduced me to the fascinating world of three dimensional space and awakening of the senses.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

NK : Setting up a “culture” for research within an organisation is extremely crucial. It’s really not a one off activity, but should be imbibed as an integral component and lifestyle of a studio space. The process involving research, design, development need not be a sequential process, but could be read as a continuous loop based system feeding into each other. The ability of this system based approach to adapt itself and respond to a larger shifting context could be very interesting.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

NK : Read, Write, Travel and Build - the four pillars that shape and mould design practices. Participation in Competitions besides getting into the act of realising sketches into live models is critical to one's growth.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

NK : Competitions are extremely interesting mechanisms especially for designers at any stage of their careers. Competitions provide incredible platforms that in a way aid design studios to reflect on a number of issues and take theoretical and philosophical positions.

What is your day to day look like?

NK : I look forward to spending time with my 3.5 year old son. So much to learn from him. His doodles , sketches, crayon art work, the way he sees and perceives the world, new sounds, colors, its absolutely fascinating. Love also to explore new softwares, dapple with the 3D printer, besides the everyday design office routine which is as exciting.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

NK : We see design as a body of work across a timeline driven by ideological thrusts. Each age was marked with the evolution of technology and materials; Stone Age, Bronze Age, the Iron Age etc. A century of experimentation was necessary and the progress in the use of technology was slow. Never before the 20th century has the evolution of technological usage been so accelerated.While the Industrial Revolution produced tools to augment the Body (steam engine, automobile) the information revolution is producing tools to extend the “Intellect”.The Digital Revolution combined with digital production (argued as also the third age of the Industrial revolution) has much delight to offer in the future. With the advent of Robotics and AI the world of design could radically transform.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

NK : Good Design could be evaluated through “material & technological performance” rather than “material appearance”. An attitude of dedication and commitment towards material and building technologies yet to be tested; an absolute focus on detail and materials innovation; and with it, a strong belief in the avant garde.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

NK : We view design and research as a work in progress cutting through timelines, typologies and sectors very similar to the metamorphosis of the tadpole to the adult frog. Each stage is distinct and leads to a future state evolving and genetically transforming along a timeline. Each project leaves behind a trail that could be taken forward and investigated further.

What is your biggest design work?

NK : We have the honour of winning several awards and competitions for our work, most notably for an Architectural, Engineering Monument for Contemporary India organized by the TATA Group and IAB, for which 'The Charkha' was selected the winner. The "Charkha" was also nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2013. The Bad Cafe, Ryewood international school, Deployable Arts Pavilion, Regal Shoes have also won national and international awards. Our projects were exhibited at the Architectural Association, DRL 10 in 2008. We have also experimented with art installations. 'Machining Sound' in collaboration with LAN and DuPont Corian was featured at the Bodhi Gallery, Mumbai in 2008 to critical acclaim.

Who is your favourite designer?

NK : The “Sagrada Familia” designed by Gaudi is an epic architectural and engineering narrative. Gaudi’s work has been highly inspirational, a total integration of materials, processes and poetics. His experiments with “form finding” and allied research have been well documented and continue to be researched on. Gaudí spent several years working on studies for the design of La Sagrada Família developing a method of form finding and calculating structural loads based on a model built with cords and small sacks of lead shot.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

NK : Love traveling and absorbing local cuisine and historic traditional architecture ! Some of my favourite cities are London, Paris, Milan, Istanbul, Sydney to name a few. A Museum stop is a must including spending hours in the Museum book shop.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

NK : Our work culture includes a collaborative environment. As Founder & Principal Designer Nudes, it is important to setup a culture of research and innovation across sectors and include talent that is willing to push the envelope of design.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

NK : It is critical that we commit ourselves to larger social/humanitarian goals and architecture has the power just to do that. This could unfold even in a voluntary capacity across several sectors impacting the habitat and environment. India faces several issues, those of lack of housing, lack of infrastructural services, lack of property rights, air pollution, traffic and a serious lack of Urban Governance. Dive in, make a difference!

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

NK : The A'Design Award was indeed a fascinating experience . The process was transparent and highly professional.It is indeed an honour to be featured as "Designer of the Day" and we are humbled by this accolade.

Nuru Karim Profile