Sasi Gopal Menon belongs to an elite & niche group of  Hardscape and Exterior Designers giving a whole new meaning to Landscapes around Homes, Hotels, Spas, Offices and Retreats.  To complete the vision of a project he will even develop the entire ensemble from exteriors, to interiors and even the architecture. He works with a select group of experts who align with his design sensibility and fine sense of details.

He has trained as a Product Designer from the prestigious National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, “The learning process at NID was quite open ended at that time and in a subject like Product Design, the scope was always varied and vast. After initially working for the automobile industry and machine tool design, I got an opportunity to work for the traditional crafts sector,”- this foray led into setting up an institute in Jaipur, for working with the traditional crafts of Rajasthan.

Haveli Kathiapura - Evening view with building and colonnaded courtyard

“Somewhere along the way, amongst other things, I developed an interest in natural stone as a material. Initially, I started designing stone products and artifacts as well as detailing and translation for architectural projects in stone,” says Sasi. And what better place than  Rajasthan, a fantastic treasure trove for traditional techniques and wisdom to discover this. This was when he took to studying architecture, materials and traditional approaches in building, independently. He explains, “The easy access to architectural marvels within Rajasthan further developed my interest in the field. While in Jaipur, I was also associated with the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, which was involved in conservation of built heritage and learned a lot there as well.”

This love for stone as a material ultimately transformed into the design of exterior spaces for the hospitality industry, residences as well as for specialized features such as swimming pools etc. “The journey, of course, has been slow and long!”.

Sasi had initially set up a consultancy and showroom by the name of Naturescapes, in Jaipur. This however, was a partnership venture which he withdrew from it when and then moved to Delhi. He now works under the eponymous name of Sasi Menon Design, since there is no product line or retail branding that is required and the designer’s name becomes the focus.

The Mandawa Haveli in Rajasthan - details of the illuminated water and stone feature in Courtyard

From Concept, to Drawing Board to Physical Manifestation:
Since my work is usually site specific (as opposed to standardized solutions), I lay a lot of emphasis on visiting the site, spending time and trying to understand what the site demands in terms of a design philosophy or direction. I believe in the least amount of alterations to the natural contours of the site. Whether it is the location of features such as water bodies, walkways, seating areas or pools, I believe that the site itself provides clues as to what works best. Once an initial conceptual plan has evolved in my mind, I discuss it with my client. After that, the actual design process starts.

Usually, I work directly with computer generated models after the site drawings that are more easily amenable to changes, though initially takes more time to prepare. Also, CAD models help me get the BoQs and costing worked out much faster than a traditional ‘sketching-drafting-modeling’ method.

The translation of the final design to site is undertaken in phases; there is a site preparation phase, a civil works phase and a finishing and detailing phase. In some projects, there is also a furnishing phase, especially if there in an interior design component as well. At the end, my attempt is always to amalgamate the requirements of the client with what the site can offer naturally, thereby bringing together form and function. This is also probably the reason why I have managed to create variety in my work.

Exciting Projects:
All my projects have been exciting and interesting, with their own set of challenges. My work for the Indian Army in Shimla (landscaping for the Army Heritage Museum) was one of the most challenging projects I have undertaken so far. My work in restoring a 250 year old haveli started in 2006 (still ongoing), has been very close to my heart.

After having worked on a pool design, I am now creating a tavern, built into the old ‘buggie’ (carriage) sheds within the building. The most exciting part of any project for me is the first step into the site; it is much like meeting an unknown but interesting stranger somewhere. The excitement will unfold in many different ways later in the process, and I look forward to it each time.

Inspiration:
Nature has been my most important source inspiration. I love to travel across India and absorb the sights, smells and tastes and somewhere, this finds its way into my work. History is also a major source of inspiration, whether it is architecture, culture or socio-political history. Built environment, after all, is a reflection of the times that existed and how people appropriated their lives.

Works to Admire:
I admire the work of Malaysian landscape architect Ng Seksan. His philosophy of ‘treading the land lightly’ is something that has struck a deep chord in my heart. Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy, Srilankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and many more great masters of world architecture are inspirations.

Glass House at the headquarters of Indian Army Training Command in Shimla. Use of slate for rough hewn effect, a cascade water feature is also included.

Trends and Movements:
For me, trends are not something that I have to ‘look out’ for. As a designer, I keep myself open to all sorts of movements happening across the creative sphere from all parts of the world – creative activities, in turn, are driven by social and cultural movements.

I find it very important to be in tune with life trends and influences across the world. Specifically, in my area of landscape and exterior design, I tune in to the travel and tourism industry, as I feel people look for recreating what they absorb during their travels in their own homes. And that is where a successful designer fits in; interpreting and contextualizing the client’s experiences.

Global Trends for India:
India is a vast country with varying geographical and climatic conditions. From dry, hot desert regions to tropical wetlands, as well as snowy mountain regions and fertile floodplains. And building activity is happening across urban and rural areas within all of the above conditions. Therefore, I don’t think there is any one trend that can be adopted from the global scenario. Merely aping the aesthetic ‘appearance’ of global trends is not enough. Sustainable design is going to become very important in the future, if we are to continue our lives meaningfully.

Presently:
At present, I feel the trend is veering towards a fusion of South Asian style with a more minimal bent of mind. Therefore, while forms and spaces are more South Asian in character, detailing and finishing is taking on a more international flavor. Of course, I am talking about this from an interior design / architecture / landscape design point of view.

A CAD drawing of a Swimming Pool within its environment Sasi is currently working on

Perfecting the Craft:
Since I am not formally trained as a landscape architect, all my learning has been on the job. I wish to integrate more greenery in my design and innovate with creating spaces that seamlessly blend nature and built environments. I also look forward to creating designs that evolve over time on their own and therefore ‘appropriate’ themselves in the context, long after the design process is over.

On Innovation:
As mentioned earlier, Ng Seksan’s work in Malaysia, where he integrates the building within the environment, while ‘treading the land’ ever so lightly, is to me the most innovative thought / philosophy that I have come across. Mostly, landscape design is seen as beautification of external environments; Seksan has turned the concept on its head by integrating beauty in an organic way, while using contemporary materials.

Timelessness:
To me, timelessness is about being able to connect to one’s inner self. To enable that connection, one needs least amount of interference from external stimuli. This, therefore, translates to environments that are un-cluttered, serene and tranquil, while being able to give the inner space its due. When such environments are created, the participant automatically feels himself / herself at peace.

Maturing Indian Aesthetics:
The average Indian is a better aware person now. However, awareness also needs to be contextualized. That is where the designer needs to take the lead role and ensure that what is made makes ‘sense’. The Indian audience is more open to experimentation now and to global trends reflected in our living spaces are conceived, – in terms of spatial layout or color, finishes and even furnishing. This adoption is not happening blindly; the Indian audience is beginning to appropriate global trends to suit local requirements.

So far, my clients have come to me after seeing my projects and they like the way in which natural materials lend themselves to contemporary forms. Color plays a big role as well. However, color in my work emerges from the materials themselves.

Effects, Substrates and Materials:
Since my designs are dependent on effects that can be created on natural materials, I presume substrates play a big role. Traditionally, we use certain physical processes such as flaming, sand blasting, hammering, tumbling and brushing to create a range of effects.  In addition to this, chemicals such as color enhancers, sealants and others are also used.

I look forward to substrates that can improve longevity of natural materials such as stone and wood. I am also open to substrates than can extend the range of finishes within a natural material such as stone. This will give me immense advantages in creating my designs.

Limitations faced as a Designer:
In India, professional networking is lacking, between various agencies that may be involved in a project. Typically, a landscape / architectural project involves different skill sets, starting from excavation, civil works, electrical and plumbing to specialized functions such as lighting, materials and finishes, equipment etc. Most of the time, instead of working together as a team, the attitude of different agencies is to pass the buck amongst each other. These invariably put pressure on the designer / architect to take over the construction phase and so, reduces his / her creative time.

I look forward to the day when professional services are available with assured quality, so that more of my time can be spent on the design process.

Future Plans:
I am presently working on swimming pools and surrounding environments. I hope to do more of such work. I am also in the process of setting up a full-fledged design studio that can take up larger projects, especially from the point of view of appropriation of architectural designs to local contexts. In the future, I also hope to set up a network of specialized service providers for the landscape / exterior design industry.

To get In Touch with Sasi Menon Design for your Projects:

Phone: +919560495557

E-Mail: sasmenon@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sasimenondesign