BETWEENLINES is an award winning Urban, Architectural and Interior Design firm. Founded in 2003 by Guru Prasanna.C and Deepa Suriyaprakash, the firm is now seasoned through a spectrum of experiences, achieved through travel, academia, research and thought development.
At the Core, we are interested in our Materials.
We believe that each material, calls for specific attention to detailing and guides the character of the built space. So, there are the material driven projects in our ouevre, where the design thinking starts at the module of the base material size. We are pretty much possessed by it then, constantly exploring ways to work with it. Some times we end up with a formal solution and other times with very tactile, experiential outcome. The whole process of understanding the character, sourcing, and working with strengths and limitations of materials leaves us highly enriched and we are happy to trade our time for it.
We are also interested in Diversity of Projects
Because, we believe that the Process behind the Design problem is similar, irrespective of the scale of operation, we lap up projects close to our heart, of all type and sizes. Our principal Architects, bring their expertise at the Urban and Architectural scale and also are highly research inclined. Researching is not only an integral part of our process, but also a discipline of work that we pursue. We also get to collaborate with creative professionals from other fields, when we embrace diversity of projects. So you'll find us working in the most autonomous, Interior design project and an intensely public, Urban project with equal zest.
We like to build Just enough
Our definition of Sustainability, remains in the zone of building sensibly, drawing from and respecting the local conditions; and also just enough. We think that the very act of building is an anti thesis of the much abused term "Sustainable Architecture". We look at sustainability from aspects like, energy, local economy, culture, flora and fauna in its entirety, and tread carefully. It means that we don't just nod to the standards as established by certification bodies but look for wisdom in and around traditional building practices. For the same reason, we are attuned to our sites and consider it an inseparable part of design.
Our Practice is a continuous Learning process
With each built / unbuilt project we gather experience and bolster our philosophy. We have much to know and remain as receptors of new technology and changes. We are also closely involved in academia to continue our learning process. We look at each project as a new opportunity to learn, unlearn and start afresh. Hence our aesthetics are not informed by any, predictable style: rather by the call of site, craft of our masons and client’s desire toward a particular atmosphere.
The Principals
GURU PRASANNA. C
Founder, Urban Designer and Architect
Guru Prasanna, after completion of his architectural education from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli and professional training from reputed firms like DAAT (Delhi), Venkatraman Associates (Bangalore) and Brand new Day (Auroville), started his own practice under the name of Gargoyle Architecture and Interiors and worked on many residential, commercial and planning projects. After five years of field experience; in 2006 he adjourned to travel and pursue his education in Urban Design and Urban Development(MUDD) at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Since his return in 2007, he continues to work as the principal of his current firm BETWEENLINES. His interest includes, travel, photography, product design, urban theory and economics, architectural conservation, sustainability and automobile engineering etc. Guru also teaches urban design to the masters program students at RV College of Architecture. When not at work, he is at work. Ideas come in dozens to him and has the energy of a 5 year old. Treasure of talents, people’s person, technology addict and an inexplicable business venture enthusiast.
DEEPA SURIYAPRAKASH
Founding Partner and Architect
Deepa completed her architectural education from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli and professional training at Brand New Day (Auroville) and MOAD (Chennai); she pursued her education in Theory of Architecture and Design (M.Arch) from The Ohio State University, USA. Upon completing the masters program which included expansive travelling opportunities, she worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merill LLP at Chicago, USA, where she gained experience working on macro scale projects. Since her return to India in 2008 she has been leading BETWEENLINES with her partner Mr.Guru Prasanna. Her interests includes, travel, teaching, narratives, critical theory, graphic design, pattern and material studies etc. Apart from her practice she also teaches architecture and interior design at, RV College of Architecture. Her two year stint as Head of Research at CnT Architects, grounded her perspective and realigned her philosophy with the locale. When not working as an architect, she is busy composting and helping people keep their waste off, landfills.
The Team
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Aswani S L - Architect
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Dhivya Ganesan - Architect
- Rubin Joseph - Architect Intern
- Durga R - Architect Intern
- Chinnamma - Office Assistance
Services
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Feasibility studies and Report
- Master planning
- Urban Design
