Architect Robert Stephens On 200 Unrealised Urban Projects Of Mumbai City
BOMBAY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD A NEW BOMBAY. WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
It is an intense question. It was to be a twin city but two decades ago a Rotarian suggested it should be 25 coastal cities. Bombay needs to decentralise.
WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE UNDERGROUND, THE SEALINK AND GOING UNDERNEATH WALKESHWAR TUNNEL?
The Coastal Road plan is outdated, based on a plan in the 1960s. The Metro plan was also suggested then, the design in 1962 mentioned looking for a space for the carshed if it ever came to be. And look how it is creating a problem today.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE BOMBAY FOR THE BOOK?
Bombay is home and Bombay has such a gravity of creative ideas, it can’t be compared. Ahmedabad is next.
ONE RADICAL IDEA
I like a lot of micro plans by architect Alan Abraham and his wife. They take little corners of the city that are
forgotten, and they make them meaningful places. In my opinion, micro is the way to go. The city needs that touch.
OUT OF THE 200 UNREALISED PROJECTS WHICH ARE THE ONES THAT CAN TAKE OFF? AND ANY PROJECT THAT TALKS ABOUT A CITY GOING UNDERWATER AND SOMETHING ON THAT?
The second project in the book says building a channel from Mahalaxmi to Mazgaon as a funnel of the ocean as opposed to confronting headon. Out of the 200 unrealised projects, Banganga cremation has potential, it can be done.
VIEWS ON RECLAMATION?
We create new challenges, it’s a challenging proposition that should be done very carefully.
ONE HABIT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
Getting married.
GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD IN LIFE?
Definitely backward. I love history.
MOST REWARDING ADVICE YOU’VE GOT.
Henri David. Any man who doesn’t finish the majority of his day’s work by 11 am will not succeed in life. So, wake up early!
FREEDOM OR UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF MONEY?
Freedom.
ONE THING YOU WOULD PUT UP ON A BILLBOARD?
Wake up early, I guess.
YOUR MOST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING AN ARCHITECT OR HISTORIAN.
I love to find humour in the past.
BOOK OR MOVIE THAT CHANGED THE WAY OF YOUR LIFE.
Anything by Patrick Gaddis.
INVISIBILITY OR SUPER STRENGTH?
Invisibility.
BIGGEST INSPIRATION FOR THIS BOOK.
My wife! She is always right.
AS A HISTORIAN OR ARCHITECT, ONE SITE YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEE.
City walls of Ahmedabad.
ROBERT STEPHENS IN 3 WORDS.
I am an introvert.
