In the studio of Mathew & Ghosh Architects

An architect’s studio is a great starting point towards understanding their approach to design. Bengaluru based firm Mathew & Ghosh Architect’s studio space, located in Indiranagar is a thoughtful use of exposed concrete that runs the length and breadth of the studio, from the cantilevered deck box that hangs over the plot of land the studio is located in, to the private space for the two partners on the other end. The end result is a restrained, introspective space that gives its occupants solitude and a sense of shared space in equal measure. We spoke to the two principal architects Nisha Mathew and Soumitro Ghosh about their studio. 

“Our work prefers to look at the problem as an abstraction, and this is also how we have summarised the office in a sense,” explains Nisha.

The office is divided into the studio and a café, comprising of two linear tube-like spaces. The studio serves as the internal space while the café serves as the external one, where meetings take place. Below this space is an area for the administration and the accounts team; it is also a working space for carrying out finishing touches on large, detailed installations as we discover on our visit to the studio, on a balmy, Tuesday afternoon. Exposed concrete is the material of choice here, while a steel invisible framework has been used for the lifted, lightweight roof that canopies over the linear tubes of space.

A notionally 'private space' right in the main general hall was created for the two principal architects. A layer of glass separates this from the rest of the office, giving them a sense of privacy when required.

Their favourite part of the studio? “The street deck-box that overlooks and hangs over onto the street,” exclaims Soumitro, adding, “(It) keeps us in touch with the world around, when we are engaged deeply with our projects.”