Poonam

What architect/artist/designer inspires you and why?
Charles Correa, an Indian architect and urban planner, is one of my favorite architects. He was known as the creator of modern architecture in India. His works cover a wide range, from low-income housing to urban planning to civic projects. I like how his designs infuse post-modern architecture with traditional methods and materials.

One of my favorite buildings that he designed is the Kanchanjunga Apartments in Mumbai, India. The 32-story residential building is an ingenious mix of vernacular architecture in an urban setting. I have always been fascinated by how he used level differences and deep cut outs to create garden terraces that not only shield from the torrential monsoon rains and harsh sun but produce a beautiful aesthetic expression.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
I love to spend time in the kitchen and cook for my family. Planning menus and cooking a variety of dishes is one of my favorite things to do on a weekend. I like to try new things as well as learn from other cuisines and influences.

I also train in Goju-ryu style karate, which is a traditional Okinawan style of karate. It is a “hard-soft style” which refers to the closed hand techniques and circular movements. I love the discipline and structure of karate and how it helps build cognitive resistance and control.

Kanchanjunga Apartments  Poonam Cooking Feast