Truly one of a kind, this book is quintessential to those who love design and architecture but also to those who love Madras. It so beautifully captures hidden gems in this beloved city. Reading through its pages is like taking a stroll down the leafy avenues of a city I'm proud to call my hometown.
With Love, Madras - Individual copy
I’m not really a reader and I was wondering what my motivation to read this book would be but as I began reading, this book instantly had my attention. I’ve always had a thing for beautiful home and I’m a therapist by profession so, I obviously enjoy stories and to have a book combine both these aspects, is an absolute treat for someone like me. I coincidently happened to read this book at a point in my life when I’ve also been thinking about the kind of home I want to have and what I want it to look like and feel like so, to reading about all these people who’ve built their homes with so much love, is genuinely so inspiring.
I’ve known Ashna for a while now and her passion and love for what she does, reflects so beautifully in this book. It’s amazing how she and Vignesh have been able to capture the essence of all these houses and make the book what it is.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who dreams of building their own home with love, someday.
Thank you Ashna & Vignesh. ❤️
The book is sheer nostalgia ! It took me back in time when I first moved to Madras in the early 70s from Bombay. Initially I felt the city was too laid back but gradually it grew on me . It had that old world colonial charm along with the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. A confluence of traditional values and modernity. This very spirit has been celebrated by both Ashna and Vignesh and beautifully depicted in the book.
Twenty different ineresting stories of affluent homes have been evocatively presented by the co authors both architects by profession. A home is a reflection of the owner.These stories not only dwell on the beauty of the homes but also capture the personalities of the respectve owners. Thus a wholistic picture emerges.The interesting conversations with house proud owners hold one's attention and make enjoyable reading.These depictions have been substantiated with beautiful glossy photographs which are a visual delight!
The selection of homes for the project is diverse from the very traditional to more contemprory homes with one common factor the spirit of Madras. At one end of the spectrum one gets a glimpse of the palatial Amir Mahal the official residence of the Prince of Arcot which is representative of royalty and oppulence. Seaside retreats near the ECR to riversde homes, homes with traditional courtyards, garden holmes, holmes based on simplicity and minimilism and homes with beautiful traditional artefacts have all been covered. A book worth possessing for all Madras lovers.
All cities have undergone change over time due to the pressures of modern day living and Chennai is no exception. These bunglows reflect the true soul of Madras and one can only hope that the next generation of owners do not succumb to monetary pressures.
Congratulations Ashna and Vignesh for this wonderful book ! I wish you both the very best and success in your endeavour.
Rita Acharya
This book represents the word 'journey' to me in so many ways, not just because of the homes we get a chance to step into within the pages, but because I saw the weeks, months, and years the authors of the book put into it; the countless conversations, the endless traveling, and the sheer talent it took to breathe life into such a wonderful concept has been awe-inspiring.
I've lived in Madras for 5 years of my life, but never got a chance to truly witness the soul of the city like I did with this book. Thank you @ashnalulla and @chasingpixels for sharing these experiences with me :)
