Gerard da Cunha
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Gerard da Cunha | |
|---|---|
 Da Cunha in 2014 | |
| Born | 10 February 1955 Godhra, Bombay State, India |
| Alma mater | School of Planning and Architecture |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Spouses |
Nisha da Cunha (died 2022) |
| Partner | Arundhati Roy (1978–1982) |
| Children | 2 |
Gerard da Cunha (born 10 February 1955) is an Indian architect based in Goa, India. He is the founder and principal architect of the architecture firm Architecture Autonomous. An alumnus of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, he is known for utilizing locally available materials and traditional construction techniques in harmony with its ecosystem.[1]
Gerard da Cunha was born on 10 February 1955 in the city of Godhra, Bombay State (now Gujarat), da Cunha travelled across the country since childhood as his father worked with the State Bank of India and had a transferable job. He did most of his schooling at St. Mary's in Mazgaon, Maharashtra.[1]
Later, he studied at the prestigious School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, which is regarded as the best institution in the country for architecture. During his 3rd year at SPA, da Cunha took a one-year break from the school and travelled to Kerala to work closely with the world-renowned architect Laurie Baker, whom he greatly admired.[2]
After his course in architecture from School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), da Cunha joined DDA in 1979, but he found the experience of working there extremely monotonous. Bored with his job, he went to Goa (his home state), hoping for some exciting element in his life.[3][4][5]
Career
Da Cunha runs his architecture firm 'Architecture Autonomous' in Goa, India. His projects are spread across the country, including resorts, townships, institutions, and even private residences.[1] He maintains his practice in Goa, which he considers has a novel history in that it was the site of the 'first sustained encounter between the East and the West'. This encounter has engendered a unique culture and architecture that is evident in da Cunha's lively and rather Gaudíesque work.[6][7][8]
Personal life
Da Cunha began a relationship with Indian writer and author Arundhati Roy, moving in with her in 1978 in Delhi. They subsequently moved to Goa and later separated in 1982.[9]
He later married Nisha da Cunha (née da Costa), an educationist who died from cardiac arrest in 2022 at the age of 63. Together they had two children, Nyhna and Taariq.[10]