16 Dec Mona Doctor Pingel
Germany taught lessons of organisation, discipline and straight forwardness with rigor and handwork. Auroville brought Poppo Pingel into my life – my future partner, mentor, friend and philosopher.
1995 – 2008 The early years of the practice were formative years which allowed for a foundation. Interning at Auroville (1987) and completing masters in appropriate technology in Germany (1992-94) were important milestones in that journey.
Germany taught lessons of organisation, discipline and straight forwardness with rigor and handwork. Auroville brought Poppo Pingel into my life – my future partner, mentor, friend and philosopher.
Building Biology (Baubiolgie) was a major guiding principle in these years, influencing choice of materials, technology and life style choices for myself and those who entrusted me with creating a built environment for them. Intuitively I considered Building Biology as a modern form of Vaastu Shastra at that time, without really studying or understanding the depth of Vaastu principles.
Landscaping, interior design and planning were introduced naturally in an environment of freedom, experimentation and organic growth in Auroville. Not being bound of commercial gains and living in the international environment of Auroville gave ample opportunities to study the social ecology of an experimental society and of the deeper aspects of the Self.
Awakening to the manifold layered society of India at large gave an impetus to diversity into many new ventures – from organising workshops on Vaastu Shastra, talks on current affairs in India, travelling for work and lectures to teaching, dreamcatching and exploring fields beyond architecture.
2008-2019
In 2008, a major shift happened – I decided to have my own studio as separate from the one I shared with my husband in our home. This allowed for growth, flexibility and an independent routine.
Awakening to the manifold layered society of India at large gave an impetus to diversity into many new ventures – from organising workshops on Vaastu Shastra, talks on current affairs in India, travelling for work and lectures to teaching, dreamcatching and exploring fields beyond architecture.
As India’s economy changed, so did the work in the Studio and those who came to it for work or to give work. And this brought with it various exciting challenges. Reinforced concrete wasn’t a bad word anymore…nor was Vaastu Shastra. Learning to be a team player and not necessarily the conductor of the music called Architecture. Harmony, flowing, practicality, empathy and listening became more important considerations.
One of the guiding principles in her work is the creation of buildings which are healthy (Building Biology) taking into account factors like electromagnetic fields, use of natural materials and earth energies.
2019 – 2027, Surely one doesn’t know what the future holds! It is best to let it evolve…
There is a perceived need to redefine oneself at this stage and do something for the society at large using the experience in building gained over the last 25 years. Architecture as practiced till now seems too tight a box to be in.
We have become more or less insular with little impact on the society. “Talking to the converted” can be exhilarating for some time but after a while it is not bringing any new insights and growth to the Being.
Taking time, slowing down, being present, travelling, knowing India and oneself…
Mona Doctor-Pingel
DESIGN FIELD
Construction & Project Management
LOCATION
Auroville, Pondicherry
India
STUDIO NAME
Studio Naqshbandi
ABOUT
Mona Doctor-Pingel is an architect based in Auroville since 1995. She studied architecture at the Center for Environment and Planning (CEPT), Ahmedabad (1984-90), and has a master’s degree in Appropriate Technology from Flensburg University, Germany (1992-94). She has a small setup_ Studio Naqshbandi_ where she experiments with building technologies using local materials and craftsmen with a stress on client interaction. One of the guiding principles in her work is the creation of buildings which are healthy (Building Biology) taking into account factors like electromagnetic fields, use of natural materials and earth energies. The inside-outside relationship forms an important part of her practice. She has been a member of the Planning Team at Auroville’s Town Development Council (2010-12), which is the official body for guiding the development and planning of Auroville. She is the author of two Monographs on pioneering auroville architects: Poppo Pingel and Piero & Gloria Cicionesi, published internationally by Mapin Publishing house in 2012 and 2018 respectively. From 2012-17 she has been a part of CBERD ( Center for building energy research and development) – a five year joint Indo-US research programme for Energy Efficiency in Buildings. She is actively involved in teaching and conducting workshops in India and abroad.
