Keynote speaker – Landscape Australia Conference 2018
Robert Verrijt is from the Netherlands where he received his Master of Architecture from Delft University of Technology. His master thesis was awarded the second prize in the Dutch Archiprix 2004. After working briefly in the Netherlands, he moved to Sri Lanka to join the office of Channa Daswatte, where he had an opportunity to get an insiders perspective on the work of Geoffrey Bawa. In 2006 he moved to Mumbai to start Architecture BRIO with Shefali Balwani.
The firm has since then won several national and international awards such as the Zumtobel Group Award, the AD-50 Awards, and the JKC Architect of the Year Awards.
Architecture BRIO’s work field spans the vast variety of cultures, climates and landscapes across the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. Each project is seen as a challenge and opportunity to uncover the unique characteristics of these specific conditions, investigating which intervention has a potential for positive change and impact in the way we deal with our natural and built world.
The practice actively engages with research and seeks out collaborations with institutes and organisations. With Billionbricks, an NGO committed to eradicate homelessness, they set up a dedicated studio called Bb-Studio. The innovation design studio consults with communities, NGOs and governments to provide scalable high-quality buildings and infrastructure solutions. As part of the Bandra Collective, the firm is involved with research and design of public space in the city.
