Manish Banker, A graduate in Architecture from the Institute of Environmental Design in Vallabh Vidya Nagar. Gujarat. distinguished himself through his research thesis on ‘Organic Architecture’. With a foundation built during his two-year apprenticeship at Osho Commune International, collaborating with artists, designers, and engineers from across the globe, he embarked on a remarkable journey by establishing TAO Architecture Pvt. Ltd. as his design Practice in 1995. TAO's work in both architecture and interior design has earned prestigious recognition from institutions such as Asia Pacific Property Awards, IIID, Builders Associations of India. Artists in Concrete, and the All India Stone Architectural Awards, AESA. Manish's architectural quest has taken him across India and the world, where he captures diverse built environments through his passion for sketching and photography. His unwavering dedication to sharing his architectural zeal with colleagues, clients, contractors, fellow architects, designers, and aspiring students is a testament to his profound impact on the architectural world. LITZ had the privilege of an insightful one-on-one interaction with the esteemed architect Manish Banker, a visionary who believes architecture is a G lifelong journey of learning and evolution. Manish shared his deeply rooted philosophy, shaped by his upbringing in a small village surrounded by the wonders of nature and the profound teachings of his spiritual guide, Osho Rajneesh. For Manish, architecture extends beyond functionality—it is an art of contributing to the world ' s beauty while respecting its delicate ecosystems. Drawing inspiration from the rising sun, blooming flowers, and ever-changing hues of the environment, he embraces a holistic approach to design that harmonizes human life with nature. With a commitment to sustainable and sensitive architecture, Manish sees his craft as a means to fulfill a larger responsibility—leaving the world a little more beautiful than it was before. His project Swastik is a testament to these values, showcasing his dedication to creating spaces that inspire and uplift while prioritizing environmental stewardship. Founded by the visionary Dr. Nitin Nyati through the Nyati Foundation, Swastik - A luxury wellbeing sanctuary, is more than just a retreat; it is a movement towards a more abundant, harmonious, and meaningful way of life. Through its multi-dimensional approach, Swastik serves as a platform where seekers can meet masters, embark on a journey of self-discovery, and truly bloom in abundance. T February 2025
Swastik seems deeply rooted in a philosophy that blends ancient wisdom with modern living. Could you share the journey that led you to conceptualize this sanctuary and how your personal experiences shaped its creation?
The project was introduced to us by a client for whom we had already designed their home and corporate office. This long-standing association fostered mutual understanding and sensitivity toward the world around us. The opportunity came in 2020, just a month before the COVID-19 lockdown, during a time when global well-being and environmental concerns were heightened. The site, overlooking the backwaters of Lake Khadakwasla, the Sahyadri Hills, and Sinhgadh Fort, was a natural marvel. The brief was to create a holistic wellness center addressing body, mind, and spirit. As an Oshoite, I envisioned spaces promoting meditative and spiritual living. The natural topography of the valley presented challenges but also immense opportunities. The buildings were designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, framing breathtaking views, preserving existing trees, and blending harmoniously with the hills. This allowed us to create an environment where treatments were complemented by the healing power of nature. T February 2025
The Swastik logo and its representation of the five dimensions–Health, Wealth, Love, Bliss, and Spirituality–play a significant role in your project. How did these principles influence the architectural design and spatial planning of Swastik?
The five dimensions—health, wealth, love, bliss, and spirit—formed the foundation of the project, introduced to us by Dr. Niyati, the owner. These principles influenced every aspect of the design. Health is considered holistically, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Wealth is seen not just as financial prosperity but as knowledge, relationships, and grounding not only with society but by humbly accepting mother nature as our true home. Love is about creating T February 2025 spaces that foster sharing and connection, Swastik's architecture is described as blending harmoniously with nature, extending beyond people to the encompassing 15,000 native trees and creating a haven for over 30 bird species. environment and all living beings. Bliss How did you approach integrating nature into the built environment while emerged from the satisfaction and inner maintaining sustainability and functionality? contentment experienced in the serene The process was not about integrating nature into the built environment environment outside and within oneself. but rather integrating the built environment into nature. The site was Spirit is the ultimate state, achieved when already blessed with hills, trees, and wildlife, presenting a unique challenge all other dimensions were in harmony, to fit the architecture within this wilderness without disrupting the offering visitors a gateway to deeper self- ecology. awareness. The concept of Guha (cave) was central. Inspired by the idea of creating The architectural design reflects these womb-like spaces, we dug into the hills rather than building on them, values, creating spaces that are functional mimicking natural shelters created by animals. These "wombs of mother yet meditative, blending nature and built earth "Garbh Mala provide a sense of being intimate with oneself having forms in ways that foster healing and safety and comfort, connecting visitors deeply with nature. spiritual growth. T February 2025 Flatlands were preserved for open spaces and communal areas, while the hills housed the built forms. By framing natural vistas, preserving native trees, and using materials that h a r m o n i z e d w i t h t h e surroundings, we ensured that the architecture enhanced the natural beauty rather than detracting from it.
Each Vihar at Swastik is crafted to nurture specific aspects of wellbeing. Could you share insights into how the design of these spaces ensures a transformative experience for visitors?
Swastik incorporates five Vihars, each representing one of the five elements: fire, air, earth, water, and space. For instance, Anand Vihar represents Agni (fire), igniting a metaphorical "fire in the belly" for inspiration and self-discovery much needed for our physical, psychological, economical, and spiritual growth. This space includes a restaurant, consultation rooms, and an auditorium designed to kindle inner fire. Ayu-Vihar symbolizes Vayu (air), offering theraputic treatments that make visitors feel light and almost weightless. Sukh-Vihar connects to Bhoomi (earth), enveloping visitors in a protective embrace of nature. Ganga Vihar, inspired by Jal (water), features a sacred water body and landscape with a ghat for serene interactions with water as one of our significant source of life . Lastly, Dhyana Vihar represents Akash (space), facilitating spiritual exploration through meditation and introspection. These elements, combined with a design rooted in the Swastik logo, create an environment for holistic transformation.
How does Swastik address the growing need for sustainability in architecture and interiors, and what practices have you adopted to ensure minimal environmental impact?
Sustainability is a core principle of Swastik. The master plan prioritizes ecological preservation by minimizing disruption to the natural site. Lightweight construction technologies like tensile roofs reduce structural loads and incorporate passive cooling and natural ventilation. Materials are locally sourced and low in VOC emissions to minimize carbon footprints. Topsoil was retained and reused during landscaping. Structures like Guha Vihars were thoughtfully placed to avoid tree removal and maintain harmony with the terrain. This holistic approach combines sustainable planning, materials, and technology to ensure minimal environmental impact. The design of the project carefully creates humanised spaces to cater dignified awareness about bond with Mother Nature as our primary source of being humbly sustainable. T February 2025
Wellness is becoming a central theme in modern architecture and design. How do you see projects like Swastik influencing or aligning with this trend, and what unique elements set it apart?
Swastik seamlessly aligns with the wellness movement by integrating architectural and landscape elements that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The five Vihars offer tailored experiences to restore balance through nature, meditation, and cultural practices. Unlike conventional wellness spaces, Swastik uniquely adopts the principles of the Swastik logo, embedding ancient wisdom into modern design. Features like the zodiac-inspired Nakshatra garden and Guha Vihars rooted in nature create spaces where wellness is not just a goal but a nourishing immersive experience. T February 2025
Swastik is described as a place where luxury aligns with purpose. How have you balanced indulgence and mindfulness in the design, ensuring the spaces feel both opulent and meaningful?
Swastik balances luxury and purpose by combining elegant aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. For instance, the use of natural materials like distressed wood, local stone, a n d h a n d c r a f t e d I n d i a n furniture exudes luxury while being sustainable. The Dhyana Vihar meditation hall features a tensile roof for natural light and v e n t i l a t i o n , f o s t e r i n g mindfulness. Even indulgent elements like the Nakshatra garden or sacred water features are rooted in purpose, inviting visitors to connect with their inner selves. This balance ensures that every space feels opulent yet deeply meaningful, enriching both the mind and the senses.
Courtesy: TAO Architecture Pvt. Ltd. T February 2025