Sustainable Building Architect & Technologist Interview

Energy-efficient buildings not only reduce carbon footprint and minimise resource consumption but also promote a healthier living and working environment for occupants. Anurag Sonar, a Facade Engineer at Eckersley O’Callaghan (London), focuses on façade performance which ensures buildings are functional, compliant and resilient to various environmental challenges, such as weather and climate change. Anurag talks about being drawn to the challenge of merging aesthetics with engineering and sustainability, leading him to the emerging area of Façade engineering.

For students, the field of architecture is ever evolving, with new technologies and methods emerging regularly. Find what excites you and integrate that into your work. Anurag shares his background, having grown up in Nashik, a semi-urban city renowned for its historical temple architecture and natural beauty, which fostered his appreciation for both history and nature. His father’s background in physics and work as a radio mechanic, along with his mother’s artistic talent, deeply influenced him. As a child, he enjoyed sketching and solving puzzles, which sparked his interest in art and problem-solving.

During his studies, he became particularly interested in detailed design and was drawn to the challenge of merging aesthetics with engineering, which led him to transition into Façade engineering after post-graduation. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from the University of Mumbai and pursued his post-graduation with an MSc in Building Technology from the Technical University of Delft, Netherlands. This program deepened his understanding of advanced building systems and technologies, playing a crucial role in his shift towards façade engineering.

From the beginning of his architecture studies, he was fascinated by how buildings could be designed to stand out, express creativity, and perform efficiently. He always had a strong interest in how the exterior of a building interacts with the environment while maintaining its aesthetic value. This naturally led him to the field of façade engineering, where he found the perfect balance between architectural design and technical problem-solving.

During his BArch in India, he studied at both the Laurie Baker Center and the Auroville Earth Institute, known for their focus on sustainable and cost-effective construction. These experiences exposed him to the importance of material science in architecture and inspired him to think beyond conventional building methods. Although his focus wasn’t specifically on façades at that time, this exposure to innovative and sustainable material use was pivotal in his career.

After completing his architecture degree, he realised he wanted to specialise in something that combined both design and engineering. He gained experience by working on projects that had a strong focus on façade design, helping him understand the practical challenges of implementing complex building envelopes. He then pursued his Master’s in Building technology at TU Delft, which provided him with a solid foundation in advanced construction technologies and materials.

His current role at Eckersley O’Callaghan Engineers involves façade engineering projects, bridging the gap between architectural design and façade performance. He collaborates with architects, structural engineers, and other consultants to ensure that façade designs are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and compliant with industry standards. His work contributes to energy-efficient buildings that reduce carbon footprints and minimise resource consumption, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of cities and promoting a healthier living and working environment for occupants.

His advice to students is to embrace continuous learning and stay curious, seek to expand knowledge through coursework, internships, or self-study, and build relationships within the industry. Looking ahead, he aims to deepen his expertise in façade engineering, particularly in sustainable design and innovative materials, and take on more leadership roles in future projects.