At FOAID 2024, the session Witness to Mat-Haroo stood out as a warm, witty, and thought-provoking exchange between architect Gurjit Singh Matharoo (Matharoo Associates) and writer Vagish Naganur.
This dialogue took the audience behind the scenes of their collaborative book – a collection of real, curious, and often laugh-out-loud stories drawn from the everyday life of an architect. The discussion wasn’t about technical drawings or famous buildings. It was about the honest, chaotic, and very human process of navigating architecture, life, and legacy.
Architecture, Anecdotes, and Text Message Diaries
The session opened with the story of how Witness to Mat-Haroo came to be. What started as a spontaneous decision during the isolation of the pandemic soon turned into a full-fledged book, born entirely out of daily text messages. Gurjit and Vagish used WhatsApp as their medium, exchanging anecdotes, memories, and half-finished thoughts—some hilarious, others heartfelt. The book came together like a modern-day diary, raw and unfiltered, reflecting the duo’s bond and their shared passion for storytelling. The audience learned that the entire editing process took place over phone calls, with only a handful of in-person meetings, proving that great stories can be built through unconventional collaboration.
Of Cobwebs, Clients, and Unplanned Inspiration
One of the most memorable stories discussed during the session revolved around a client who chose to commission Gurjit for a project simply because the cobweb-filled ceiling of his old apartment reminded him of his bachelor days.
Moments like these revealed the unexpected ways in which emotion, nostalgia, and design intersect. From makeshift bedrooms doubling as studios to interns napping on double beds between drafting tables, every anecdote reflected a lived-in, improvisational approach to architecture. These weren’t carefully staged tales; they were funny, flawed, and deeply resonant—showcasing how spaces acquire meaning through the people and stories that inhabit them.
Design Process, Technology, and a Touch of Theatre
Throughout the talk, what stood out was the duo’s effortless chemistry and how it mirrored their creative process. The book, in many ways, became a celebration of the absurdities and serendipity that come with a life in design. Rather than glorify perfection, they chose to document imperfections – misunderstandings, last-minute fixes, and those strange questions clients ask that rarely find a place in formal discourse. Technology, often seen as cold or impersonal, became a deeply personal tool in their hands. WhatsApp wasn’t just a communication platform; it was their notebook, typewriter, and stage. The result was a work that felt as alive and layered as the experiences it captured.
Key Takeaways:
- Great storytelling often begins with everyday observations—and the courage to record them.
- Design is never just about drawings and site visits; it’s also about friendships, accidents, and cobwebs.
- Collaboration can be powerful even from a distance when anchored in trust and shared purpose.
- Unfiltered, real-life stories have the power to humanize the architectural profession and inspire a new generation of designers.
A Journey Through Emotion, Memory, and Light
More than a book launch or a formal discussion, Witness to Mat-Haroo felt like a reunion of old friends, inviting the audience to eavesdrop on a lifelong conversation. Gurjit Singh Matharoo and Vagish Naganur turned the spotlight on the forgotten moments that often define creative careers—not through awards or glossy photos, but through chaos, humour, and emotional honesty. As the audience laughed, nodded, and occasionally teared up, it was clear this was more than just an architecture talk—it was a gentle reminder of why we build in the first place: to feel, to remember, and to connect.
