He is the founder of Zynorique, an architecture firm based in Kohima, Nagaland. Zynorique (pronounced as zai-no-reek) was started in April 2002, by Architect Richard Belho and Associate Architect Kezhagwetuo (Ato) Peseyie. At present, it has seven Architects and four Civil Engineers and is actively engaged in various Governmental Projects as Architectural Consultants. It also provides Architectural Services and conducts Skill Based training through their other wing Zynorique Initiatives.
Richard explains that the concept of forming Zynorique happened in Bangalore when he was sitting with a group of friends discussing about starting a Design Commune which would focus a part of their energy in helping people through their creativity. “As opposed to pure commercial Architecture, Zynorique till today is committed to working with the local youths hands on and creating change in our own small way”, he says.
Architect Richard’s concept of green and sustainable architecture is bringing about a much-required change in the State. A socially concerned architect, he believes in a philosophy of designing buildings to comply with the principles of social, economic and ecological sustainability. The main objective of green and sustainable architecture, he says, is to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space.
He further states that as far as Nagaland is concerned, we need to look at this issue seriously. “Though we have been blessed with so much of Natural Resources, instead of being the caretaker of such rich environment, we have started exploiting and destroying the land. Though Nagaland is located within Earthquake Zone V (highest), we blindly disregard the danger and keep building high rise buildings without proper quality control. In a social context, constructing RCC boxes in villages is destroying the beauty and rich character of our Villages,” says Richard.
This eco-friendly architect also sees Bamboo as the Material of the Future. Richard’s passion for ‘Bamboo’ stems from a reminder of his Late Uncle “Norman Putsure” with whom he worked very closely in promoting Bamboo.
He believes that bamboo can solve so many problems here in Nagaland. He states that the cost of construction has spiralled out of control for so many reasons and with all the corruption in place; it has become a challenge even for the Government to construct a decent school or hospital in remote villages.
With this belief, Richard is presently developing a building concept that will reduce foundation cost and carriage cost by utilising more of raw material available at site. “Bamboo Houses when designed properly has a unique charm and also it offers more safety in terms of Earthquakes. We have worked on reducing fire hazards with respect to Bamboo as building material and we are successful to quite an extent now. From 2016, we are going to supply prefabricated Cottages all over India. The first batch will roll out hopefully by the month of February 2016,” he shares.
Just to name a few of Richard’s activities with Bamboo, this eco-friendly architect is behind the construction of Bamboo Pavilion at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Traffic Control Booth at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Wayside Amenities in all districts, Gazebos in all District Headquarters, Bamboo Cottage at NBRC, Dimapur, North East Stall at NE-AGRI EXPO site, Dimapur, International Stall at NE-AGRI EXPO site, Dimapur, Balcony at Nagaland University, Lumami, Office Complex, CIH, Medziphema, Bamboo Pavilion – Phase 2, Bamboo Structures Funded by BMTPC, Bamboo Prefabricated Structures, Towers, Bridge and Cottage Accommodations, Bamboo Restaurant and Craft Gallery – Chapru, Wild Duck Bamboo Restaurant at Eco Village, Tsiepama.
Richard Belho is not just an architect. He has also been instrumental in numerous “Research & Development” activities and trainings related to bamboo handicraft items like Bamboo toys, bamboo jewellery items, hot pressed bamboo boards, cold press roofing system, design and development of bamboo cutter, design of prototypes for Commercial Production in Handicraft Sector. He also made a proposal to introduce Designers Royalty fee in Handicraft Product to encourage and tap the creative potential of the Naga Youths.
This architect enjoys working as a struggling entrepreneur without the security of Government job. He states that it helps him connect better with the majority of the people who are outside the 'system'. The main advantage and the best feeling is the opportunity to work with people at different levels. However, he states that the most challenging aspect for him and anyone working in Nagaland is Human Resource Management since the average Naga is subscribed to an idea of “Easy Money”.
This innovative and enterprising architect has also gained much recognition through awards such as “Bamboo Pioneer Award” by World Bamboo Organisation, “Young Designer Award 2012” by Indian Architect and Builders, and “Balipara Naturenomics Award 2015” by Balipara Foundation.
Richard’s dream is to make Nagaland excel in four areas- Organic Food Production; High End Bamboo prefabricated Structures and Highly skilled Bamboo Workers, Supply of Best Skilled Workers throughout the country, and Dream Tourist Destination.
As an enterprising entrepreneur himself, committed to numerous projects focused on upbuilding the society, Richard believes that entrepreneurs should be innovative and not dependant on subsidies and grants to start with. He propagates and endorses a production based entrepreneurship so that 80% of the income comes back to our State.
This architect feels that the tag ‘Entrepreneur’ has become very fancy these days and he is still yet to stumble across a very successful entrepreneur in Nagaland who is not dependent on Government support. “However having said that, I am encouraged to see a lot of younger generation who are managing to stand on their own feet and maybe the day is not far when we shall see real progress and development in the private sector,” he hopes.
This one man’s dedication and social commitment is finally tilting the balance towards eco-friendly architecture in Nagaland.
