The joyous legacy of Sarto Almeida

Sarto enjoyed life, sport, music, nature, education and festivities. It was the optimism of a brave new world – the beginnings of a free nation that Sarto embodied with grace

Prof Durganand Balsavar (aka Nandan)

Sarto Almeida’s multi-faceted journey has been synonymous with the unfolding history of liberated Goa. A contemplative architectural practice, with a rare sense of kindness and joy, Sarto enjoyed life, sport, music, nature, education and festivities. It was the optimism of a brave new world – the beginnings of a free nation that Sarto embodied with grace.

In the sixties, after working with Architect B V Doshi in Ahmedabad, Sarto returned to Goa, enchanted by its serene beauty. Many of us, studying in Manovikas School, at that time, remember a young Sarto, for his free spirit of curiosity and a gentle, meticulous precision. Founded by Teresa Almeida and benevolent patrons, Manovikas has evolved into a lively, exploratory environment for learning, one of the best schools in the country. Sarto recognised Manovikas’s role and Teresa’s support, in shaping his practice and new ideas. It was an enjoyable experimentation in a quiet sanctuary, guided by the credo of “simple living-high thinking” – inspired by philosophies of Leelaben Sarabhai, Vikram Sarabhai, Albert Einstein, Rabindranath Tagore and several other visionaries.

Graduating from JJ College of Architecture, Sarto, believed that a humane architecture needed to respond to the spirit of place and most importantly the climate. I recall the visits to projects, with Sarto explaining the rationale of his designs, structural principles and thoughtful details. Each meeting, in the shaded balcony of his Seraulim home, extended for hours, evoking interesting narratives and pragmatic lessons with sensitivity and dedication. Sarto’s brother, Anthony, too had an innovative architectural practice in Tanzania. The celebrated cartoonist-artist Mario Miranda and senior urban planner Edgar Rebeiro were close friends. On one occasion, Sarto introduced me to Laurie Baker to explore the promise of rural housing. The legendary baker held Sarto in high regard for his integrity and passion for architecture and life.

Based in his Margao office, Sarto was immersed in designing a diverse range of projects – educational institutions, monasteries, shrines, government buildings and several more – the Laxmi Narayan temple, Goa International Centre, Carmelite Church, Partagali Math, and several homes. Sarto was delighted when Moholy Nagy visited the Carmelite Monastery Church he had designed in Aquem, with an ethereal light quality.

Sarto’s concern for heritage evolved from a celebration of life. I recall early morning walks with Sarto, across Margao markets and Panaji, that revealed his intuitive sense of history. On one occasion, he explained to Jaime Lerner, the celebrated Mayor of Curitiba (Brazil), visions for renewal of Goan heritage. It was a relentless pursuit with a contemplative dedication.

Almeida’s generosity and mentorship has inspired several young architects to set up their own practices. The home was a hub for discussions and celebration. They enjoyed travel and inculcated an appreciation for diverse cultures of the world. He was instrumental for guiding the curriculum of Goa of College of Architecture and his sense of compassion extended in charity and caring for orphans and philanthropy.

Friends, architects, students and family who cherished the annual birthday party, each July, remember Sarto, as gentle, fun-loving, inspiring mentor. Almost a hundred years, Sarto leaves behind a rare legacy of ideas, sensitively designed architecture and happy memories.

(The writer is an architect and academician from Margao now living on the outskirts of Pondicherry. He is Dean of Saveetha College of Architecture and Design, Thandalam)