For architect and interior designer Manish Banker, his den is a constantly evolving concept, depending on his requirements at any given time. ``When I need to rest, my bedroom is my den; when I am hungry, it's the kitchen; for work, it's the office and to simply chill out and be myself, I head for my car, with nothing but my favourite music albums for company. So, basically, my den is my own space, something that allows me to function as I need to, according to my moods.However, if I did have to zero in on one particular space, it would probably be my work-place, simply because of the flow of creative energy there that enables me to give expression to my artistic instincts,'' states the 33-year-old designer who shifted from Ahmedabad to Pune five years ago and whose refreshingly different style has won him a number of prestigious awards.``Your work-place is like a temple. It spurs you to think better and helps you translate your inspiration into something more tangible.''Thus, while Banker has not exactly done up his office as it is rented, he has added touches that make it his favourite zone. ``I have my music system, my favourite CDs, my drafting table, colour pencils, a board to pin up my sketches and a black and white scheme - my favourite combination - running through it. Also, I stay and work more or less in the same place - I have my office downstairs and my residence upstairs. This further enables me to work according to my moods - I may spend a week day relaxing and end up working the whole of Sunday if an idea strikes my head then.``I guess it's not the decor that matters so much but your connection with the place. I feel full of energy and creativity when I am here and am totally at ease with myself amongst my pencils, sketches and reams of sheets,'' smiles the easy-going professional. Is there a better definition of the term My Den?
