Vernacular template of the three-layered threshold. © Emmanuel Guddu

“Space reflects people’s deep-rooted attitude to placemaking and is part of a civilisation’s core values.”—Jaimini Mehta

The essay is the third and last article of a three-part series of preview essays for Jaimini Mehta’s forthcoming book, Sense of Itihasa; Architecture and History in Modern India. He explores how Indian architecture embodies memory through two knowledge streams: classical Sanskrit traditions and vernacular oral traditions, each influencing architectural design and cultural preservation differently.

The case of Phalke Smarak

Asmita Raghuvanshy

ArchitectureLive! - Art Architecture and Urbanism Magazine 63

An Architect Eats Samosa

ArchitectureLive! continues with Alimentative Architecture – The fifth in a series of articles by Architect-Poet-Calligrapher H Masud Taj interfacing architecture with food via geometry.

An Architect Eats Medu Vada

ArchitectureLive! continues with Alimentative Architecture – The fourth in a series of articles by Architect-Poet-Calligrapher H Masud Taj interfacing architecture with food via geometry.

ArchitectureLive! - Art Architecture and Urbanism Magazine 66

An Architect Eats Chapati

ArchitectureLive! continues with Alimentative Architecture – The third in a series of articles, An Architect Eats Chapati, by Architect-Poet-Calligrapher H Masud Taj interfaces architecture with food via geometry.

An Architect Eats Vada Pav

ArchitectureLive! celebrates UN World Food Day with Alimentative Architecture – The second in a series of articles by Architect-Poet-Calligrapher H Masud Taj interfacing architecture with food via geometry.

An Architect Eats Jalebi

Alimentative Architecture – A series of articles by Architect-Poet-Calligrapher H Masud Taj interfacing architecture with food via geometry.

Shirish Patel. Illustration by Dominic Xavier.

Shirish Patel: Indefatigable Mumbaikar | Sulakshana Mahajan’s Tribute

Sulakshana Mahajan in her tribute to Shirish Patel, writes about how he championed humane development in Mumbai, critiqued the flawed policies, advocated for liveable cities, and mentored generations.

Diwan-i-Khas at Fatehpur Sikri. Image by Manfred Sommer

“If the received wisdom of this Western historiography is Eurocentric and subjective, how do we trace the evolution of architectural consciousness in India?”—Jaimini Mehta

The essay is the second of a three-part series of preview essays for Jaimini Mehta’s forthcoming book, Sense of Itihasa; Architecture and History in Modern India. He explores how colonial perspectives distorted Indian architectural history, arguing that indigenous architectural theories existed beyond Eurocentric interpretations, with the mandala symbolizing a deeper conceptual understanding of cosmic and spatial design.

ArchitectureLive! - Art Architecture and Urbanism Magazine 19

Council of Architecture Demands an Unconditional Apology and Retraction from ArchitectureLive! Over RTI Article

In a recent development, the Council of Architecture (CoA) has issued a letter to Rajesh Advani, the Founding Editor of ArchitectureLive!, demanding the retraction of a previously published article on RTI.

Jaimini Mehta - Architecture and History

“Unless you ask these questions, you will not realise that it is not history but the perception of history that needs to be revisited.”—Jaimini Mehta

The essay is the first of a three-part series of preview essays for Jaimini Mehta’s forthcoming book, Sense of Itihasa; Architecture and History in Modern India.
The book analyses the works of several contemporary, post-independence Indian architects to demonstrate that since independence, they have revitalized traditional architectural elements and techniques, drawing inspiration from India’s itihasa.

Cooling, not Air-Conditioning. Photo courtesy of Vinod Gupta

Amelioration of Thermal Discomfort: Cooling, not Air Conditioning

Vinod Gupta writes about the concept of thermal discomfort and its relation to air conditioning standards, arguing for a more flexible approach.

Social Media and Architecture. @ArchitectureLive! (Image is AI generated)

“Social media has pulled back the curtain, democratizing the discourse and, more importantly, the architect’s image.” —Athulya Aby

Athulya Aby writes about how social media has transformed architecture, making it accessible to the masses. While it offers opportunities for inclusivity and innovation, it also poses risks of superficiality and prioritizing aesthetics over function. The future lies in balancing online presence with real-world impact, according to Athulya.

“His legacy is an energy emanating from the scores of people influenced by his work and ethics.”—Karishma Rao’s tribute to Navnath Kanade

Karishma Rao, co-director of the documentary “Kanade,” honors the memory of renowned architect Navnath Kanade. Sharing personal anecdotes, she reflects on his life and work, particularly his time at Laal Ghar, highlighting his wit, wisdom, and passion for architecture.

ArchitectureLive! - Art Architecture and Urbanism Magazine 24

“Not a bad bone in his body, unpretentious and genuine, ever ready to smile, eager to share” – Prem Chandavarkar’s tribute for his friend and colleague, Navnath Kanade

Navnath Kanade struck you as soon as you met him as a good person, not a bad bone in his body, unpretentious and genuine, ever ready to smile, eager to share,’ remembers architect Prem Chandavarkar in a moving tribute to his friend and colleague.

ArchitectureLive! - Art Architecture and Urbanism Magazine 26

“Data? What’s that?” – The Council of Architecture’s Hilarious (and Alarming) RTI Response

In an RTI response, the Council of Architecture makes a shocking revelation that they do not maintain the data of admissions in architecture schools.

“The young architects will do well if they do not limit themselves to the traditional role of an architect…”—Dr. Vinod Gupta, in conversation with Suneet Paul

Dr. Vinod Gupta discussed the future of architecture in India with Suneet Paul, emphasizing ergonomic design, technology’s impact, and the need for young architects to be adaptable.

Great Expectations: Notes to an Architect, by Christopher Charles Benninger

Christopher Benninger’s new book—Great Expectations: Notes to an Architect—reflects on contemporary architectural practice and its role in improving the human condition. It gives direction to students and practitioners alike as Prof. Benninger notes his encounters with his gurus and the manner in which their personal passion for humanity shaped the lives of others.

< SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR MAY 2024 >

Maverick Shutterbugs 2.0

Featured Publications

We Are Hiring