“He was a humanist who aspired to have a city that was ‘just and fair’ to all.”—Vidyadhar Phatak’s tribute to Shirish Patel
Vidyadhar Phatak, in his tribute to Shirish Patel, writes about his work on Navi Mumbai and critical urban issues.
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.
“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.
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 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.
“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.
Air Conditioning: The Sweet Spice That is Changing Our Climate
Vinod Gupta writes about how sugar and air-conditioner, once luxuries, have become necessities with far-reaching consequences that contribute to health crises and climate change while reducing our ability to adapt to natural temperature variations.
Café Delhi Heights, Delhi, by M:OFA Studios
Café Delhi Heights, by M:FOA Studios, is a unique dining experience inspired by the whimsical world of Wes Anderson films. The café’s design features multiple, Instagram-worthy backdrops, including a train-wagon booth seating area, a colorful Indian Dispatch Wall, and a vibrant pink bar.
Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum, New Delhi, by vir.mueller architects
Commissioned by The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, vir.mueller architects design Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum in New Delhi, India, envisioning it as a subterranean “baoli”-inspired museum, grounded in Mughal aesthetics.
Moving School, Kutch, Gujarat, by Mette Lange Architects, Henning Larsen, and Hunnarshala Foundation
Moving School, Kutch, designed by Henning Larsen and Mette Lange Architects, in collaboration with Hunnarshala Foundation, provides education for migrating pastoral and fishing communities.
Abin Design Studio Announced as Winner for the “PAHAL- Takshila’s Initiative for Sports”, Koilwar, Bihar
Kolkata based architecture and design practice, Abin Design Studio, announced as winners for the invited competition for “PAHAL-Takshila’s Initiative for Sports”.
Tetris Garden , Surat, India, by Roomoor
Tetris Garden , Surat, India, by Roomoor, is an alternative residence to high-rise living, retaining community ties while creating a dense yet flexible home.
Sri Aurobindo Integral Learning Centre, Surat, by Studio Naqshbandi
The Sri Aurobindo Integral Learning Centre (SAILC) in Surat, designed by Mona Doctor-Pingel of Studio Naqshbandi, offers a simple and rich experience, with natural water bodies fostering sensorial experiences and integral consciousness.
Future Trajectories | Dialogues
The Practice of Timeless Architecture, Earthling Ladakh, Future Trajectories | Dialogues
Future Trajectories | Dialogues is a series dedicated to the people behind Promising Young Architectural Practices identified in Future Trajectories and Future Trajectories 2.0. In this interview, Ladakh based Earthling Ladakh reminisces its ethos, approach and journey.
Blurring the lines between built and unbuilt- The Purple Ink Studio | Future Trajectories | Dialogues
Future Trajectories | Dialogues is a series dedicated to the people behind Promising Young Architectural Practices identified in Future Trajectories and Future Trajectories 2.0. In this interview, Bangalore-based The Purple Ink Studio reminisces its ideology, approach and journey.
From Delhi to Ladakh: Contextual Sensitivity and Traditional Wisdom- Emara | Dialogues | Future Trajectories
Future Trajectories | Dialogues is a series dedicated to the people behind Promising Young Architectural Practices identified in Future Trajectories and Future Trajectories 2.0. In this interview, Delhi-based Emara reminisces its ethos, approach and journey.
A Confluence of Varying Experiences- flYingseeds |Dialogues | Future Trajectories
Future Trajectories | Dialogues is a series dedicated to the people behind Promising Young Architectural Practices identified in Future Trajectories and Future Trajectories 2.0. In this interview, Delhi-based flYingseeds reminisces its ethos, approach and journey.
Ode to First Contact with Architecture: Studio Mohenjodaro | Future Trajectories | Dialogue
In extension to the Future Trajectories series, Studio Mohenjodaro reminisces about their journey in a conversation with Megha Pande.
Architecture, a Motley of Diverse Groups- Studio Motley | Dialogues | Future Trajectories
In extension to the Future Trajectories series, Studio Motley reminisces about their journey in a conversation with Megha Pande.
Architecture
Headquarters for Biju Janata Dal, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, by Studio Lotus
Studio Lotus’ design of the new party HQ for Biju Janata Dal pays homage to Odisha’s vibrant history and culture
Prof. Ranjit Sabikhi, Pioneer of Urban Design in India, Passes Away
The architectural and urban design fraternity mourns the loss of Prof. Ranjit Sabikhi, a trailblazing architect, educator, and urban designer. Prof. Sabikhi passed away on
House near Manchar, Maharashtra, by Shoonya Collaborative
The adobe house near Manchar, Maharashtra, designed by Shoonya Collaborative, perched on a Sahyadri plateau, offers views of agricultural fields and a winding river. Inspired by local vernacular architecture and the client’s memories, the design incorporates repurposed materials and traditional techniques.
Design
The Souk – Installation at the Dubai Design week, by Collaborative Architecture
The geometry of the pavilion is derived from the most common element, seen widely, in some of the most popular Islamic murals / patterns that adore some of the iconic architecture in the Islamic world- The Decagon. – Collaborative Architecture
डिझाईनच्या दुनियेत: The World of Design
The World of Design: डिझाईन म्हणजे काय ? हा प्रश्न समोर आला म्हणजे आपल्या मनात अनेक समज-गैरसमज निर्माण होतात. कपड्यांवरचे डिझाईन, रांगोळीचे डिझाईन, बाटलीचे डिझाईन, घराचे डिझाईन, मोबाईलचे डिझाईन अशा एक ना अनेक मानवनिर्मित गोष्टींचे उल्लेख करताना आपण डिझाईन हा शब्द सहज वापरतो.
A short history of the selfie stick – Story by Peeyush Sekhsaria
A short history of the selfie stick – Story by Design Dalda
Interior Design
House by the sea, at Chiplun, by Sachin Agshikar
The house sits on a linear stretch of site that measures 40’X1000′, facing the beautiful beach near Chiplun. The site also witnessed a large growth of betel nut and coconut trees, which were distanced at every 8′.
Earth House, at Kanakapura, Bangalore, India, by Svamitva Architecture Studio
Situated in a 28 acre site, the Terravana also called the Earth house is a design intervention that travels along the lines of earth and sustainability. In a plot size of 34.4×60 ft the unit focuses on a minimum footprint integrated with greenery. The interior setting transcends with the Pairing of age old technique of lime plastering with mid-century themed furniture. With delicately chosen décor that complements the theme of wellness and the colour palette of natural tones exhibits strength, sound and health. – Svamitva Architecture Studio
MEZBAN- INVERTED TOPOGRAPHY, at Calicut, Kerala, by Collaborative Architecture
The project Mezban at Calicut, is a part of a business hotel, in a tier 3 city in the country, which has been redesigned by
News
Opinions / Views / Thoughts
“He was a humanist who aspired to have a city that was ‘just and fair’ to all.”—Vidyadhar Phatak’s tribute to Shirish Patel
Vidyadhar Phatak, in his tribute to Shirish Patel, writes about his work on Navi Mumbai and critical urban issues.
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.
“…he was always polite, principled, and persuasive, constantly advocating for and working towards the betterment of our built environment…” – Rahoul B. Singh’s personal tribute to Prof. Ranjit Sabikhi
Rahoul B. Singh, of RLDA Architecture | Design | Research, remembers Prof. Ranjit Sabikhi, through this personal and touching tribute.
Photoshopped Architecture
Popular Stories
Chintel’s Corporate Park – Design Forum International
The Chintels Corporate Park is conceived as a boutique office complex where efficiency meets clean and contemporary aesthetics to create a landmark office building in
Our pursuit as a variated and connected team – Triple O Studio
A team composed of multifaceted creative individuals witnessed an opportunity to rethink their existing process of operating with a variety of work bubbles within a single studio. The team also experienced good sustenance with their different channels of work, their off-studio initiatives, alongside their strong connectivity within the studio team.
Memories at Sangath, by Ajit Rao
In Memories at Sangath, Ajit Rao recollects his time at the revered studio while working with Architect B.V. Doshi.
Art
Institutional Buildings
Takshila Academy Activity Centre, Akbarpur, by SGA Studio
Takshila Academy Activity Centre, Akbarpur, by SGA Studio sits facing the existing football field and is integrated with the existing senior school building through pathways and porches. The building reused as many elements as possible, demonstrating a real hand on upcycling but also making the project look contemporary and light.
Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru, Competition Entry by Anthill Design | Council of Architecture, India
In March 2022, the Council of Architecture, India announced a two-stage competition for its Centre of Excellence, Bangalore. Anthill Design was one of the five teams that eventually made it to the final shortlist.
School of Planning And Architecture, Vijayawada, by Mobile Offices
The School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, designed by Mobile Offices, intends to create an interactive learning environment with a focus on its cultural context and environmental sensitivity.
Public Buildings
Small Residential Projects
Boulder House, Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, by HabitArt Architecture
Nestled amidst the landscapes of Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, Boulder House, by HabitArt Architecture presents a unique canvas for sustainable living.
Off Grid House at Delhi, by UnBox. Design
The house is designed to comfortably accommodate three families over 4 floors, 2 single level homes and a duplex, with careful consideration given to climatic conditions and comfort factors. Its form is generated as a response to the site, its orientation, the client requirements to build to the maximum permissible envelope of the site and the local building bye-laws.
House of three, Kerala, by Rahul Venugopal
Located in Kayamkulam, Kerala, House of three is a combination of the charm and humbleness of agrarian culture and lifestyle to suit the residential needs of a three-member family. It is designed by Kerala based architects, Rahul Venugopal.
Landscape Design
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