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

December 7, 2024 No Comments

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.

India Will Chair and Host UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee for The First Time in the Convention’s History

January 11, 2024 No Comments

India will host the 46th session of UNESCO’S WHC meeting, a historic first for India.

Book Launch | Making Chandigarh: A Vintage History

Book | Making Chandigarh: A Vintage History

December 4, 2023 1 Comment

“Making of Chandigarh: A Vintage History” co-authored by Sarbjit Bahga and Arun Mirchandani offers a unique pictorial journey through 575 vintage photographs, capturing the city’s evolution from 1950 to the 1990s. With a focus on the city-making process, the book, enriched with more than 50 drawings, serves as a comprehensive tribute to the photographers and the multitude of contributors who played a crucial role in shaping Chandigarh.

Inhabited Narratives and Sustained History | The Documentation of Amdavad’s Living Heritage

June 27, 2023 1 Comment

The Walled City of Ahmadabad (Ahmedabad) is India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. This article is based on the documentation undertaken by Sabrina Khan Patel led MM Collective- one of the fourteen consultants working with Ahmedabad World Heritage City Trust (AWHCT) to accurately document heritage structures within the Walled City.

History is not your Enemy | From ‘The Sense of History’ by Prof. Jaimini Mehta

May 8, 2023 1 Comment

History is not your enemy is an excerpt from the author, Prof. Jaimini Mehta’s, forthcoming book “The Sense of History”.

Kavas Kapadia Article - Altering the geography of history

Altering the Geography of History | Kavas Kapadia on Omission of History Chapters

April 24, 2023 4 Comments

In response to the omission of certain elements from history books, Architect Planner Prof Kavas Kapadia reflects on the different verticals of history with regard to architecture.

‘Shaheed Kar diya’ – Honourably expired – A brief history of Leh by Design Dalda

August 25, 2019 No Comments

I am in Leh after 9 years, I didn’t think much of it – the 9 years I mean, but I am robustly shocked by how much can change … for the worse (mostly, at least in my opinion) even for a small, seemingly remote town.

Unbuilt: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW DELHI, by Sakshi Mathur, arch-en design studio

February 20, 2019 No Comments

National Museum of Natural history is a prestigious Project of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) conceived in 2015 and is slated

A short history of the selfie stick – Story by Peeyush Sekhsaria

January 21, 2019 No Comments

A short history of the selfie stick – Story by Design Dalda

Hall of Nations, New-Delhi / 1971-72 Architect: Raj Rewal Structural Engineer: Mahendra Raj

Hall of Nations: heritage or history?

February 14, 2017 4 Comments

The Delhi High Court’s decision to stay the demolition order for the Hall of Nations (HoN) until the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) gives its verdict

History of Architectural Representations

November 19, 2012 No Comments

About the Author Sabu Francis is an architect, educator and IT professional. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur (B. Arch-Honors. 1984), he has been actively involved

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

January 8, 2025 No Comments

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.

Biju Janta Dal Party Headquarter, Bhubaneshwar, by Studio Lotus. © Suryan//Dang

Headquarters for Biju Janata Dal, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, by Studio Lotus

December 21, 2024 No Comments

Studio Lotus’ design of the new party HQ for Biju Janata Dal pays homage to Odisha’s vibrant history and culture

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

December 12, 2024 No Comments

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.

House near Manchar, Sahyadri, Maharashtra, by Shoonya Collaborative. Photo Courtesy of Shoonya Collaborative

House near Manchar, Maharashtra, by Shoonya Collaborative

November 29, 2024 No Comments

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.

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