A Modernist’s Doubt: Symbolism and the Late Career Turn

January 6, 2026 1 Comment

Why did acclaimed modernist architects suddenly introduce historical symbolism like arches, decorative elements, and other cultural references into their work after decades of disciplined restraint? Sudipto Ghosh interrogates this 1980s-90s symbolic turn as a rupture in architecture, questioning whether this represents an authentic reconnection with content and memory, or is it a mere superficial gesture towards absent meanings. Drawing from Heidegger’s analysis of the Greek temple, he distinguishes two modes of architectural representation, ultimately judging that this turn was a nascent rebellion against modernism that may have failed to achieve genuine integration of context, material, and memory.

The Search for Indian Architecture: Between Tradition and Modernity

December 9, 2025 No Comments

The quest to define Indianness in architecture has been a recurring and vital theme in contemporary discussions on identity and the pursuit of modernism in India. Radha Hirpara explores this ongoing dialogue, examining what characterises architecture in India as distinctly “Indian” within a global framework, and what elements make it inherently rooted in Indian identity.

Pierre Jeanneret's Iconic Furniture in Chandigarh. Courtesy - Sarbjit Singh Bagha

“Pierre Jeanneret’s Chandigarh furniture embodies a remarkable fusion of modernist innovation, local Indian craftsmanship, and postcolonial ambition…” — Sarbjit Singh Bagha

October 14, 2025 No Comments

Sarbjit Singh Bagha elaborates on Pierre Jeanneret’s Chandigarh furniture that were crafted with local materials and collaborative craftsmanship, which has become a modernist icon, now globally coveted, yet embroiled in controversies over export, heritage protection, and cultural ownership.

Designing For Modern India: The Legacy of Christopher Benninger

October 6, 2024 2 Comments

Prof. Sathya Prakash Varanashi pays tribute to legendary architect and urban planner Christopher Benninger, who passed away at 82.

Patwant Singh (28 March 1925 – 8 August 2009). Photo courtesy - Jeet Malhotra. (Custom)

Patwant Singh: Bridging Architecture, Design, and Journalism in Modern India

August 10, 2024 No Comments

Sardar Patwant Singh, a pioneer of Indian architectural journalism, revolutionized the field with his publications, The Indian Builder and Design magazine. His fearless critiques and advocacy for preserving India’s architectural heritage made him a true visionary.

Istanbul Modern Museum, Turkey, by Renzo Piano Building Workshop

February 3, 2024 No Comments

The Istanbul Modern Museum in the historic Beyoğlu district of Istanbul is located on the waterfront of the western bank of the Bosphorus Strait, facing

“Mehta’s discourse exemplifies authorship and individuation… ” Rajat Ray reviews Jaimini Mehta’s book titled ‘Non-Aesthetic Modernity: Metaphysics of Modern Architecture’

January 17, 2024 1 Comment

Rajat Ray reviews the book ‘Non-Aesthetic Modernity: Metaphysics of Modern Architecture’, authored by Jaimini Mehta. In the book, Mehta argues that modernity is not limited to the radical modernist movement and the ideology of “modernism” that emerged in Europe during the 18th century.

Prof. Oommen Thomas, a renowned early Modernist from Kerala, Passes Away

November 21, 2023 No Comments

One of the early modernists of Kerala, Prof. Oommen Thoman passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 81.

Non-Aesthetic Modernity: Metaphysics of Modern Architecture

September 27, 2023 No Comments

Prof. Jaimini Mehta shares a preview of his upcoming book, Non-Aesthetic Modernity: Metaphysics of Modern Architecture.

Surge Towards a Modern Vernacular Idiom | Ar Suneet Paul

June 28, 2023 No Comments

In this article, Ar. Suneet Paul shares his views on the modern vernacular approach.

Book: Women Architects and Modernism in India, by Madhavi Desai

November 10, 2022 2 Comments

Women Architects and Modernism in India, by Madhavi Desai, attempts to recover the stories of the women architects whose careers nearly parallel the development of modernism in colonial and postcolonial India.

From the Mecca of Indian Modernism- Charged Voids | Dialogues | Future Trajectories

September 14, 2022 No Comments

In extension to the Future Trajectories series, Charged Voids reminisces about their journey in a conversation with Megha Pande.

Taking Time: Exhibition by Anupama Kundoo at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

May 21, 2021 1 Comment

The fourth exhibition in the series The Architect‘s Studio presents the Indian architect Anupama Kundoo. The exhibitions gives us insight into the architect’s working process. How does the form of a building arise, and what is the thinking behind the choice of materials and construction technique?

Highly Modern Space designed at Park Street Bangalore, by Signa Design

April 21, 2021 No Comments

It’s a tricky thing really, to design a space that is modern and muted yet vividly engaging. But for a young couple in Bangalore that’s exactly what was done. Located in Park Square, the three-bedroom apartment is in a quiet neighbourhood of the city. The client also wanted the space to echo a casual chic vibe. Darshana Patel and Rashmin Perla, Principal Designers, Signa Design were up for the challenge.

Modern Residence in Jodhpur, at Jodhpur, by Ravi & Nupur Architects

March 22, 2021 No Comments

Nestled amidst a sprawling plot, this residence is designed such that minimal heat could penetrate inside but at the same time maximum natural light and ventilation floods the interior spaces. The site nests in the outskirts from the main city, in a developing residential area, with the north-east, southeast & south -west side abutting the road.

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