Beyond the skyline: Public utilities and their influence on the city

Simran Gandhi

The essay titled ‘Beyond the Skyline: Public Utilities and Their Influence on the City’ discusses the most fundamental requirement for the floating population, i.e., adequate public utilities. The persisting utilities are in a desolate condition with inefficient services and infrastructure. Progressing towards a livable Jaipur city, which is inclusive, safe and secure and prioritizes the holistic well-being of its inhabitants; an investment in utilities for the public is imperative. This essay by Simran Gandhi is among the special mentions.

A step back is a step forward in disguise

Saakshi

The essay “A Step Back is a Step Forward in Disguise” discusses how Bidar is on the brink of change, both economically and politically. It tells tales from the mythical, ecological, historical, sociocultural, and natural layers that are intertwined with the impact of the local climate on the Paapnash Lake community. This essay by Saakshi is among the special mentions.

From Peths to Pinnacles: Pune’s Architectural Evolution Towards Tomorrow, drawing inspirations from Yesterday, introspecting Today

Urvashi Vaijwade

“From Peths to Pinnacles: Pune’s Architectural Evolution Towards Tomorrow, drawing inspirations from Yesterday, introspecting Today” is a journey through the architectural story of Pune, a city that’s not just a historical gem but a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. The essay emphasizes the importance of sustainable and self-sufficient urban planning, green spaces, and community engagement. It explores the concept of creating self-sufficient urban centers within Pune to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive future, aligning with the ’15-minute city’ concept. This essay by Urvashi Vaijwade is among the special mentions.

Shirish Patel responds to comments on his interview with Hussain Indorewala – “I am not interested in beautifying cities”

Hussain Indorewala

Some of our readers commented on the interview with Shirish Patel published on this website on 26th October 2023. The authors agreed to respond to

“கீர்த்தம்” Keertham House, Coimbatore, by Outlined Architects

Outlined Architects

The Keertham house, Coimbatore, by Outlined Architects is a Tropical Modern Architecture Building, designed for a real estate promoter, looking for a unique and visually stunning house for his MIG (Middle Income Group) Clients.

An Architect Eats Chapati

H Masud Taj

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 Ode to PILOO MODY: The Architect of Architects Act & Humorous Lawmaker

Sarbjit Singh Bahga

On Piloo Mody’s 97th anniversary, Sarbjit Bahga pays him a tribute

Mondeal Heights, Ahmedabad, by Blocher Partners India

Blocher Partners

Mondeal Heights, a multifunctional high-end ensemble for business and leisure on 65,000 square metres. A project that integrates itself perfectly within the city scape.

Unbuilt: An Urban Utopia, Bangalore, theglassbox collective

theglassboxcollective

In the midst of the subtle landscape and varying urban fabric and building morphology in the surroundings, the Centre of Excellence is imagined as a place of retreat. The idea of An Urban Utopia, Bangalore, theglassbox collective, is to create a village-like typology incorporating various Indian Architectural elements.

The work culture in architecture practices in India needs a rethink – Anoop Bhat

Anoop Bhat

Anoop Bhat, partner at mamama, a Bangalore based multidisciplinary design practice, sheds light on the pervasive issues of exploitation and toxic work culture in architecture practices in India, urging the industry to prioritize ethical and equitable standards for a sustainable future.

Multifunctional Entrance Pavilion by Samvad Design Studio

R. Ramalakshmi and Surabhi Shingarey

Set in an urban-industrial hinterland, the Multifunctional Entrance Pavilion by Samvad Design Studio, is designed as both a marker for entrance into a gated community as well as a multi-functional space.

Othayamangalam Juma Masjid (Source: Swantha Chennamangallur, a 2002 book celebrating the village)

Everybody’s Chennamangallur

Iman Hashim

The essay talks about the past, present and future of the author’s home village—the people, faith and the establishments that formed it, what it is today, and what the future could possibly hold for a place that marries the old and new. This essay by Iman Hashim is among the special mentions.

India's Housing Crisis: Imitation of the developed cities Source 2: https://www.teoalida.com/world/india/

One-Metre Square, Open

Kanchi Parmar

The essay is structured to relate the ongoings of a city with its upbringing and the past. The trends in Mumbai and the construction it withstands, inspires plenty. Yet, this essay breaks down the complexity of the growth of a city, chasing the mindsets and intentions of a human mind. The author attempts to bring forth her point of view not as an argument, but as a simple, basic, fundamentals of humanity, which eventually leads to every creation that exists. This essay by Kanchi Parmar is among the special mentions.

OfficeR, New Delhi by Plan Loci

Plan Loci

OfficeR, New Delhi by Plan Loci generates not just an aesthetic for its own sake but also responds positively to its urban context while also celebrating the very ideas of Reducing waste, energy consumption, and Recycling existing Resources through both its process and expression.

Bharat_Mandapam_Pragati_Maidan. Image Credits - Wikimedia Commons

The Mandapam and the Shamiyana

Jaimini Mehta

Jaimini Mehta, on the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam, history, identity and the collective memory

Architecture

Architects and Architectural Projects from India