“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.
“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.
Into The Wild, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu, by Earthscape Studio
Earthscape Studio’s “Into the Wild” is a 1450 sq. ft. sustainable farmhouse, in Tamil Nadu. The building’s unique form, achieved through a “fold architecture” technique, minimizes environmental impact. The use of traditional materials like mud plaster and the integration of green spaces contribute to the home’s eco-friendly approach.
Monokuro, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, by Compartment S4
The Monokuro project by Compartment S4, is a design of adaptive reuse for the transformation of a dilapidated canteen block in Ahmedabad into a modern office space, honoring its architectural legacy while integrating sustainable design and fostering community interaction through adaptive reuse.
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”.
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
Angan House, Pune, Maharashtra, by Studio Hu’mane
Angan House by Studio Hu’mane in Pune, reintroduces the courtyard concept, blending it with modern needs. The design, influenced by Pune’s old city, balances privacy and transparency using exposed brick, wood, and metal.
Forest of Peace – Community Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, by Raasa Architects
How can architecture balance the preservation of place and community identity while integrating contemporary design elements to create spaces that are both meaningful and contextually
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
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
Fashion Hub – Ethnic apparel store for women at Jodhpur, by Ravi and Nupur Architects
Fashion hub is an ethnic women’s apparel store spread over an area of 1650sqft located in the busy streets of Jodhpur.
The Store has been segregated into various sections, ground floor, mezzanine floor & the basement. The ground floor has display areas & display counters whereas the basement is kept as the tailoring section.
Inverted Office – Chaukor Studio, NOIDA
The project derives its name from the fact that it features an earthy material pallet while the space has to house a mid-size web development
The Kattha Factory – C 29 & C75, NOIDA – Studio Archohm
The tradition of chewing betel leaves-Paan is as ancient as India itself. Ostensibly an antiseptic, digestive aid and a palate cleanser, Paan has been accompanied by an assortment of ‘add-on ingredients’- Choona (mineral slaked lime or calcium hydroxide), Kattha (catechu), Supari (areca nuts), Loung (cloves) and Elaichi (cardamom), tobacco, spices, mint, sweetened coconut, other Paan-Masalas, sugar, dates, Gulkand(Rose petal preserve), cherries, and variety of Saunf (fennel) to name a few! Of these, Kattha is a very popular and important one. – Studio Archohm
News
Opinions / Views / Thoughts
The Dargah and the Darwaza of Kolegaon: Nari Gandhi’s Final Legacy
Rahul Kadam, Architect at The NGK Studio, Pune, recounts his visit to Nari Gandhi’s final project in Kolegaon, Ahmednagar—the Dargah and Darwaz—discussing the incomplete project in brief.
Inequality in Architectural Education in India | Academic Research by Kanay Shah
Kanay Shah in his post-graduate dissertation titled “Inequality in Architectural Education in India”, investigates structural disparities in architectural education across government and private institutions. He explores how financial constraints, faculty quality, curriculum design, and technological accessibility shape students’ experiences.
“As much as this book may help young students to become good architects… it seeks to restore the idealism that was once the hallmark of the profession.”—Praveen Bavadekar reviews Five Architectural Fables
Praveen Bavadekar, in his review for Five Architectural Fables by Edgar Demello, opines how the architectural fables ingeniously critique urban design through non-human perspectives, transforming complex environmental and design challenges into provocative, imaginative storytelling.
Photoshopped Architecture
Popular Stories
Tete a Tete, Calicut, by Nestcraft Architecture
The idea of the design of Tete a Tete- a residence in Calicut by Nestcraft Architecture, was to incorporate the sensory experience of nature.
Book Review: The Kailas at Ellora by Roger Vogler
Few days back, we announced the launch of the book: ‘The Kailas at Ellora’ by Roger Vogler and Peeyush Sekhsaria HERE. B. S. Keshav, who
Finished Architecture Education? – Now do whatever you always wanted to do.
On Architecture Education: Let your degree in architecture alone not define your life. There is much you can do with your B.Arch Degree and it’s okay, if you decide to not pursue the architecture profession at all.
Art
Institutional Buildings
Amity International School, Mohali by Vijay Gupta Architects
Designed by Vijay Gupta Architects, Amity International School, Mohali is designed to embody a progressive spirit through an elevated level of spatial vibrancy. Beyond the rigid morphology of educational spaces, the aim was to create a conducive character for overall growth and development by providing with spaces to create memories and enhance the experience of learning.
Vedanya School, Gurugram, by Vijay Gupta Architects
Designed by Vijay Gupta Architects, the Vedanya School, located in Sector 48, Gurugram, sets a precedent for how architecture can positively influence children’s schooling experience. With the intent of designing a school where children are excited to learn, the design initiates a playful environment with diverse opportunities for exploration and activity.
Nalanda University, Rajgir, by Rajeev Kathpalia, Partner at Vastu Shilpa Consultants
Designed by Rajeev Kathpalia, Partner at Vastu Shilpa Consultants, the proposed design echoes the vision of Nalanda University as the campus of the future, at the forefront of global education and the hub of intellectual excellence. The master plan adopts sustainable practices at every phase of the project and to achieve social and economic integration with the local community.
Public Buildings
Small Residential Projects
Ikigai Life, Bangalore, by Architecture Dialogue
Architecture Dialogue designed Ikigai Life- Interiors of a Bangalore home to reflect the owners’ love for art and their warm nature.
62 Jorbagh, Delhi, by common Ground practice
Designed by common Ground practice, 62 Jorbagh is a developer apartment building in Delhi, designed as a scaled vernacular idea at an urban level.
DEVGIRI RESIDENCE at NANDED, MAHARASHTRA, by 4TH AXIS DESIGN STUDIO
The proposed site is located at a of a prime residential area surrounded by built spaces, To circumvent site conditions, the living space, Dining area and Passage was conceived as an inward facing structure enclosed with a central landscaped courtyard. – 4TH AXIS DESIGN STUDIO
Landscape Design
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