“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.
The Courtyard School, Mandal, Gujarat, By Manayan Architects
Designed by Manyan Architects, The Courtyard School blends sustainable architecture with practicality. Elevated on stilts for flood protection, it features a central courtyard, flexible classrooms, and shaded outdoor spaces, ensuring adaptability for future growth.
Swarkul by Girish Doshi: an architectural jugalbandi
Architect Khushru Irani describes Swarkul, a residence designed by Girish Doshi, as a jugalbandi in architecture.
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.
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
Archicad: Empowering Architects with Intelligent Design Tools
With the importance of BIM, Archicad is becoming vital for modern architecture, as it boosts efficiency, creativity, and automates tasks, moving beyond 2D CAD. The article, based on our conversation with Nemetschek Group, talks about Archicad’s architect-centric design and customization suit Indian needs, making it a future-focused tool.
Intuition, Order and AI: City planning, Pixel by Pixel.
Prof. Kavas Kapadia reflects on the intersection of urban planning, human creativity, and the transformative impact of Information Technology and AI.
Onella, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, by Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio
Onella, designed by Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio, is a residential built space situated on a lush green community on the outskirts of Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
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
Casa Bonita, The Leaf House at Delhi, by Linear Concepts
The 450 sq yards house, sits in the dense metroscape of Delhi which has been designed for a business family comprising of three generations. The main brief provided by the client was to keep the rooms spacious and luxurious and at the same time use of the ample natural light.
Dolkhar, Leh, by Emara
The Dolkhar, by Emara, is a luxury boutique resort located in the Leh town of Ladakh.
House in Salvador Do Mundo, Goa, by Field Atelier
The house in Salvador Do Mundo, North Goa, is designed in response to Goa’s tropical climate. Surrounded by sporadically placed houses, it appears isolated amidst dense vegetation, particularly in the front where large trees abound.
News
Opinions / Views / Thoughts
Intuition, Order and AI: City planning, Pixel by Pixel.
Prof. Kavas Kapadia reflects on the intersection of urban planning, human creativity, and the transformative impact of Information Technology and AI.
The DNA of a Universal Man | Edgar Demello’s Tribute to Bruno Dias Souza
Trains.Architecture.Culture.Life | In his tribute to Professor Bruno Dias Souza, a visionary architect, urbanist, and educator, Edgar Demello writes about how Prof. Bruno left an indelible mark on Goa and the world through timeless designs, advocacy, and passionate teaching.
The Blind Chase for Master’s in Architecture
As quite a few architects pursue post-graduation studies in architecture for job market opportunities, firm dreams, or specialization, despite unclear benefits and high costs, Saumya Bansal talks about alternatives that offer practical skills and less financial risk.
Photoshopped Architecture
Popular Stories
Winery at Nashik, by Sachin Agshikar Architects
This post gives information on a winery which is located in the valleys of Nasik by Sachin Agshikar Architects. The final proposal was also to have an Experience Lounge on top of the hill along with library, shop and office space. But the project is only 25 % completed to date.
Promoting Walkability: Pedestrians, Spaces and Right to Walk | by Tarun Walecha
Right to Walk is an analysis by the author, Tarun Walecha, of walkability and India’s pedestrian traffic and its impact on the economical, social and physical health of India and its citizens.
AR Prabhawalkar: Le Corbusier’s Versatile Comrade & Founder Principal of Chandigarh College of Architecture
Penned by Sarbjit Singh Bahga, the profound impact of AR Prabhawalkar on Chandigarh’s architectural landscape comes to life. As a trusted aide to Le Corbusier, Prabhawalkar’s contributions, both in iconic structures and as the founding Principal of Chandigarh College of Architecture, are celebrated, shedding light on his remarkable legacy.
Art
Institutional Buildings
“A good understanding of the modes of habitation and engagement of the learners and teachers is critical.”- Jinu Kurien on Euro School, Jodhpur.
Decoding: Architecture of the Academic Environment discusses the design of Euro School, Jodhpur by Design Works with Jinu Kurien.
Community Canvas, at Nashik, Maharashtra, India, by pk_iNCEPTiON | Ar. Pooja Khairnar
Community Canvas is an extra classroom designed by pk_iNCEPTiON in a rural school in Nashik, Maharashtra. Along with learning, the space is designed as a canvas for multiple uses- such as workshops, functions, and social gatherings.
Pathways World School, Aravali Hills, by CP Kukreja Architects
Designed by CP Kukreja Architects, Pathways World School, Aravali Hills, was envisioned as the introduction to a new kind of educational paradigm- one with a focus on environment, culture & global advances.
Public Buildings
Small Residential Projects
CuE-1/6, Greater Noida, by Portal 92
Designed by Portal 92 in Greater Noida, CuE-1/6 is a private residence focussing on capturing and framing the site’s natural environment.
Jagtap Residence at Pune by Designers Group
Located in Pune and spanning across an area of 1000 sqm, this sumptuous and fashionable bungalow is a stunning amalgamation of luxury and elegance designed for an intergenerational family. The client, a family-oriented gentleman having numerous friends and peers, requested a chipper home that is clutter-free and easily serve as a great place to host guests and extended family for occasions and celebrations. – Designers Group
GHEI RESIDENCE at NANDED, MAHARASHTRA, by 4TH AXIS DESIGN STUDIO
How does a 4200-square-foot plot in the heart of the City became a dream home for a family of four? The answer lies somewhere within the eclectic residence of Mr. Ajay Ghei who is a merchant and shares the dwelling with his wife and two daughters. This is a five-bedroom haven, with its well-defined form confronting a modern twist, shows how we achieved the vision. Though it is a single family dwelling, we made sure that every individual should get their own personal niche within. – 4TH AXIS DESIGN STUDIO
Landscape Design
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