“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
MEZBAN- INVERTED TOPOGRAPHY, at Calicut, Kerala, by Collaborative Architecture
The project Mezban at Calicut, is a part of a business hotel, in a tier 3 city in the country, which has been redesigned by
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.
Dolkhar, Leh, by Emara
The Dolkhar, by Emara, is a luxury boutique resort located in the Leh town of Ladakh.
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
Sandeep Khosla is all about living in the moment and hates looking back and regretting the past!
Architect Sandeep Khosla from Khosla Architects decides to send hand written replies for the non-architectural questions.
In Pursuit of Idleness | Women in Public Spaces
Historically and traditionally, women have been restricted to semi-public, private open spaces. In this article, authors Urvi Desai, Ramya Ramesh and Bhavin Shukla discuss women in public spaces.
Competition Entry: Proposal for Redevelopment of Rajasthan House, 2018, by Intrigue Designs
Rajasthan House, has been conceptualized as a modern gateway to Rajasthan . The Region of Rajasthan evokes a strong sense of art , culture and way of life visible in it’s architecture.
The strong elements of planning such as interior and exterior courtyards , internal spatial planning and spatial proportions have been studied in depth to achieve the present spatial configurations .
Art
Institutional Buildings
Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal, by The Purple Ink Studio
Bangalore based The Purple Ink Studio designed the new campus of the Manipal School of Architecture and Planning.
Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru, Competition Entry by m|a architects | Council of Architecture, India
In March 2022, the Council of Architecture, India announced a two-stage competition for its Centre of Excellence, Bangalore. m|a architects was one of the five teams that eventually made it to the final shortlist.
Ahmedabad University Centre, Ahmedabad, by Stephane Paumier Architects
Ahmedabad University Centre, Ahmedabad, by Stephane Paumier Architects, aimed to create a centre that would become an incubator for academic life and a place for generating new ideas by creating interactive spaces besides formal educational functions.
Public Buildings
Small Residential Projects
Jenga House, Delhi, by Matra architects and rurban planners
The Jenga House in Delhi, by Matra architects and rurban planners, is designed as a porous building reinstating the balance between built and open spaces.
Kulkarni Residence, Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, by Bandhaan
Bandhaan did the interiors of the Kulkarni Residence in Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, seeking inspiration from natural finishes, earthy tones and local art.
The House of Tranquil Rooms, Yavat, Maharashtra, by Craft Narrative
The House of Tranquil Rooms is designed by Craft Narrative as a traditional courtyard house around a Mango tree, blurring the lines between people and nature.
Landscape Design
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