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Takbir Fatima talks about the starting point of the design process, the evolving role of an architect, and raises concerns about the “dumb” use of artificial intelligence in architecture.
Takbir Fatima talks about the starting point of the design process, the evolving role of an architect, and raises concerns about the “dumb” use of artificial intelligence in architecture.
Reshma Esther Thomas examines how Hyderabad’s flyover pillars, painted with Cheriyal-style murals under the GHMC’s ‘City Art Scape’ initiative, reveal the paradox of managed public space. What appears to be beautification is actually cultural assertion in the wake of the 2014 bifurcation, bureaucratising a surface that once belonged to those without institutional power.
Reshma Esther Thomas examines how Hyderabad’s flyover pillars, painted with Cheriyal-style murals under the GHMC’s ‘City Art Scape’ initiative, reveal the paradox of managed public space. What appears to be beautification is actually cultural assertion in the wake of the 2014 bifurcation, bureaucratising a surface that once belonged to those without institutional power.
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// Perspective//
Dr. Seema Khanwalkar, explores how the public spaces in India are dynamic, contested areas shaped by informal economies, migration, and social negotiation. She reveals how the transactional activities democratise ownership of these spaces, while the political and religious appropriation increasingly displaces this organic vitality, creating exclusion and anxiety. This shrinking of inclusive public space threatens urban social fabric, yet remains largely absent from city planning conversations, making it a far deeper crisis than mere encroachment.
Nuru Karim reflects on his relationship with Sen Kapadia through three transformative “states of being”—as a student, as a studio colleague, and as an independent professional. To capture Sen’s essence, Karim draws on three powerful metaphors: a mountain (commanding yet silent), a banyan tree (generous and sheltering), and a river (unseen yet ever-present). Together, these images paint a portrait of a man whose quiet depth left an indelible mark on all who encountered him.
Pinkish Shah’s homage to Sen Kapadia, celebrates him as fearless and formless in both life and work. Intellectually rooted in Louis Kahn and Sri Aurobindo, Sen pursued architecture that transcended form toward essential silence. Known for his courage, he maintained quiet, unwavering independence throughout his career.
Sarbjit Singh Bagha shares his tribute to Prof. Shireesh Atmaram Deshpande (1934–2026), a pioneering figure in Indian architectural education who passed away on 10 April 2026 at 91. Known affectionately as “Dada,” he spent nearly four decades at VNIT Nagpur, founding India’s first M.Arch. programme and introducing innovative pedagogy. He served as President of the Indian Institute of Architects (1992–1994). Choosing teaching over professional practice, he shaped generations of architects.
As part of Brutalist India series Bhawna Dandona writes about the Asiad Tower on Khel Gaon Marg in New Delhi, originally designed as a revolving restaurant, but now used as a venue for functions and weddings. The structure stands in close proximity to the Asiad Village and Siri Fort Complex and was designed by the Architectural Department of the Delhi Development Authority.
Architect Vandana Dhawan Saxena argues that designing contextual hospitality architecture is a win-win for all—developers, crafts communities, and tourists—and that policy backing and innovative craft integration can help it transition from a romantic aspiration to an industry standard.
In this tribute, Manoj Parmar explores Sen Kapadia’s serigraphs and axonometric drawings that created miniature realities rich in temporal and semantic metaphors.
Sudipto Ghosh shares a witty and philosophical dialogue between housing forms across history—Amer Haveli, Roman insula, Berlin tenement, Paris maison à loyer, Marseille Unité, Tokyo capsule tower, and others—debating density, design, community, and failure. The wisdom is clear: buildings that listen to the terrain and human life outlast.
H. Masud Taj recollects his memories and conversations with Hassan Fathy in Cairo & Mumbai on the occasion of his 126th Birth Anniversary.
Anuj Srivastava recounts the conversation between Meena Mani and Sudhish Mohindroo, two architects who worked closely with Joseph Allen Stein, held at Triveni Kala Sangam. Through personal anecdotes, they illuminated Stein’s meticulous design philosophy, deep ecological sensitivity, and understated humanity across three landmark projects: Triveni Kala Sangam, India Habitat Centre, and the Sher-I-Kashmir International Conference Centre (previously Kashmir Conference Centre).
As part of Brutalist India series Bhawna Dandona writes about Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate in New Delhi which is a first facility of its kind in the country. The project was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Rajinder Kumar, Mahendra Raj, and S. G. Deolalikar.
Prof. Kavas Kapadia reviews Innovative Architecture through the Ages, the latest book by Prof. Ram Sharma, a richly illustrated journey through iconic historic and modern buildings across the globe. The review highlights how these works of architecture shape political power, public welfare, monarchy, and religion while deepening our understanding of culture, history, and professional practice.
This article concludes the Maverick Shutterbugs 2.0 series- dedicated to visual narrators and architectural photography.
Maverick Shutterbugs 2.0 is a series dedicated to architectural photographers capturing the built environment. This post is a curated compilation of the entries received from public participation.
Maverick Shutterbugs 2.0 Features: A collection of photographs clicked by Architectural Photographer Prasanth Mohan in the South Asia region.
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