Ar. Mayooree Saxena - Sai Consultant
Ar. Shweta Kaw - Studio Meraki
Ar. Sundeep Gwash - THE FIRM Architecture
Ar. Tripat Girdhar - The Design Studio
Ar. V. Vishwanath - YV Architects
Ar. Sachin Rastogi - ZED Lab
Ar. Reza Kabul ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Role of Architecture in Preventing India's Pollution Crisis
The Architecture of Sustainability
Sustainability: A Solution to Contemporary Problems
Courtyards: The Indoor Outdoor Connect
Transforming Complexity of Form to Simple Functionality
Ar. Parul Zaveri Abhikram
Our projects speak of a responsible architecture that evolves through contextualization of various aspects. Conservation of resources ought to be our primary guidelines in projects. We try to bring appropriate design solutions through clarity in identification of problems, selection of the correct tools, and their proper application. The design and construction process ensure freedom for creative inputs at all levels of participation from client to the architectural team and the artisans on site.
“Achalayatan”, Conservation and Extension of more than 140 year old colonial mansion, Tithal, Valsad, Gujarat
We believe in designing spaces, which, in their form, space and technology, reflect the continuity of Indian traditions. Since the past four decades, our sustainability-focused practice has attempted to re-establish the relevance of decision-making processes using traditional materials, technologies and crafts in contemporary contexts. Through our works, we try to increase employment generation for the traditional crafts persons and aim to promote traditional knowledge and wisdom. Our every design decision evolves with sustainable designs and built-environments which minimize the use of electrical and mechanical energies for human comfort within the buildings, and maximize use of bio-degradable, long lasting and re-cyclable materials. We look for local solutions to local problems from local resources. At the end, we try to achieve an experiential and healthy space for all our clients.
Tree of Life Resort and Spa, Kukas, near Jaipur, Rajasthan
Abhikram is a Sanskrit word for initiation. While exploring the design direction and design process, we aim to make the external and the internal environment, functionally, psychologically, environmentally and spiritually, more contextual, integrated and comfortable for the users.
Ar. Reza Kabul ARK Reza Kabul Architects
It takes exemplary quality to reach elusive heights. The vision to rank among the topmost players in the world has fuelled and sustained our drive to deliver those exemplary projects which introduce customers to pioneering benchmarks in design aesthetics. The completion of prestigious projects in overseas markets further bolsters the track record of successes and credibility to deliver top-notch quality on time, every time. My constant endeavour remains to be counted among the topmost architectural firms in the world.
One of the projects that defines our architectural style is 96 Legends Square in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Dedicated to the winners of the 1996 Cricket World Cup, the building facade is designed with a ball balanced between four bats to commemorate the achievements of the Sri Lankan cricketers with a signature residential and an Indoor Cricket Facility, Hall of Fame, Museum, observatory, and a Specialty Restaurant. Though 96 Legends Square appears to be a structure dictated by the form, the base of our design philosophy is focused on functionality. Standing at 383m it is 211m taller than the currently tallest World Trade Center (Colombo), marking Sri Lanka’s presence on the world map of high-rises. 96 Legends Square shall be to Sri Lanka, what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, and the Pyramids are to Giza. In fact, a visit to Sri Lanka shall remain incomplete without experiencing the magnificence of 96 Legends Square.
Ar. Lalichan Zacharias Atelier
Round Chapel Kalamassery
Ar. Geoffrey Bawa’s works have always inspired me. Another aspect which influence my design is the sociological aspect of it. The building which we design should reflect our commitment to society. Architecture has the capability to tell the history of the period it was built to future generations. So, I think it is my responsibility to reflect the correct ethos of design during the period in which it exists.
Alleppy Museum
In my design, I try to use locally available materials as far as possible. I am not fascinated by imported facade cladding materials to enhance the beauty of the building. My approach is to respect the context, and make the structure green and sustainable. I prefer painted surfaces with solids and void spaces, and architectural elements like pergolas, pillars, and limited glass areas, etc. I like to make use of modern technologies and we are also doing pre-engineered buildings (PEBs). My designs aim to bring ‘Happiness through Architecture’ to the ultimate users of the building.
Ar. Sourabh Gupta Archohm
As a philosophy, we try to work on projects that allow an element of experimentation. We play with form and space. To manifest a program, each form’s existence is validated in isolation and a more complex exploration is done that brings these forms together into closed and open spaces. This amalgamation is almost more important than the obligatory spaces and places.
TDV 17 08 01 © andre j fanthome
We play with light and volume. Areas in quantity have always been questioned and argued against volumes in quality. What light can do to enlarge and exaggerate a space has always excited us. We play with materials and their textures. This is where principles of the Indian context and its contemporary interpretations become clear. With no specific partiality to textures and techniques, the non-vocabulary is perhaps the evolving language. Unconventional materials with identifiable techniques, common substances with unexplored textures, all applied in unexpected yet customized contexts – bring in a degree of fun in functional spaces.
The design process is a negotiation between intuition and reason – the subconscious and the researched. We delay diving into final solutions as much as we can to ensure all constraints and possibilities have been considered holistically.
Lucknow 19 01 23 © andre fanthome
The architecture in India today follows a typology that is either traditional or just contemporary, irrespective of the Indian context. In such a scenario, we attempt to make our projects examples of inquiries in contemporary Indian architecture - where architecture focuses on the issues of our time, reflects the moment we are building in, and for meeting the aspirations of our modern Indian society.
Ar. Jay Shah Access Architects
4th Avenue Sunteck
Clients usually have a budget which needs to suffice for not just the functionality but also the frills. Today, most clients want a modern structure that must also encompass all the latest amenities and infrastructure, while staying within FSI limits, with ample parking and optimal usage of spaces. But each plot comes with its own challenges. Sometimes the plot is tight but the FSI is high, and the client may want to do a fancy exterior with tall glass windows and open-air podiums, but in this case it wouldn’t work. We would have to design a lean building which is a structural challenge in itself. This said, we would try our best to comply with the brief while designing the structure and work around the obstacles within the parameters coined either by the law of the land and/or the needs of the client.We believe in treating each project as a separate entity. This includes re-looking at design, aesthetics, as well as management styles for each project, which in turn gives each of our project its own unique style.
I believe that form and function in many ways are one and complement each other. Beginning from within, the form should be the outward appearance of the function within, and the exterior should complement the functionality within.
4th Avenue Sunteck
Ar. Dinesh Verma Ace Group Architects
Today, all materials have been transformed into their lookalikes. Industrialization, ease of transportation and availability have changed the way we initiate design concepts and at the turn of the century buildings were designed with no relationship to their surroundings. At my firm, our building styles changed to Neo Classical or the Greco Roman. In fact, we designed a combination of styles and gave award-winning projects like the Indus International School in Bangalore, BGS Intl Kumbalgoud etc, each with a regional flavor and identity but with elements of newer materials for the capitols, columns, pedestals and the domes.
Greenwood International School
The digital era threw out paper and pencil from the studio and conceptualization of design was done on computers. For me, scale became difficult to imagine as the same size of screen was for a small house and /or for a huge campus. Colours came as code numbers and forms were done using computers and the supporting software. Solid geometry and interpenetration of solids became easy with such tools and transformed the thinking ability. My design versatility widened. Our design of buildings like the JSS Science Museum and the Spectra Conventions Centre were styled using such tools and they never compromised on the utility but helped large spans. Such versa styled projects like the Spectra Convention hall got the best façade award.
Indus International School
Restricted timelines have influenced my design style too. Our projects completed in a record 8 to 9 months encouraged us to think of design which would be quick to erect without compromising on stability or functionality and led us to research newer materials and technology. Metal and fabric, combinations with Glass, HDP panels etc brought in a new thought process and led to yet another unique style. Our “Y Boutique Hotel” is a modern building with its design concept borrowed from the Haawa Mahal of Jaipur. As it is said, change is the only constant thing in life, and so is my style.
Ar. Alfaz Miller & Aahana Miller ABM Architects
We believe in architecture that is simple and controlled and lacks stylised decoration. With large exposure to interior design, the buildings we design are practical with emphasis on function rather than just form. The designs are constructive, with purity of form and site and the design sensibility is dictated by the Indian environment with a preference for tropical architecture. Our architecture and design solutions are varied, comprehensive, and most importantly, client focused. Every creation aims to integrate a timeless aesthetic with functional design, an objective that has been at the core of the firm’s culture since its inception.
Ar. Ahmed Shaikh Ahmed & Associates
I believe that there is no single style to work on as we try to give multiple options depending on the clients’ requirements. Our style includes contemporary, classical, art deco, and minimalistic, which we can identify by their features. In the classical style, we see symmetry, boldness, and simplified designs. In Roman and Greek architecture, we see huge columns, capitals, cornices, exposed materials, etc. In art deco, the features are linear, with strips of windows on the façade. Art deco is all about stylized decorative elements with geometrical forms, zigzags, chevrons etc. level. Contemporary buildings look solid because of their masses, curves or slant walls.
The choice of material plays an important role in the style of a building, for example, concrete is mainly used in the classical style, exposed materials are used in contemporary architecture, while the modern style uses materials like steel, glass, etc. Architecture is not only about buildings and materials; we have to consider preserving nature. It is the responsibility of the architect to preserve the natural surroundings and to design structures in response to nature, and in harmony with the neighboring buildings.
Ar. Shobhan Kothari & Ar. Anand Menon ADND & KdnD Studio
The orientation of buildings and their resulting facades closely look at site forces, climatic parameters and tropical influences. We like to dwell in the modern with an eye on tradition and regional contextuality. The interplay of light and shadow in our spaces comes out of a design approach that pursues the inside-outside connect. Blurring of boundaries that separate indoors from the outdoors is a strong part of our architectural vocabulary. A marriage of architecture and landscape is critical to the success of our projects. While we love to explore new materials for architectural expression, the underlying parameters continue to be a sense of restraint and understated elegance. Architectural details are constantly worked upon to achieve a sense of clarity and purity of thought.
We believe that the success of design lies in the optimal collaboration between us and the client, to define architectural style and the design language. A good design is the result of a project brief being translated into a building that puts the end-user at the forefront.
Ar. Arpan Johari AW Design
Given that most of our work is in the hotter regions of the country, we have developed an unsaid affinity towards the ‘jaali’. We explore different manifestations of it in concrete, brick and in louvres also. Jaalis help lower solar gain inside our buildings, diffuse the harsh light, accelerate the breeze to facilitate greater air flow and, I guess, in turn, they also help our buildings stand out.
For interior projects, we are greatly inspired from cues in life forms and how they manage complicated systems efficiently in fixed volume spaces. An interesting example of this is a parametric ceiling that we executed in an interior design project to conceal large structural members and services, much like a mammal’s rib cage. While our buildings do not look the same, each client benefits from a unique architectural style tailored to his/her needs.
Ar. Monish Siripurapu ANT Studio
The ‘Beehive’, one of our first completed endeavors which provided us with the required breakthrough, resonated with the very same philosophy. Highly congruent to the structure of a naturally occurring beehive, the purpose of this installation design was to introduce an eco-friendly alternative for air cooling. Materials used for construction included terracotta pots, which due to their innate quality, resulted in cooling the exhausted air when damped with a flow of water. When incorporated in the Deki Electronics factory in Noida, waste water from the generator set was utilized, and was successful in sustaining a cooler temperature to the area. We took this ideology and created yet another installation in the Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa; this time to act as an air purifier along with cooling! Coral, named after its modular format symbolic of a coral reef, purifies the air through a suction system along with establishing cooler atmospheres.
Aesthetics and art, form a crucial segment in both the above mentioned projects. From having artisans as a part of the studio creating the terracotta pots in-house, to making sure that the structure is aesthetically pleasing; we have always tried to concoct a fine blend out with the three principals of our practice: Art, Nature and Technology.
I believe that a design reaches its zenith: only when it is composed with baroque artistry, efficient algorithm and nature’s vitality; circumscribed around the people who use it and who aid to create it!
Ar. (Dr.) Harish Tripathi & ID. Jyoti D Tripathi Architect Harish Tripathi & Associates
We have always been fascinated by the virtues of verticality and monumentality. Irrespective of the footprint, our methodology is to perceive these two as experiential qualities and we aim to incorporate them through various spatial elements of architecture. These include double height porches supported by tall columns, double height elevations for windows, especially to combine the ground and first levels.
Our approach is to provide such a form and spatial quality to the building that the finishing of surfaces becomes secondary. We try to envision the structure as a black and white image and attempt to make the space interesting through this lens, because the buildings of our time work with cladded and/or plastered layers which remain undecided until the stage of execution.
Bakson Homeopathic Medical College Greater Noida
Depending on the brief provided, we also accommodate traditional elements in our design. However, our method of realizing these traditional structures into a modern context is to extract their contemporary relevance and simplify them in terms of materiality and form. An exceptional case amongst these, which we regard highly, is the traditional Indian spatial element – the courtyard, which we try to implement through various possibilities whenever the opportunity arises. Lastly, we always try to provide an interesting skyline to the building as a response to the continuity of the landscape that the building fits in. This is achieved by increasing and decreasing the heights of various blocks and plinths, and giving shape to certain elements, etc.
Mother & Child Hospital AMU Aligarh
We view architecture as a global sensation that has existed and evolved since thousands of years. Each building, historically, is a testimony of its time and is unique. Our approach is to transcend this uniqueness to each project and to respect the context in which we work – explore materials, experiment forms and adapt to the existent and avoid ‘trademarking’ the building.