Blurring the boundaries between the built and natural environment.
Rapid urbanization has long created vast inequalities and divides in developing countries like India, and the pandemic has only accelerated this. This largely unplanned urbanization is coming at an extreme cost of our already fragile environment. Over the past few years, we have seen a complete breakdown of the social fabric in the metropolitan as well as Tier 2 cities.
As Architects and Urban Designers, it is our responsibility to actively address issues that relate to the sustainable survival of our cities and towns, and guide and impress upon the new generation of young architects and interns how thoughtful design interventions can make our cities greener, cleaner, safer and people friendly.
At SSA, we love to experiment extensively with responsive building envelopes and air-purifying façade systems, look at new avenues of inquiry with a deep interest in exploring unique building materials. Working hands-on with materials like ferrocement and fibre-reinforced polymers in some of our projects, assisted by computational design modules, makes us curious about the unique properties of various building materials.
Having been deeply influenced by the ideas of ‘nature-based metropolitan solutions’ we hope to explore and look at multiple aspects of design solutions starting from the city level, right up to individual building interiors that will help in blurring the boundaries between the built and the natural environment in metropolitan cities.
Architecture need no longer be about permanent, lofty and statement buildings, but about transient, down to earth, and a muted language of design.
It is time that the architectural profession adapted quickly to address the new normal - to protect and care for our environment and nature. The idea of ‘transient architecture’ which is a way of building that leaves almost no carbon footprint will gain prominence soon. A striking example of transient architecture is the temporary township that springs up every 12 years, on the banks of the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela and vanishes without any trace at the end of the festival.
Nurturing an intimate connection between the user and nature using temporary structures.
One may also recollect the traditional concept of neighborhood’s ‘Durga Puja pandals’ which are temporary pavilions, dexterously handcrafted and erected almost entirely out of bamboo, ropes, and fabric, for a five-day long autumn festival each year. Could architects adopt these features of India’s cultural landscape (now also recognized by UNESCO) as a model for holistic architecture in the future where we could live harmoniously with nature?
The success of any environmental design strategy will always depend on how the end-users connect with the surrounding natural elements. Quoting David Attenborough: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
Architect Mr. Reza Kabul: ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Architecture, as a subject, is always in an ever-evolving cusp of transformation. All factors affecting the built form, such as climate, global trends and technology are in a constant push to adaptation and change, thus influencing the
Ar. Himanshu Patel: 6thdesign studio
As an architect deeply rooted in the ethos of sustainable architecture, I believe that Indian architecture is indeed in a transformative phase, and this transformation is deeply intertwined with our commitment to environmental
Ar. Shruti Dimri, Ar. Madhav Raman, Ar. Vaibhav Dimri: Anagram Architects
In today’s context, the idea of modernity in architecture has shifted towards addressing the pressing needs of society. This includes a strong focus on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and the well-being of
Ar. Akshara Verma & Ar. Dinesh Verma: Ace Group Architects
India’s unique advantage lies in its ability to blend modern methodologies with traditional craftsmanship, thus fostering a distinct architectural identity. The convergence of these elements serves as a catalyst for innovation within
Ar. Akshay Selukar: Akshay Selukar
The future of architecture will be driven by innovation and a commitment to creating built environments that are environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and responsive to the needs of society
Architect Lalichan Zacharias: Lalichan Zacharias atelier
Yes, Indian architecture is in a transformation phase. Modernisation, Globalization and exposure to International Designs have influenced the Indian architecture to a great extent. Architecture is becoming more and more technology
Ar. (Dr). Harish Tripathi & Jyoti Tripathi: ARHATA
The architecture of any country is deeply rooted in the culture, psyche, economy, and politics, and India’s situation is no different. In addition to this, the advent of new technologies has a profound effect on the thought
Ar. Amey Dahanukar: ARA Designs
In modern India, architects have extensive travel experience, while earlier, travel exposure to different parts of the world used to be somewhat difficult. However, everything is now accessible due to many travel options, and each
Ar. Archana Van Gils: AVG Architects
Being a part of this endlessly mutable field for almost more than a decade, I can attest to the remarkable evolution of the profession in response to global trends and technological advancements, while also adapting to the needs of
Architect Mr. Arpan Johari: AW Design
India has a rich history of building design trends that have cross influenced across borders and have slowly transformed over the centuries. In fact, the transformative phase in Indian Architecture has always been ongoing. Sometimes it