There is no straight forward and definitive answer to this complex question on whether Indian architecture today is in a transformative phase. Architecture derived in the sub-continent as a response to the climate, social and economic realities, regional contexts that shaped the vernacular and was enriched by our rich traditional crafts – The Original Source, which we try to rehash now as kitsch, and call it ‘New Indian Architecture’!
We squandered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stamp our mark on the global architectural landscape with the design of the new parliament precinct. Not surprisingly, owing to its lackadaisical architectural innovation, the project is the least discussed capital complex designed globally, in recent history.
This project had the potential to position Indian Architecture’s newer discourse on context, culture, materiality, design innovation etc. – all the salient points you have enlisted to be a transformative project like what Chandigarh did for Indian architecture, post-Independence. But the new Parliament precinct invested little for these profound investigations and investments in good design.
We doubt any stylistic rendition would be the right answer for the challenges, we as a country face now, which is only going to worsen as this Rural vs Urban population flip happens by 2050, where India’s 70% population will be urban. We need an architecture which is more than skin deep, but at the same time does not alienate the end-user.
Technology can propel architecture to a new trajectory, but not necessarily result in better architecture. Technology helps us to build taller, faster, more efficiently. But these alone are not the recipe for a good architecture, as we all know it.
It is an established fact and call of the hour to have a deep commitment and acute awareness towards the need for building sustainably. At the studio, we practice this ‘our way’ not the IGBC way. Build Better, Build to Last… have a super long Design Life Cycle, even the most ‘Ungreen’ project will turn green if you invest in a longer design lifecycle, which is very difficult to achieve.
Are Indian architects getting more visibility outside the subcontinent? Definitely yes! Are the works they produce creating new benchmarks for global architectural direction and Indian Architecture in particular? It is a mixed bag, to say the least.
We are not saying that all is bleak… independent young studios are trying to break the barrier, and are finding some success in that frontier, and making their presence felt on the global architecture scene.
Architect Lalita Tharani & Architect Mujib Ahmed: Collaborative Architecture
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