The chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group was turned down many times, before building award-winning properties and star hotels with iconic architects B.V. Doshi, Charles Correa and Channa Daswatte.
Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, with Charles Correa at City Centre Salt Lake Kund area. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Another collaboration that led to one of Kolkata’s earliest and most unique malls was with Charles Correa. He too had initially turned Neotia down when the group went to him with the offer of building a mall. Neotia recollected the incident at the 7th edition of the Charles Correa Memorial Lecture. “I’ve never done a mall, I do not believe in malls and do not want to design one.”
How ironic perhaps that Correa’s design created not just the City Centre Mall in Kolkata but also in Patna, Raipur, Siliguri and Haldia. Unlike most malls across the country, City Centre stood out for its organic blending of community spaces and open air areas with air-conditioned stores. When Correa finally agreed to design the mall for the Neotia group he threw down quite the gauntlet.
“He (Correa) said we are not going to make a mall like everyone else does. I was very happy because I thought maybe he would do something new in terms of design. I did not know what I was getting into (laughs). That he would persuade me to do a bazaar crossover with a mall with community spaces within the mall was beyond my imagination. When we built the City Centre, Kolkata already had certain expectations of what a mall would look like. Ansal Plaza in Delhi and Crossroads in Mumbai had already opened so people had a sort of a set idea.” Even now nearly 20 years after the mall first opened there is something inherently organic about City Centre where the “Kund area” has an outdoor amphitheatre surrounded by stores and restaurants and one can choose between air-conditioned comfort or basking in the sun. Neotia describes Correa’s aesthetic “as one characterised by fluid spaces and a deep understanding of urban context. In City Centre, this is evident in the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas.”“He (Correa) said we are not going to make a mall like everyone else does. I was very happy because I thought maybe he would do something new in terms of design. I did not know what I was getting into (laughs). That he would persuade me to do a bazaar crossover with a mall with community spaces within the mall was beyond my imagination. When we built the City Centre, Kolkata already had certain expectations of what a mall would look like. Ansal Plaza in Delhi and Crossroads in Mumbai had already opened so people had a sort of a set idea.”
Even now nearly 20 years after the mall first opened there is something inherently organic about City Centre where the ‘Kund area’ has an outdoor amphitheatre surrounded by stores and restaurants and one can choose between air-conditioned comfort or basking in the sun. Neotia describes Correa’s aesthetic “as one characterised by fluid spaces and a deep understanding of urban context. In City Centre, this is evident in the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas.”
The short film, Avnati, tells the story of the degradation of the St. Inez Creek that flows through Panaji through the lives and memories of people around it. From an idyllic place where people recall floating paper boats, the water body is replete with sedimentation, untreated sewage and effluents, construction of hotels and so on. Its story is a microcosm of Goa’s rich network of water bodies that include the ancient khazan ecosystems and deserves to be seen and heard over and over again if the ecosystem has to be restored to its natural health.
Originating in the marshlands of Taleigao and fed by the Nagahali hills, the St Inez creek flows through the city of Panaji, tracing its geographies and drains into River Mandovi. This is not a surprise for those who are aware of Panaji’s history as a wetland before it was turned into Goa’s capital city. The creek plays a significant role in sustaining life such as draining out the water during heavy rains and bringing in the fish that sustains livelihoods.
Panaji, also known as Panjim, was possibly called Pancham Khali in which khali refers to the creeks in and around the city. The St. Inez passes through the areas of Camrabhat, Tamddi Mati Tonca, flowing behind the Military Hospital, Don Bosco School and the ESG complex. Snatches of this are seen in the documentary Avnati (Decline). which traces the decline of the creek and highlights the emotional connections of the people who live around it. Made by Kabir Naik and Kuhu Saha, the 8-minute film won the People’s Choice award in the Nagari competition last year held by the Charles Correa Foundation. Though focused on St. Inez creek, the film is a wake-up call about the wetlands across Goa.
ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਖ੍ਲੌਂਦਾ (मैं तां नहीं खलौन्दा) I don’t run down
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Bhoond is a Punjabi word, which means wasp. This wasp-coloured vehicle is still an important option of shared transportation for low-income Punjabis. But it is on the verge of extinction. This film tries to unfurl the answer. The film portrays the story of one day of a vehicle named Bhoond @ Hanseat. This vehicle from Germany became the vehicle of villages of Punjab. It is still used by children, domestic workers, and farmers for their daily life. But why is this public-loved vehicle on extinction? Will it make any difference to the common man if it vanishes? Are there other options available in this category? Is Bhoond economical for the earth and the pocket of the common man? This film talks about these questions.
दिल्ली की आखिरी लोकल (The Last Local of Delhi)
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In the bustling metropolis of Delhi, lies an unused suburban rail transit network. As the city continues to deal with problems such as traffic congestion, deteriorating air quality and the lack of an integrated, multi-modal public transit system, the film talks explores the potential of the Delhi Ring Railway system as a viable public transit system. The film tells the tale of an erstwhile rail network that offered an effective and affordable alternative to travel across the city but has now gone into oblivion due to the lack of planning and support by the government.
LEVEL UP!
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It has taken 20 years for Tamil Nadu to include 58 low-floor buses in its fleet – the time it takes for a country to make all public transport accessible. ‘Level Up!’ is about the lives lost to these years and the long legal battle for one demand: Implement the Law.
CYCLE OF LIFE
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Cycle, which is often dismissed as a relic of the past; has been an important means of mobility and livelihood for over a century. Cycle of Life is an intimate exploration of change witnessed through the life of Umesh Sarate, an age-old cycle customer of Shinde Cycle Store, in Nagpur. He travels to the city to buy wholesale goods from the local market, as he rents a cycle from the store. The film traverses through rural-urban-industrial landscape, as it traces Umesh’s journey from the city markets to the village, where he re-sells the goods. We see him sell the goods to the women customers, while engaging in mundane conversations. As he journey’s back; he talks about buying a motorcycle, to make his travel more convenient. City lights, traffic and multi layered infrastructure of the city. Yogesh Shinde closing the cycle store at night, reflects on how the once flourishing business is now seeing a decline with time.
TOWN ON WATER
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Set against the striking backdrop of Kashmir’s Dal Lake, Town on Water dives into the pulse of movement on the water. Shikaras—more than just boats—are timeless lifelines, powering daily life and symbolizing resilience. The documentary showcases men piloting larger shikaras to support their families, while women and children steer smaller boats for chores and school trips. It explores the emerging bridges that link the lake’s mohallas, creating new paths and hinting at the shift toward modern roads initiated by the younger generation. This story highlights the tension between tradition and change, the push and pull of progress. Yet, through all the upheaval, the shikara remains, proving itself as a sustainable and unyielding force. The film invites viewers to witness a community adapting to modern twists while holding tight to a legacy that flows through the heart of Dal Lake.
Shab-Parak | The Night-Flyers
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Shab Parak explores the often unseen world of Delhi’s night travel, told through the journey of the DTC bus 0543A. The bus runs from Anand Vihar to Kapashera Border, connecting the city’s farthest corners as the rest of Delhi sleeps. The film engages with the quiet solitude of the night commute, capturing the passengers’ experiences—from the anticipation of the bus to the long, soothing journey that lulls them to sleep, and the final arrival that brings them closer to home. Amidst the quiet of the city, passengers express their unease about other nighttime transport, and Shabbir, the bus driver, speaks of his sense of responsibility and care toward the travellers. Shab Parak offers a glimpse into the night bus service as an essential lifeline for a city that never truly sleeps—sustaining both its people and its heartbeat through the darkest hours.
SUNDARI
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In Mumbai, once an island city connected by the sea, modern bridges and land reclamation have reshaped its landscape, disrupting the lives of its original communities. Sundari follows the myth of a legendary ferryboat, once the heart of connectivity, who guided people across creeks long before bridges existed. Now, Sundari lives on only in songs and stories, her memory overshadowed by urbanisation. Through the perspectives of a woman recounting Sundari’s tale, an ageing ferry operator who runs the Versova-Madh ferry, and a young child witnessing the changes, the film explores how progress, while practical, has disconnected a community bound by tradition and the sea.
साखळ्या आणि चाकं- Sakhlya Ani Chaaka (Chains & Wheels)
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The bicycles of Pune City talk.
They talk about their existence and their purpose.
The city, its chaotic traffic and its lackluster infrastructure looms over them. In the motor-centric city plans; the working-class people of Pune and their bicycles look to reclaim their place on the roads. The people who seem to be a part of the urban transportation plans- but only on paper.
The bicycles of Pune City talk.
They talk of the labour class and revolutions.
Cowboys of the West (UP)
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The film ‘cowboys of the west (UP)’ explores the everydayness of travel for informal milk suppliers (locally called Doodhiyas) from small towns and villages that surround Delhi. As Delhi’s urban spaces continue to saturate with people and things, the demand for essential commodities such as milk keep on increasing. Doodhiyas play a crucial role in forming a link between immediate rural and the urban through the supply of milk. Moreover the film primarily focuses on the train journeys undertaken by a group of Doodhiyas, and sheds light on how travelling together everyday produces a sense of mobility which is intertwined with the sense of home, affective relationships with co-passengers and the work that demands bodily labour. As the sense of everyday envelopes these lives in shuttling migration, this film is intended as a pause to observe how Doodhiyas from peripheries of Delhi make meaning of their travel.
Iss shahar mein chalte hue (While walking through the city)
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Through the dug up streets of suburban Mumbai, a migrant salesman, Taufique walks everyday with a bicycle filled with bread, eggs and snacks. This film journeys with him and his colleagues as they walk through chawls and gated societies, beneath metro constructions and through unyielding traffic, revealing a glimpse of a Mumbai where walking is not a choice but a necessity.
The film expands into a quiet reflection on urban design and social division, questioning who our cities are truly built for. We see others like Taufique walking on Mumbai’s streets, on journeys marked by labour, resilience and quiet strength.
The film tries to notice the presence of those forced to move on foot as they reclaim agency, in a city that often makes them invisible.
Homes on the Line
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Rohtak, a busy city, now has a new 4.5-kilometer elevated railway track. It’s an impressive structure that promises faster travel and economic growth. But beneath the joy, there’s a sad truth: this track was built on land where homes once stood, forcing families, who have lived here for generations, to leave. While life moves on above the bridge, the pain and struggles of those who lost their homes are often ignored. Through personal stories and images, this story reveals the hidden cost of progress, asking if true development is possible when so many people are left behind.
The film ‘Cut the Cord’ explores the fate of Bhoond/tempo, the option of shared transport. A crucial transportation mode for many low-income Punjabis, the tempo faces a potential decline due to lack of supportive policies
थानै कठै जाणो?
Where do you want to go?
The film ‘थानै कठै जाणो?’ explores the challenges and resilience of female bus conductors in Rajasthan roadways, navigating between demanding duties, societal constraints and future hopes.
The Delhi Local
The film ‘The Delhi Local’ is an oral history of the now defunct ring railway system presented through the eyes of its erstwhile users and operators. Infrastructural neglect and decay being the key themes.
Level Up!
Rajiv Rajan’s dream to commute independently on his wheelchair and the long legal battle for low-floor buses is the core of the film ‘Level up’. The film features Rajiv and his loved ones and explores themes of universal design and barrier-free public transport.
The Cycle of Life
The film ‘The Cycle of Life’ traverses rural-urban landscape with Umesh, who travels to Nagpur in ST bus, as he rents a cycle to buy goods from the local market. And his journey, back to his village to sell the goods.
Town on Water
Beyond the tourist gaze, “Town on Water” unveils the hidden stories of Kashmir’s Hanji community, water dwellers whose lives are intertwined with the lake’s changing tides, battling rapid urbanisation and its impact.
A City Waiting
How do people move at night? The film ‘A City Waiting’ explores how essential the night bus system is to the national capital, a city that never sleeps through the lens of the passenger, the bus driver, and those who wait only to leave.
Sundari
The film Sundari follows the story of a ferry riding family in Madh Koliwada facing disruption from a new bridge construction. The legend of Sundari, a fabled boatwoman, echoes their struggle for survival.
साखळ्या आणि चाके
Sakhlya Ani Chaake (Chains & Wheels)
The roads of Pune don’t support the working-class people, for whom a bicycle is the only mode of commute. The film ‘साखळ्या आणि चाके’ looks at the lives of these people who are not a part of the urban transportation plans.
Cowboys of the West (UP)
The film ‘Cowboys of the West (Up)’ aims to document the everyday lives of informal milk suppliers to Delhi. Through their journey the film hopes to explore notions of mobility, networks and space.
Walking with Abdul
Through Abdul, a migrant salesman walking across the suburbs of Western Mumbai selling eggs, bread and snacks stacked upon a bicycle, the film ‘Walking with Abdul’ explores walking as a forced mobility inside a city.
Homes on the Line
In the film ‘Homes on the Line’ an elevated railway track celebrates progress above, while beneath it unfolds a moving tale of displacement and emotional loss.
It was a simple Hornby model train set, and the track formations he could make with it, that sparked Charles Correa’s interest in architecture as a child. This is one of the first things we discover at ‘Conversations with Charles Correa: A Critical Review on Six Decades of Practice’, held last month in Mumbai, when author Mustansir Dalvi launched the first biography on the visionary modernist architect. The two-day conference, in its third edition, had scholars and professionals discussing different facets of his work, ranging from his ideas on urbanism to his writings on cities. And, of course, his buildings — from Correa’s Gandhi Ashram, which visual artist Kaiwan Shaban once referred to as “one of the finest examples of humility in architecture”, to the multiplicity of Jawahar Kala Kendra.
Author: E Cynthia Site Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Institute: CMR University School of Architecture Advisor: Prof. Renuka
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In the tapestry of our urban landscapes, waste has become an ever-growing shadow, woven from the threads of rapid urbanization and swelling populations. This thesis embarks on a journey to illuminate a path towards a harmonious coexistence between our cities and the environment. By embracing the philosophy of a second life for products, we transform refuse into resources, curbing the blight of landfills and the scars they leave upon our Earth. Through the lens of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, thesis seek to craft a climate-responsive paradigm, where waste management is crucial, empowering communities to actively reduce environmental impact. Waste management serves as a hidden thread in the fabric of climate response, weaving together efforts to reduce methane emissions from landfills and breathe new life into resources through recycling and reuse. This vision aspires to weave a new fabric of sustainability, where urban resilience and environmental stewardship intertwine, fostering a society deeply attuned to the delicate symphony of our planet’s needs
Author: Neha Dalvi Site Location: Mhada Transit Colony, Mumbai Institute: School of Environment and Architecture Advisor: Prasad Khanolkar, Milind Mahale
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In contemporary times, the highest level of sustainable and technological advancement in residential building types is often recognised through the infrastructural amenities the building can offer; most popularly in terms of water harvesting, electricity and compost gardening for waste management.
Infrastructures are portrayed as the most sustainable and efficient infrastructural systems due to their capacity for space optimization and efficient service management, resulting in time saving. Thus, efficiency and sustainability today have become the chief advertising attributes that promise a better living, thus becoming aspiration generators among people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
However, we fail to realize that these methods for achieving efficiency in residential building infrastructure are predominantly driven by the developers’ logic. This logic tends to perceive these systems as mere efficiency devices, often concealing them in smaller nooks and corners, which require separate maintenance and only caters to a particular class of people who have the economy to maintain it.
When the same infrastructural systems are installed in low-income housing societies, they not only break the existing socialities amongst the inhabitants but also tend to fail due to the lack of funds for maintenance. The thesis proposes a cooperative housing society for low-income housing that integrates both technology and sociality to create an inclusive and democratic space for living. A simple tweak that repositions these infrastructures is able to question the everyday practices of contemporary society through the lens of class, difference and caste.
Author: Charlina J. Dutta Site Location: Amchong Tea Estate, Assam Institute: GZS School of Architecture & Planning, MRSPTU Advisor: Ar. Amandeep Kaur
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The thesis project envisions a transformative tea experience hub, set within a 24-acre estate, designed to immerse visitors in the art and culture of tea. The site is thoughtfully divided into two primary sections: a built-up area that houses key facilities and a cultivation zone dedicated to tea production.
The built-up area features a variety of carefully curated spaces, including a museum, a restaurant, guest accommodations, and recreational areas. Each structure is strategically placed to enhance the visitor’s connection with the surrounding landscape while offering insights into the tea-making process. The cultivation zone allows for direct engagement with the tea fields, offering a holistic experience that blends education with leisure. Central to the design are climate-responsive features that ensure sustainability and harmony with the environment. The architecture optimizes natural ventilation, minimizes solar gain, and integrates water management systems. Local materials further ground the design in its cultural and environmental context, creating a space that is both innovative and respectful of its natural surroundings.
Author: Dhrumil Patel Site Location: Kevadia, Gujarat Institute: Dr.D.Y.Patil School of Architecture Advisor: Prof. R.T. Golgire
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Introduction: The site is near Navagam village, Kevadia Colony, Narmada district of Gujarat, presents a unique opportunity for architectural exploration and innovation. With its strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural surroundings, the area offers a canvas for sustainable design interventions. The site boasts direct access to a major highway, is a short distance from the iconic Statue of Unity (6.9 km), and enjoys a prime location along the Narmada River.
Surrounding Environment:
Natural Features: The Narmada River offers scenic beauty, potential for recreational activities, and may influence the microclimate.
Vegetation: Limited information available. However, considering the presence of botanical gardens nearby, explore incorporating native flora for ecological benefits.
Built Environment: The area is undergoing rapid development with tourist attractions like the Statue of Unity
Why a Resort is Needed and Design Inspiration:
Kevadia Colony is experiencing a tourism boom, and a well-designed resort can cater to this growing demand:
Accommodation Gap: The current infrastructure might not be sufficient to accommodate the influx of tourists.
Enhanced Experience: The resort can offer unique experiences that complement existing attractions, extending tourist stays and contributing to the local economy.
Climate Responsiveness: The design should adapt to the hot and dry climate using strategies like deep overhangs, windcatchers, courtyards, and water features for natural cooling.
Harmony with Nature: The resort should integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, potentially incorporating native vegetation and minimizing disruption to the river ecosystem.
Community Integration: The resort can incorporate elements that encourage interaction with the local community, promoting cultural exchange and fostering a sense of place.
Conclusion: The site presents an exciting opportunity to design an architectural marvel that harmonizes with its climatic conditions, cultural context, and natural surroundings. By embracing the principles of climate-responsive design and sustainable development, architects can create a landmark.
Author: Shrinivas Tele Site Location: Nashik Institute: CTES College of Architecture Advisor: Prof. Gayatri Narkar
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The redesign of the crematorium in Nashik is a thoughtful fusion of tradition, sustainability, and climate responsive architecture. Rooted in the principle of “form follows climate,” the design is shaped by Nashik’s hot, semi-arid environment, ensuring that the structure is both functional and harmonious with its surroundings. The crematorium, located near the sacred ghats of the Godavari River, honours centuries old rituals while incorporating modern amenities that address the needs of a growing and evolving city.
The building’s orientation and materials are carefully selected to mitigate the harsh summer heat, utilizing natural ventilation and shading to maintain a comfortable environment for mourners year round. Locally sourced materials, such as stone, brick and wood, helps to reduce the carbon footprint.
Landscape design plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional experience, with indigenous plants and water features creating a serene atmosphere for reflection and remembrance. The crematorium’s design respects the flow of traditional rituals, guiding mourners through a dignified, contemplative space that blends seamlessly with the spiritual landscape of the ghats. This project exemplifies how modern architecture can uphold cultural significance while adapting to contemporary environmental and societal challenges.
Author: Rajvir Singh Site Location: Navi Mumbai Institute: Dept. of Architecture Guru Nanak Dev University Advisor: Dr. K.S. Chahal, Dr. R.S. Aulakh
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The Food Hill, a Vertical Farming Institute in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai envisions an educational model, fostering empowerment and community building of farmers, researchers, students, and city dwellers.
Positioned in a dense urban environment, this project addresses the escalating concern of the limited accessibility to organic produce in urban settings. The project is driven to build a mixed-use vertical farming institute with its program broadly covering Academic, Indoor Farming areas, Research labs, Housing, Administrative zone, Recreational, convention center, organic food shipping store, and Market areas to create a self-sustaining environment.
Notably, there are strict laws to protect forest lands, but no such exists for agricultural lands which are taken up by authorities in the name of urban development. This project acts as an experiential memoir of the agrarian practice that was once the primary purpose of this land. Farming which made us settle and shift from our nomadic lifestyle, has now been ousted from our immediate view in the urban areas. This vertical farming institute aims to bring agriculture back to urban dwellers’ lives via education.
Author: Shivani Jitendra Rampariya Site Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan Institute: Lokmanya Tilak Institute of Architecture & Design Studies, Navi Mumbai Advisor: Prof. Harish Setty
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Indian handicrafts, a culturally significant sector, employs millions of artisans and contributes to the economy. However, it faces challenges like changing consumer demands and competition from mechanized production. The project revitalizes Rajasthan’s unique handicrafts, preserve community values, and promote sustainable practices, attracting tourists and generating revenue.
The handicrafts centre in Jaipur aims to revive the industry by integrating sustainable architecture and community empowerment. Locally sourced materials and passive cooling strategies are used to reduce environmental impact and promote economic sustainability. It also revives an existing stepwell which is used for rainwater harvesting and has an on-site waste water treatment system for block printing workshops. The centre also focuses on community empowerment and cultural preservation, providing a space for artisans to showcase and sell their crafts. It serves as a cultural hub and tourist attraction, promoting Rajasthan’s unique handicraft traditions globally.
The project blends Rajasthani heritage with modern design principles, using local materials and architectural features. It emphasizes clean lines, open spaces, and functionality. The landscape design incorporates native plants and revives existing trees, preserving historical significance and enhancing sustainability.
Author: Tarakesh. C Site Location: Sholinganallur, Chennai Institute: MEASI Academy of Architecture Advisor: Saniya Aafreen
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As urban environments grow increasingly complex, the need for adaptable living spaces becomes crucial. The project, Responsive Housing Through Generative Design, addresses this challenge by creating dynamic housing that evolves with the changing needs of its occupants and the environment. To achieve this level of responsiveness, advanced computational tools like Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Evolutionary Solvers were adopted which allowed us to explore multiple design iterations, optimizing for environmental performance, space efficiency, and user satisfaction. The project is situated in Sholinganallur, Chennai, a thriving IT hub. The site selection is strategic, targeting first-time buyers and single dwellers who prioritize proximity to work and education. To address climate concerns without sacrificing valuable real estate, the project strategically manages the built/unbuilt ratio. This balance allows for open spaces that support biodiversity and enhance daylighting and thermal comfort, while also optimizing the use of land for development. The design offers 25 unique housing options, each with a carefully balanced mix of open and closed spaces. Residents can choose from a variety of layouts that prioritize privacy, outdoor space, and views, all while ensuring optimal environmental performance. The result is a living environment that adapts to the needs of its occupants and the site, creating a sustainable and responsive urban habitat.
Author: Swasti Choksi Site Location: Mazgaon, Mumbai Institute: Faculty of Architecture – SCET, Surat Advisor: Prof. Persi Engineer (co-guide Prof. Avinash Engineer)
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In the realm of architectural marvels that define modern cityscapes, skyscrapers stand as testaments to human ingenuity, technological prowess and creative innovation. The focus of this thesis revolves around the design of mixed use tall buildings, aiming to address the pressing concerns of sustainability, human-centric design and efficiency in constructing high end skyscrapers.
The scope encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating architectural, environmental, social and technological perspectives. It involves extensive research into precedents, case studies and advanced design methodologies. The fundamental purpose of this thesis is to explore and advocate for a paradigm shift in urban development, emphasising the creation of tall buildings that serve as microcosms of cities, integrating multiple functionalities within a single structure.
The proposed skyscraper in Mazgaon, Mumbai (Site location pin : 18°58’26”N 72°50’51”E) addresses the challenges of urban density by maximising the efficient use of space through vertical development. By integrating various functions within a single structure, the design promotes sustainable land use and reduces the environmental impact which fulfils the intent of this project to mitigate urban sprawl, optimise land use and promote sustainable living with a solid objective of exploring innovative architectural and engineering solutions by fostering a harmonious coexistence of residential, commercial, recreational and green spaces within vertical landscapes.
Author: Payal Kachawa Site Location: Nagaur, Rajasthan Institute: Aurora’s Design Academy Advisor: Ar. Pingal Naga Praveen
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Project centers on revitalizing a historic stepwell in a region where water is collected and stored for six months, with the land remaining vacant during the dry season. This site, once integral to the community for both water storage and ritual activities, has seen a decline in its usage and cultural significance. To address this, my project aims to reinvigorate the stepwell by blending ancient water storage techniques with modern design, ensuring that its historical function is preserved while adapting to contemporary needs.
The redesigned stepwell will enhance water conservation through its original structure, emphasizing sustainable practices that honor traditional engineering. Additionally, the project will introduce new functions, transforming the site into a year-round cultural and social hub. Shaded pavilions, mandapas, and spaces for seasonal markets or events will breathe new life into the area, encouraging community interaction during the dry months. This approach not only safeguards the ancient water storage technique but also reestablishes the stepwell as a vital part of the community, bridging past and presenting a meaningful way.
Author: Aashima Mathur Site Location: Gujarat Institute: Manipal University Jaipur Advisor: Ar. Nexa Saxena
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Gujarat is a hub for artisans, skilled labor, and the workforce. Indian Institute of Skills attempts to strengthen and preserve Gujarat’s rich artisanal traditions and skills. Through the skill development of these artisans, this Institute aims to provide a platform for the promotion of traditional Handicrafts and allied cultural practices and the processes involved in their creation and the preservation of culture, community, and local environments. Creating a common roof under which a range of local and traditional craftsmen and other stakeholders can exchange ideas and collaborate. The vision is to create a sustainable Indian Skill and Craft Institute that values craft, handicraft, and space. The project aims to create inclusive craftmanship hubs that serve as spaces for traditional artisans, trainees, and the surrounding community to engage, collaborate, and learn. The project will encompass workshops for artisans to exchange knowledge and enhance their craft. These spaces promote skill development and creativity by providing the necessary tools and supplies. The design shall also include communal gathering areas for social interaction and cross-cultural exchange. The project also includes designated areas for the preservation of traditional knowledge and promoting mentorship and learning among generations of craftsmen and skilled workforce.
Author: Lakshmi Sai Site Location: Naggar, Himachal Pradesh Institute: Aurora Design Institute, Habsiguda Advisor: Prof. Aparna Devisetti
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The “Architecture on hills” always seems to be beautiful from the very prehistoric times, these hills have sustained themselves, enticing and soothing to the eyes of the people.
“Shelter” has been one of humankind’s necessities since immemorial time besides food and clothing. While nothing has changed significantly in man’s food and clothing habits, he has been constantly improving upon his dwelling to make it more homely, protective, and comfortable to suit his ever-changing lifestyle under various environmental conditions.
In that quest, not only have the basic materials of construction and their usage techniques changed radically but the planning and design parameters, functional imperatives and everything else have undergone an almost complete transformation. A price has been paid to accommodate more and more people and to suit the expanding economy.Houses have been washed away and buried under the massive landslides. Earthquakes have taken their toll since these houses are not built quake-proof unlike the traditional ones.
The more fundamental question is:
“Whether the displacement of communities from their ancestral homes is the best-case scenario and how can we provide effective sustainable disaster resilient housing solutions…?”
-The Himalayan town of Joshi Math, Uttarakhand, India has been experiencing land subsidence The town’s problems have worsened since October 2021, when large areas of land began to sink and buildings started to crack. Over 700 houses and several roads have developed cracks, and as many as 200 families have been evacuated
The people who live there are much more governed by the seasons than elsewhere, Those building methods are tested through trial and error by society and are tailored to the climatic, aesthetic, functional and sociological needs of that society and the built environment emerges from the “Indian traditional knowledge systems”.
Addressing hill development issues does not have a specific path on which one can stick. Understanding the type of problem that persists is necessary. We should pave the path to sustainable development and habitats in mountainous areas in a holistic, all-encompassing manner by focusing on a single habitat or settlement.
Author: Utkarsha Purushottam Ranbhor Site Location: Etikoppaka, Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Institute: Pillai HOC College of Architecture Advisor: Ar. Ashwathy Rajagopal
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“Like nature, cultural heritage evolves and adapts, but can also face extinction without care. In today’s dynamic world, intangible heritage like wooden toys; are cultural treasures. As plastic toys threaten this craft in Anthropocene, challenge is to preserve and reimagine its relevance. This project creates space where tradition and innovation merge, ensuring survival and revival of this timeless art by establishing a model of flexible, scalable upliftment that can be replicated across other clusters in India.
A design approach that allows for adaptation and growth in response to evolving needs of the artisans and communities. It responds to the unique socio-economic context of clusters, allowing for localized adaptations that respect the craft’s heritage while ensuring its relevance in contemporary markets. By offering spaces that can be reconfigured and repurposed as needed, the center empowers artisans to continuously innovate and sustain their craft in face of changing market dynamics.
In essence, this project embodies the spirit of flexibility and resilience. It recognizes that to sustain the legacy of traditional clusters, architecture must evolve in harmony with cultural and economic shifts that define the artisans’ world. This approach not only preserves the craft but also ensures that it thrives in future and contributes to the global economy of India.
