For more than a century and a half, Central Park has been a leafy barometer of New York’s shifting fortunes. Projecting the city’s vast ambitions and ideals in the 19th century, it morphed into a Hooverville during the Depression, becoming a beehive of ball fields and “Be-Ins” during the 1960s. A decade later it was … Read more
With rising disposable incomes, homeowners today desire unique art furniture pieces that can be a value addition to the home, going beyond utilitarian design. At India Design ID in New Delhi last month, 45 chairs were showcased, ranging from sensible to outrageous. Charles Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier were all world-famous architects who … Read more
Colours, prints and textures add much more than just visual interest to otherwise dull spaces. Welcome to the world of pattern drenching! A widely popular décor trend, which is in demand after colour drenching, this involves playing with scale, texture and colour in more ways than one. Jade by The Arch Studio | Photo Credit: … Read more
India’s rich history and diverse architectural heritage represents a tapestry of legacy, traditions, beliefs and cultural identities all of which allow learning that can foster deeper connections with the past. Further, it provides a unique opportunity for urban cities facing space constraints. With limited land for new developments, restoring and reusing heritage structures becomes a … Read more
South India is seeing several instances of emerging architectural firms investigating indigenous structures and materials and translating them for today’s context. In addition to customised oxide flooring, clients are opening up to innovative use of brick, tile and mud construction as young minds build harmoniously for the neighbourhood. One such example is Bengaluru-based A Threshold’s … Read more
The allure of luxury living today extends beyond opulence and convenience. Discerning homeowners now demand spaces that foster well-being, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature. In India, biophilic design is taking on unique dimensions, drawing from the country’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and climatic diversity. From incorporating Ayurvedic principles in spatial layouts to reviving … Read more
Harshavardhan Neotia (right) with B.V. Doshi. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement The property that got Harshavardhan Neotia the Padma Shri, almost did not get built. Master architect B.V. Doshi would not have designed the social housing project, Udayan, which means ‘rising’. Six months after the septuagenarian Doshi had turned down Neotia, citing a lack of … Read more
The optimum use of floor-to-ceiling structures in modern architecture is becoming increasingly popular as a way to maximise space. This trend is especially evident in metropolitan and urban areas where space is limited and in high demand. While floor-to-ceiling designs have traditionally been associated with penthouse apartments and uber-luxury homes, they are now being integrated … Read more
From Tokyo to New York, Amsterdam to Toronto, the design of a Skinny House is a statement of triumph. Often there’s a colourful history, like the narrow Spite House from 1800s Boston, a result of a spat between two brothers over unequal land division. For both architects and residents, it’s a curiously satisfying experience to … Read more
What does bamboo remind you of? In cities today, its use is mostly restricted to outdoor furniture or for temporary structures like pavilions and gazebos. It is perceived as not as strong and durable as more ‘permanent’ forms of building. But if you’ve been to north-east India, you may encounter bamboo structures that are as … Read more