Centuries before it became a metropolis, Madras was a cluster of settlements like Mylapore, Triplicane and later, George Town. These settlements emerged from the interplay of sea, rivers and wetlands, and their inhabitants contending with a challenging climate — a cycle of hot-humid summers followed by torrential monsoon rains. Across millennia, Madras developed an architecture … Read more
Hot and humid climates can be one of the hardest climates to adjust to, with relentless perspiration and discomfort, and we often feel relief only on entering an air-conditioned space. For people used to modern-day apartments and offices, it is almost impossible to imagine being comfortable in these spaces without ACs. Yet, when we think … Read more
Houses in the hills usually have a picturesque, dreamy quality, becoming one with the slopes. But hills are known for challenging climatic conditions like extreme cold, snow, and even earthquakes. There are also difficulties in transporting materials for construction on rough terrain. How did indigenous buildings traditionally respond to these conditions? A colourful house in … Read more
Goa is studded with 100-400 year old villas, cottages and outhouses, with laterite walls and Mangalore-tiled roofs that have been carefully restored and reimagined into stores, restaurants, bars and holiday homes. Many of them come with fine woodwork, multiple doors and windows and expansive courtyards offering cross-ventilation, as well as other little details often seen … Read more
Casa Feliz in Alibaug: received WA Awards in the category Architecture – Realised | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Even as I write this, the World Architecture Community Awards have introduced their next cycle — the 48th. The WA Awards have three categories in both Architecture and Interior Design — Realised (projects that are actually built), … Read more
Elaborate patterns of Rajput architecture | Photo Credit: Getty Images/istock From the intricate woodwork of Rajasthan to the terracotta artistry of Bengal, Indian architectural elements are deeply influenced by regional crafts and historical dynasties, creating spaces that are both beautiful and culturally meaningful. The magic of design also lies in its ability to blend the … Read more
At the primary classroom in Sankalp – The Learning Centre & Special Needs School, in Kolappancheri, Chennai, the afternoon sunlight weaves in through one of the window grills, casting the most curious shadows. The window grill design contains the alphabet — ABCDs wrought in iron, that children trace their fingers across and read out loud. … Read more
Pain and Palliative Care Society secretary P.C. Sreekumar launching the official portal for the ‘Oasis’ national architecture design competition in Kozhikode on Wednesday. IIA State chairperson Vinod P. Cyriac (left) and Calicut centre chairman Noufal C. Hashim are seen. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGMENT The State chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) has … Read more
Students of the Department of Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories, NIFT, Hyderabad, who executed the wall art project | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The bold, wavy patterns in red, blue, yellow and black on the walls of the recently-inaugurated sports complex are visible from a distance to those who enter the National Institute of Fashion Technology … Read more
The end of the year is a time to ruminate on things soon to be past and newness that will soon be part of the present. It’s also the time when paint companies and trend forecasters anoint their “chosen one”, that one colour that they believe will rule in the new year. Be it as … Read more