Post pandemic, our perception and usage of space has changed drastically.
Planning parameters and appropriate environments for habitat have gained a lot of importance. As people were confined to their homes, they began to actively appreciate the necessity of having appropriateness across all parameters of habitation, and a yearning for a ‘comfortable’ environment. Architects, planners, and designers have the responsibility to think of ways to express inventiveness in finding appropriate solutions for habitable environments.
The environment at working places has also gone through a major shift. For example, the density of individuals per sq. ft. is prominently focused upon. However, the biggest shift in trends took place through the acceptability of a virtual presence – an unforeseen realm which overturned the pre-conceived notions of configuration and dynamics of office spaces.
It took a global pandemic for us to realize the significance of our own resources.
Since the Vedic period, we have always aimed to achieve a sustainable society. Learning from Vastu principles has been pivotal in achieving a sustainable model. For example, the roots of planning for a tropical country like India demands appropriate orientation of the building, the contextual relevance of courtyards, and how wind and rain directions should act as the guiding factors during the planning stage, amongst other things. A dedicated exercise in accomplishing the right shading, right amount of light, right heat gain, right dissipation of heat, right placement and sizing of openings can help in minimizing the need for artificial interventions in the creation of a conducive environment.
As clichéd as it may sound, over the years, the prevalent Eurocentrism had made us forget these learnings which had earlier informed our architecture. A modest arrival at the basics prescribed in our vernacular architecture may be instrumental in the creation of an ideal built environment, without unnecessary expenses and unsustainable means.
Buildings which have increased their energy load due to unwise designs, are burdened with the baggage of pumping money to make them habitable.
These buildings are the iconic-ized fixed glass boxes with no openings seen across our metropolis. In contrast to what they demand, sustainability and optimization of resources have become crucial in these trying times. The pandemic has reinstated our belief in simplicity, nature, and living as per our requirements. Architects have the immense responsibility to create environments that are suitable to a diverse country like India, and offer solutions that are rooted in the sensitivities and context of our people and their situations.
The ‘reverse-migration’ of workers to their villages also presents an opportunity to tap into the potential that lies in rural environments while simultaneously decreasing the pressure on the urban infrastructure. Rural regions are more viable and less expensive in terms of cost of realty and cost of living. However, villages remain secondary due to the ineffective infrastructure, including physical and internet connectivity.
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