RVA Architects’ Post

One of the most exciting opportunities for the architectural community in India today is the chance to elevate design beyond commodification, embracing innovation and creativity to craft spaces that are both meaningful and impactful. As cities expand, the emphasis on fast-tracked and cost-efficient projects opens avenues to rethink architectural strategies. Many developments today embrace innovative designs that prioritise the unique needs of communities, creating spaces that harmonise with their context, heritage, and environment. This thoughtful approach ensures that each space reflects the distinct character of its surroundings, fostering a deeper connection with those who live and work within them. As architects and urban planners, we realise that design isn’t merely about fulfilling functional requirements or deadlines and crafting spaces integrated into their socio-environmental contexts. I see value in slowing down the design process, focusing on innovation, and re-engaging with the communities we design for, creating a sense of belonging through our work. Speaking of engaging with communities, here is a look at our upcoming Railway Station in Vishakhapatnam, taking shape through the dedicated efforts of Nishant Prakhar, Chief Architect and Planner; Mohammad Ahmad, Senior Town Planner; Ar. Abhishek Gupta, Architect, and the entire design team. #Architecture #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDesign #ArchitectureForTheFuture #IndianCities #GPMArchitects

“Environmental sustainability – there’s not even a question it’s the most important thing that an architect needs to do. But to me, social sustainability and cultural sustainability are equally important parameters that we really focus on. I feel like environmental sustainability is the basic hygiene that an architect must maintain and respond to, but for somebody who works in India, it is the cultural sustainability,” our Founding Partner, Shimul Javeri Kadri, shared in an interview with jan henderson, earlier this year. Her words encapsulate the holistic view of sustainability that we strive for at SJK Architects. With each project, we seek to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, cultural homogenisation, and the social disconnect with each other, in the best way possible. From the innovative fenestration at Nirvana Films Studio in Bengaluru—where louvres manage light, wind, and rain with minimal electricity use—to the Synergy Textiles Factory in Karur, designed keeping in mind the local architecture and climate of the region, we remain committed to creating spaces that not only meets functional needs but also promotes holistic sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity for a better future. #WorldSustainabilityDay2024 #design #architecture #indianarchitect #climatepositive #sustainability #sustainabledesign #worldsustainabilityday #SJKArchitects

How can a dynamic work environment also serve as a vibrant public realm? Our design for The V Park in Hyderabad transforms the strategic location of HITEC City into a seamless blend of work and leisure. The Masterplan aims at stretching the landscape through the built blocks while activating the built edges. At its heart, a grand triple-height plaza acts as both a breathing space for the IT community and a vibrant landmark for the city. By integrating flexible landscapes, dynamic food outlets, and a "high street" experience, the campus once developed will come alive for both users and visitors, ensuring accessibility and engagement at all times. The project champions the Inside-Outside transition concept, extending the landscaped outdoors into the lobby experience, creating a fluid space where work meets relaxation. With lush landscape pockets providing moments of pause and vibrant community spaces driving connection, this landmark design sets new benchmarks for business campuses in India. Targeted for USGBC LEED Gold certification, The V Park is a large-scale project with more buildings to come. The completion of the first phase now paves way for the subsequent phases of the campus. The design meets the highest sustainability standards and fosters an environment where business and quality of life thrive together. #SustainableDesign #UrbanLandmark #WorkplaceDesign #ITSpaces #FlexibleArchitecture #GreenBuilding #WorkLifeBalance #DynamicDesign #PublicRealm #Hyderabad #HITEC #Architecture #Design #EdificeConsultants

Designing public spaces and railway infrastructure is crucial to society, as these spaces not only facilitate movement and connectivity but also serve as vital symbols of communal identity and cultural heritage. The preservation and thoughtful redevelopment of the Bangalore Cantonment Station underscores the importance of these spaces, ensuring they continue to inspire and serve future generations. As construction for phase 1 ancillary buildings nears completion, the project is set to kickstart redevelopment work for the main station building, upliftment of heritage buildings, and the iconic mega roof. Preserving heritage buildings such as railway stations is not just a matter of architectural significance; it is a testament to our identity and history. By harmoniously blending the old with the new, we honor our past while paving the way for a more connected and vibrant future. Watch full video- https://lnkd.in/gmB4jVkD #Architecture #Design #SneakPeek #MasterPlanning #UrbanDesign  #WIP #BangaloreStation #Sustainabilty #IndianArchitects #IndianArchitecture #Transportation #UrbanMobilty #STHAPATI

To honor #WorldArchitectureDay this year, we spoke with our teams across studios to explore the innovation, creativity, and vision that transform spaces into places of meaning and inspiration. In today’s conversation, we explore this year’s World Architecture Day theme—Participatory Urban Design—through a project case study – our more recently inaugurated project, Infosys Campus in Nagpur. We delve into: What does this theme encompass? Why is it important in the context of contemporary urban development? As an instrument for cities to become more resilient and sustainable, a participatory process can help shape a landscape that is diverse, inclusive, and transparent for those who inhabit it. Aligned with this year’s theme—Empowering the Next Generation to Participate in Urban Design—our teams share ideas on how to foster conversations about creating urban spaces that are not only functional and efficient but also socially just, culturally vibrant, and environmentally sustainable. These conversations are a part of our ongoing series #PeoplePoweredPlaces #mDesign #mThink #Morphogenesis (world architecture day, urban space, sustainable design, future habitat, community, liveability, city design) . #worldarchitectureday #urbanspace #sustainable #design #futurecity #liveablehabitat #communityliving #liveability #citydesign #cities #urbandesign #architecture #worldarchitectureweek #celebratingdesign

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 Passive design strategies to plan for context-responsive development have evolved to be the third pillar of our #DesignPhilosophy over the years. Sustainable and context-addressing solutions are an urgency. Passive design becomes a key tool for adapting these ideas to every built environment. 1 and 2: ⁠The 2 lakh sq. m. masterplan for NIT’s vehicle-free Delhi campus includes multiple passive design strategies depending on the spatial program. Some clusters cyclically recycle grey water, while the academic spaces create an indoor microclimate through courtyards. 3 and 4: Eye Of Noida, or EON IT Park lays its basis on the concept of replacing the ‘glass box’ as an urbanism intervention. The design intends to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect by maximising green cover. The landscaped areas don’t just add to the sensory experience but also lend flexible, multi-utility avenues for interactions. The design is an outcome of planning for its context. #ArchitectureandDesign #Urbanism #GreenBuilding #PassiveSustainbility #CampusPlanning #DFIprojects

Slum redevelopment is a multifaceted architectural challenge that involves not only improving living conditions but also addressing the economic and social needs of residents. A project carried out in Mumbai under ‘The Hudco Project’ exemplified this complexity. The initiative involved a detailed study of three slum pockets: Cheetah Camp, Bharat Nagar (Dharavi), and Gilbert Hill. These areas were chosen for their unique characteristics and the blend of residential and commercial activities that define them. The study highlighted the importance of preserving spaces for social gatherings, economic activities, and community interactions, which are crucial for the residents' well-being and the area's vibrancy. The proposed solution integrated both vertical and horizontal development to accommodate the high-density population while maintaining the organic spatial matrix of the slums. The design focused on creating a dynamic structure through the combination of individual units forming clusters, which then come together to create a cohesive community. This approach ensures that no two structures are identical, allowing for variation and character that reflect the community's needs and preferences. By incorporating spaces for both living and working within the unit modules, the redevelopment aims to support diverse commercial activities and enhance the overall quality of life for the residents. Understanding the intricate balance between residential, commercial, and social needs is essential for successful slum redevelopment. Projects like the one in Mumbai demonstrate that sustainable and inclusive development can transform slum areas into vibrant communities. The emphasis on community structure, social spaces, and economic opportunities ensures that redevelopment projects provide full value to the residents. As urbanization continues to grow, integrating these principles into future projects can help create more resilient and thriving urban environments. How can architects and urban planners effectively balance the residential, commercial, and social needs in slum redevelopment projects to create sustainable and inclusive communities? Drop your comments. #architecture #innovation #construction #realestate #redevelopment

📸 "Designing Beyond Boundaries" "Architecture, at its core, is the art of balancing the tangible with the intangible. Every structure we design serves a purpose far beyond its walls – shaping memories, evoking emotions, and nurturing human connections. We build not just for function, but for the subtle stories that unfold within the spaces we create. For me, architecture is an unending journey. Each line I draw and every concept I explore is a quest to honor the past, embrace the present, and anticipate the future. It’s about designing not just buildings, but experiences; crafting spaces that resonate with both beauty and purpose. With every project, I’m reminded that our true impact as architects isn’t just in the skylines we shape but in the lives we touch. Here’s to building thoughtfully and leaving a legacy of spaces that inspire." As a “building -by -laws consultant” , our group became no.1 consultant in odisha so far, with our constant effort & god's grace. #ArchitectureJourney #ThoughtfulDesign #BuildingExperiences #ArchitectureAndBeyond #CraftingSpaces #InspireThroughDesign

"Embark on a transformative journey through the Architecture Experience Centre, where time, space, and architectural imagination converge. Witness the evolution of architectural styles as walls shift in texture and hue, reflecting different eras. Proud to have participated in the Presence competition in Ahmedabad, designing an experience center honoring pioneer architects. Special thanks to my dedicated team, Pallavi Dhandekar Akanksha sahu for bringing this vision to life. #Architecture #ExperienceDesign #DesignCompetition"

Happy National Skyscraper Day from India! Get Ready to be Awestruck by the Majestic Palais Royale! Located in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Palais Royale stands tall as the tallest skyscraper in India, soaring high at an impressive 320 meters (1,050 feet). This architectural marvel boasts an astonishing 88 floors, a testament to the genius of: -Talati and Panthaky Associates, the brilliant architects behind this masterpiece -Sterling Engineering Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, the structural engineers who brought this vision to life -Raghuveer Urban Constructions, the main contractor responsible for the construction of this marvel The Palais Royale is a true marvel of modern architecture and engineering, a symbol of innovation and progress. On this National Skyscraper Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and skill that goes into creating such incredible structures. Source: Palais Royale, Mumbai - Wikipedia . . #NationalSkyscraperDay #India #architects #PalaisRoyale #SkyscraperLove #engineers #structuralengineers #contractor #design #ConstructionChemical #Construction #engineeringchemicals #KrishnaConchem #buildinganddevelopment