Building with purpose
Contextdriven architecture creates structures that respond to specific environmental conditions and cultural values
n the world of design and aesthetics, harmony stands as a fundamental principle. It signifies a state of equilibrium, unity, and coherence where various elements converge to create a pleasing and visually appealing composition. Contextdriven architecture furthers this principle by designing buildings that respond to specific environmental conditions, needs, and cultural values.
IOnce the climatic factors are considered, a biophilic design approach can be implemented to reconnect with nature. The inclusion of direct or indirect elements of nature into the built environment has shown to reduce stress, anxiety and illhealth while increasing productivity, creativity and wellbeing.
Architecture is notably responsive to regional influences, largely due to the extended lifespan of housing projects. These influences have evolved over recent years, moving beyond conventional home layouts. With the advent of central air conditioning, it has become easier to introduce more natural light into homes, where previously this might have caused uncomfortable heat. Personal preferences also wield substantial influence in design, especially in residential projects. The concept of beach houses featuring swimming pools may have appeared superfluous a few decades ago, but today infinity pools overlooking the ocean signify opulence.
Practical design can be highly valueadditive in various ways. For instance, designing a building with energyefficient features like proper insulation, energyefficient windows, and HVAC systems can significantly reduce longterm energy costs for the occupants.
When we design workspaces, we ensure that glass windows replace walls not only for better acoustics but also to accentuate natural light and induce a happier and more productive mood. Flexispaces accommodate varied shifting needs of the constantly evolving and changing world — both social and environmental. Malleable, movable and multipurpose interiors that adapt to the evolving needs are key elements of flexispaces. For instance, designing a flexible office space with modular furniture allows a company to reconfigure the layout as the business
Home construction and design
evolves easily. Sliding doors instead of regular ones facilitate easier movement, help save more space and create openplan layouts that are multifunctional. Incorporating features like ramps, handrails, and wide doorways makes spaces accessible to individuals with disabilities, enhancing the inclusivity and value of a building.
The both material terrains palette should for be planned, considering the environment and weather conditions. A locally sourced material palette effectively discourages the buildup of moss on the walls of the structure, thereby enabling minimal maintenance. For instance, we designed a home in Goa where the ground floor has been conceptualised as a monolithic base, keeping privacy intact via optimum glazing. The first floor witnesses the introduction of larger glazed sections and apertures, which offer transforming views as the altitude changes and the day morphs from dawn to dusk.
Likewise, in mountainous areas, materials like stone and wood are recommended, considering extreme weather patterns, uneven and sloping topography, limited site access and various other constraints.
I feel that traditionally enclosed classrooms should be replaced with flexible and experiential learning spaces that help push the envelope for children and encourage them to explore the outdoors, kindling selfdiscovery. A Nordic design style uses a harmonious and ecofriendly material palette, blending textures and soft hues to induce warmth and snugness in the classrooms. The focus should be on optimisation of the volumes through minimalism, clean lines and clutterfree spaces, stretching its domain to an accessible, barrierfree environment that enables safety and security for speciallyabled individuals. Sliding glass doors in the place of wall partitions allow a continuous change in the size of the enclosure and catalysing connections between different age groups. All rooms should be bathed in ample daylight,
Sustainable design practices, such as using recycled materials, renewable energy sources, and rainwater harvesting systems, not only reduce environmental impact but can also result in long-term cost savings, making a property more valuable