To be human is to inhabit the in-between.Between structure and spontaneity, individualism and society. The spaces we design must hold this tension, allowing for both coherence and freedom. I have had the privilege of working on something quietly monumental – a compilation of more than 50 public space design projects implemented during the Smart Cities…

Water, has always been the governing factor for the settling of civilizations, cities and neighbourhoods. While Mumbai is surrounded by the sea, a quiet little neighborhood in this bustling city nestles around the centuries old Banganga freshwater tank. The water is believed to be sacred, healing and is protected by faith. As legend goes, water…

When history can so profoundly be recorded and included in textbooks, they deserve to find space in the daily lives of the people who live around it. Such places offer a relaxing atmosphere in our humdrum routines. A sense of belonging and pride that grows within each inhabitant towards their heritage, makes the monument all…

Any event in an urban setting may be transitory or perpetual. But every event, be it historic or routine does impact the growth of a city and thus our ways of living. We begin our day keeping in mind to dodge the slushy potholes and reach back home, clean. However, it is essential to understand…

Festivals bring in varied vibrations and transformations that last for a few days. However, the thought of an upcoming city level event has a great impact on how we look at the city and our surroundings during that time. We grow into the image of a festival with time and then develop expectations to see…

We are all pedestrians once we park that car or two-wheeler or hop off that bus or cab. Walking should not be a possibility but the most obvious choice. A way of life that helps to recreate and learn while while carrying out everyday chores and routines. To be able to linger around without the…

See, I stepped one at a time, the mud has turned to brick. The pebbled shores we hopped on once, the roads now turn by it. Watch, The pace, the drives and flights, the rants oh so humdrum. Some dens of gold, some squalor slums, some huge and some so crumb. Hear, A distant peddler’s…

Urban squares are the courtyards of a city. People meet, greet, shop, sell and celebrate. These squares may take shape due to existing physical forms like buildings of religious/traditional significance OR commercial functions. A public square may not adhere to the word ‘square’ meaning a four equal sided polygon. Such entities sprout organically by the…

  Does basing functionality on religious beliefs and intangible phenomenon bring down the stresses of daily lives?  Does dwelling in a holy city help in having better mental health?   A ‘ghat‘ or the embankment gets it’s thirst quenched by the gushing river Ganga, a sacred river. Sacred, because it received one of the four…