Top Architecture Firms to Watch

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India’s
ARCHITECTURE COMPANIES
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Ar Vikas MV
Principal Architect and
Co-founder
Ar Vishwas Venkat
Co-founder
OCTOBER 2021

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From the
EDITOR
A
rchitecture is the process and product of
planning, designing, and constructing
other buildings or structures. Architectural
works in the physical form of buildings are often
viewed as cultural symbols and works of art.
Historical civilizations are often identified with
their preserved architectural achievements.
Traditions that began in prehistoric times have
been used as cultural expressions of civilization on
seven continents. For this reason, architecture is
considered an art form.
Architecture started as a rural and verbal
architecture, from trial and error to successful
production. The architecture of the ancient city
was taken care of during the construction of
religious buildings and structures that represented
the political power of the rulers. Indian and
Chinese architecture has influenced shapes
throughout Asia, and Buddhist architecture, in
particular, has taken on different local colors.
Modern architecture began after World War I as
an avant-garde movement that sought to create
a whole new style appropriate to the new social
and economic order of the post-war period and
aimed at meeting the needs of the middle and

working class. In doing so, emphasis was
placed on modern technologies, materials,
and technical forms that pave the way for tall
buildings. Many architects were disillusioned
with modernism, which they viewed as
unhistorical and anti-aesthetic, as postmodern
and contemporary architecture emerged.
The rise of modern architecture began when
the craft was replaced by machine building.
Modern architects have developed designs
that focus more on people’s way of life than
on what they find beautiful. This architecture
is not like sentimental styles of awakening.
Instead, it’s innovative, experimental, and
limited.
Urban planning is the process of designing
and shaping the physical features of cities,
towns, and villages and planning to provide
urban services to residents and visitors.
Although these are topics that go beyond
architecture, they cannot be understood as a
completely separate field from research and
design, because the quality of one depends on
the quality of the other.
In our edition, Top 10 Architect Companies to
look for in 2021, on the cover story we have
Ar. Vikas MV & Ar. Vishwas Venkat, Principal
Architect & Co-Founder of Crest Architects.
Inspired by the strategical philosophy they
have an innovative approach to create site
responsive and contextually appropriate
designs.
SwiftNLift is focusing to put a light on the firms
and startups which are contributing to making
lives better with their intention to make our
society a better place. It is always a pleasure
for me as a Chief Editor to represent you with
the fresh and engaging content to read. It was
a collective effort made by our team to bring
you this edition. Hope you enjoy reading this
piece of our effort. We have other sections too,
filled with trusted and resourceful knowledge
& information to garner your reading habit.
Nilesh Sabe
Chief Editor
- Nilesh Sabe

26
10
42
34
Outdoor Sports
are vital for life
Crest Architects
Construction Marvel
of Ancient India
Green Construction:
Trend in Real Estate
Articles
Cover Story

20
24
30
36
40
22
28
32
38
Ashwin Architects
Design Thoughts
Architects
Manasaram
Architects
Architecture
Continuous
Khosla Associates
Anagram Architects
CnT Architects
Design Matters
OSSA Architects
Profiles

Crest Architects
India’s
ARCHITECTURECOMPANIES
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Ar Vikas MV
Co-founder
Ar Vishwas Venkat
Co-founder

Journey of Crest Architects
Vishwas and I met during our undergraduate course and worked as a team on several studio projects
which led us to realize our common approach for design and architectural thinking. Vishwas’s keen
eye for details and my visualization skills helped us produce interesting works during our academic
years. We both were always keen on learning through practical experiences along with theoretical
knowledge. When approached by a client for the design of a residence, we decided to make the most
of the opportunity and started our practice, while continuing our education. During this project, we
were approached by many others and this laid the foundation for our professional career and led to the
founding of Crest Architects.
Work Ethics and Policy
Our practice is a distinctive venture inspired by a strategical philosophy that integrates, forms, and
functions coupled with an innovative approach to creating site responsive and contextually appropriate
designs. The core feature of our work is its ability to recreate building typologies and play with the
volume of elements.
Every project is personalized and tailored around the exclusive brief provided by each client. The firm
assures the client, a novel idea that is ingenious and suits their every demand while providing an exclusive
experience that transforms into striking spaces.
Our practice is a
Distinctive venture
inspired by a strategical
philosophy that
integrates form and
function coupled with an
innovative approach to
create site-responsive
and contextually
appropriate designs

In architecture,
the focus has
shifted to user-
centric design
with a specific
emphasis on
sustainability
and a climate-
responsive
approach

Achievements and Awards
Since its inception, the firm has ventured into a wide range of architectural and interior design projects - redefining
the residential design of single and multi-dwelling house, institutional, commercial, and hospitality projects while
providing custom-designed interior spaces and landscape designs.
The company’s projects have been featured on world-renowned architectural platforms and media houses like
Archdaily, Architect’s Diary, Archello, Interior + Design, Design Authority, HHLLOO, Architecture Live, Volume
Zero, Design Essentia Magazine, Trends Magazine, India’s Best Homes, Good Homes (India), Buildofy, etc. In
recognition of our work, the firm has received several awards over the past two years.
“In 2020, the firm won the Construction World Architect & Builder (CWAB) Awards for Top Architects in the
Regional South Category, National Architecture and Interior Design Excellence Awards for Leading Architecture &
Interior Design Firm and 30 under 50 Best Architects of India, Design Icon Awards for Leading Architecture and
Interior Design Firm, Golden AIM Awards for Most Admired Architect and World Architecture Awards.
In 2021, the firm won the Build Architecture Awards for Best Emerging Architecture & Interior Design Practice
- Karnataka, World Architecture Awards, National Architecture and Interior Design Excellence Awards for Most
Creative Residential Project.”
Background and experience in
academia
We both graduated in Architecture from
M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology in
Bangalore, India.
From a young age, I was proficient in visual
arts and was fascinated by architectural
design, and aspired to embark on a unique
journey of my own and venture into a
different career path.
Ar Vishwas’s immense passion for buildings
and construction technology inspired him
to choose a career in architecture to create
his own identity.

Leadership skills that propelled towards success
Our passion for the field of architecture and the work we do; carefully listening and understanding the
requirements of the client and transforming them into reality, and delegating the work to the right people
and experts while being the driving force behind the project execution are some of the skills that have
helped us in our success.
Current trends related to Architecture and Interior designing in India
In architecture, the focus has been shifted to user-centric design, emphasizing sustainability and a climate-
responsive approach. Contemporary and minimalistic style with simple yet dynamic forms is the new
furor in architecture. Integrating technology in design solutions has also gained significance in
recent times.

The Team
We have a team of young, bright, enthusiastic, and energetic individuals
from across the country that brings in different dimensions to our working
environment.
Message for young architects across the country
We at Crest believe that design is a continuous learning curve and are driven to
conceive varied innovative design solutions for each project. The principal idea
that we as architects should keep in mind, is that design has to be authentic,
sensible, and practical and we should aim at giving back to the community
through architecture.
Premium quality designs with respect to nature,
that’s the specialty of Crest Architects

Participant of Statutory bodies related to
Architecture
We are members of the Council of Architecture
(COA), the national level entity responsible for
regulating architectural education and practice
throughout the country. We are members of the
Institute of Interior Designers (IIID) and the Indian
Institute of Architects (IIA). We are also a member of
the World Architecture Community (WAC), which
provides an exclusive platform for architects, interior
designers, students, and academics, around the world
to meet, share and compete.

 Incorporated in 2014
 Founding Members: Ar Vikas MV
and Ar Vishwas Venkat
 Office Locations: Bangalore

Website:
www.crestarchitects.com

About Ashwin Architects
Ashwin Architects was started in mid – 2003 with
the express intention of Bridging the Divide that
exists between people’s perception of their personal
spaces & the stark reality of the buildings coming
up in our urban jungles.
Experience lies in holistic designs for individual
residences, bungalows, development of housing
layouts, apartment complexes, commercial
complexes and gated communities.
As architects in Bangalore, the firm transcends
the divide between contemporary architecture
and the cultural context which they are set in.
Add the rising need for energy efficient green
buildings and increased stress on optimization of
available spaces.
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
20 OCTOBER 2021 SwiftNLift

Ashwin
Architects
“As a human mind is extremely sensitive to the surroundings, it leaves a deep
impact on us. Our surroundings, the house plans, the office designs, the home
interiors, the architecture designs, the people, the traffic, career objectives,
etc., all have a direct bearing on our sense of well-being. We cannot do
anything about the traffic but we can create a meaningful interface between
you and your surrounding i.e. the house and office in a qualitative manner
that enhances positive energies in terms of form, function, climate control,
vastu, and more.”
– Ar. Ashwin A.P, Principal Architect
Healthy Living Spaces
As one of the leading architects in Bangalore, the firm
challenges new magnitudes of demand and growing
expectations of home architecture as well as interior
architecture clients. Creating healthy, lively and enthralling
spaces; in the process ensuring that everyone involved
is on the same page on energy efficiency and sustainable
architecture norms.
Website: https://www.ashwinarchitects.com/
Design Philosophy
21
OCTOBER 2021 SwiftNLift

Anagram
Architects
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Madhav Raman - Principal & Cofounder
Madhav’s interests in cultural histories and urban
economics adds depth to the practice. He brings insight and
experience in transit, urban ecologies, multi-disciplinary
strategies and new technologies to our projects. An avid
cyclist and swimmer, Madhav regularly guides research,
lectures and writes about design in professional journals as
well as mainstream publications.
Vaibhav Dimri – Principal & Cofounder
Vaibhav’s desire to experiment with new ideas deeply
influences our design process. He guides the practice by
continuously pushing boundaries through material innovation
and by reimagining the program, towards creating avant garde
solutions. His lifelong passion for theatre is reflected in his
understanding of the subtleties of spatial design.
About Anagram Architects
Anagram Architects is an award winning multi-disciplinary
firm based in New Delhi. The firm’s work focuses on
promoting a reconnect with ecology and responsible lifestyles
through design articulation and innovation. Anagram
has won 60+ national and international awards and was
nominated for the prestigious Aga Khan award in 2010.
Madhav Raman
Principal & Co-founder

Aavaas Affordable Housing, Marketing Office
The spaces are sequentially organised around a central spine, made of
two curving monolithic walls of stone-veneer clad masonry in reusable
concrete blocks. These spaces are slightly elevated off the ground on steel
columns. Thus the landscape slides under the visible floorplate of the
structure. The audio-visual room is made of tensile acoustic fabric while
the other spaces are encased in recessed glass.
Perch – Wine & Coffee
Bar
Perch Wine and Coffee Bar was
envisaged to be an oasis of delectable
tranquillity in the bustle of Delhi’s
iconic Khan Market. Conceived
around a large and well-curated
selection of both beverages, its
culinary offerings emphasise clean
flavours, simple techniques and
seasonal freshness. Meant to be both
a place for idyllic repose as well as one
of quick replenishment, the all-day
bar makes room for solitude as well as
social conviviality.
Website: http://anagramarchitects.com/
23

Who are we?
Design Thoughts Architects was established in the year 2011 with the aim of providing
customized solutions in the architecture and design field. The company has designed
numerous small, medium, and large residential and commercial buildings. The
company serves different segments like residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality
to institutional. The company is highly known as a result of its high-quality designed
building. The company also contributes in terms of technical know-how and bylaws to its
stakeholders from the pre-construction stage to the final construction stage.
The company analyses the unique needs of each client and thereby provides customized
solutions at an affordable price. The company is today growing from a small team to
a big team. It has gained recognition from builders, individuals, associates, and other
stakeholders in the regional market. The company has a customer-centric team that goes
that extra step to provide 100% customer satisfaction.
Our Vision
Our Vision
 To deliver innovative and cost-effective architectural design solutions to residential and
mixed-use projects
 To gain recognition and goodwill in the Indian construction market
Our Mission
Our Mission
 To deliver innovative, high quality, safe and reliable design solutions
 To be the technical associate of projects worth 50 crores or more in a year
 To collaborate with project management companies and architecture
companies
 To deliver multiple projects worth ten crores or more in a year
 To be the technical partner in the construction sector of Karnataka
and Maharashtra
Design Thoughts
Architects
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1

Our Values
Our Values
 Teamwork and creativity
 Innovation, quality,
and safety
 Technical competency
 Long term relationships
with all stakeholders
 Commitment and
professional approach
Leadership
Mahantesh Yalameli - CEO & Principal
Architect
Mahantesh started his architectural career
in 2004 after graduating with distinction.
Today, with over 17 years of professional
experience, he has successfully handled
projects worth Rs.450 Crore, covering 1
Million SFT across residential, corporate,
retail and high-rise complexes.
He is a registered member of the Council
of Architecture, BNI and is also connected
with industry veterans with 30+ years
in the field. His wealth of knowledge
and experience with the local by-laws
of Bangalore City immediately give the
common man, developers and builders
an added advantage. In his free time,
Mahantesh trains with the Jayanagar
Jaguars, a group of long-distance runners
and fitness enthusiasts. His most recent feat
was the ‘Life Is Calling’ 10K Marathon.
Website: https://www.designmattersblr.com/
Mahantesh Yalameli
Founder
25

Outdoor Sports are vital
for life
Lost Somewhere
In the world of financial wealth and economic growth,
we are leaving our true wealth behind. Being mentally
fit is only possible when you are keeping your body
fit. Physical activities keep you motivated and create
a sense of ‘I can perform any assigned task’. Just have
a look at your body structure, think of the time when
you were in your college days. It was the time when
you were actively participating personality. Be it sports
or any cultural activity; you were ready to go the extra
mile above your studies and able to manage those
activities efficiently. As you got up into your job role,
time for yourself has been on vacation for a long.
Outdoor sports are an essential element of human
life. Remember those school days when we had just
one lecture for physical education and everyone in the
classroom eagerly waiting for the PE teacher to take us
on the ground. Those were the moment when we use
to enjoy and develop trust between our friends. Sports
are vital for life to develop some personality traits
which help us in our entire life.
Fighting Spirit
A sport is the best teacher when it
comes to the theory of “lead and
learn practically”. We played
many sports in our school
time and had the moment of

27
joy when we use to win the match. While playing or
watching a nail-biting match our heart pumps up an
adrenaline rush until the results are declared. Even
though we lose the game, our teachers taught us the
importance of losing and learning. But, now we are
heading towards a wealth prospering life, not a health
prospering life.
“Fighting back is the only key to success”, that’s what
my coach use to tell our team at practice sessions.
Even though we lose the game, we always had some
learning points from it and kept improving further.
Doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, it matters how
you perform. That’s how we grew since our childhood,
fighting back with a smile.
Importance in a kid’s life
Technological advancements are creating new ways
of learning on one side. From another angle, it is
hampering our young generation’s team player ability.
Sports and to be precise outdoor team sports play a
crucial role to develop skills and abilities in a child
when they are in the best time of their life to learn.
Sports develop some traits at a young age which are:
☐ Improves mental and physical health
☐ Empower students with life skills
☐ Learn Time management and discipline
☐ Leadership and Teambuilding
☐ Winning and Losing is all part of the game
☐ Fight Back
We must encourage our young generation to keep
playing sports out on the ground and develop the
above-mentioned traits in themselves. It will help to
grow them as responsible individuals with context to
create a better society.
Final Thoughts
Playing on the ground will definitely keep you
healthy from inside as well from outside. Indigestion,
increasing weight, the bad shape of the body, and
many more factors could be overcome by just getting
yourself on the field. Keep yourself active and fit, it’s all
about your life.
Stay Fit! Stay Healthy!
- By Parag Ahire

About CnT Architects
CnT Architects (earlier known as
Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects
Pvt Ltd.) traces its roots back to being
Bangalore’s first architectural firm
with its practice founded by the late
Mr. Narayan Chandavarkar in 1947. It
was reorganised under Chandavarkar
& Thacker Architects Pvt. Ltd. in
1963 by Mrs. Tara Chandavarkar and
the late Mr. Pesi Thacker. The firm is
currently run by Prem Chandavarkar
and Mehul Patel. Through its various
generations, CnT has retained a
value system that focuses on high-
quality design, ethical practice and a
working philosophy based on courtesy
consideration and collaboration.
 A Critical Practice: Architecture
is not merely a problem solving
exercise that resolves functional
issues. While functional needs
must be met, architecture should
transcend function. We seek
to construct a practice that
uses architecture as a means
of reflecting on life. Given the
inherent human impulse to always
aspire towards higher levels of
reality, we seek to develop through
our architecture propositions about
how to live.
 The Aesthetics of Absorption:
There is a tendency to judge the
aesthetics of architecture from
how it strikes the eye. But what
does one do once the novelty
of the initial view wears off.
The actual use of architecture
typically involves a daily routine
of inhabitation where after some
time the conscious spectacle of
viewing the building recedes to the
background. The rituals of daily
use build up memories that are
absorbed by the building and affect
the perception of the architectural
aesthetic. The test of a good
building is not to be judged as
much from the impression of the
initial view, and should be judged
more by whether one can inhabit
it for some years and look back on
those years with affection.
We seek to go beyond an aesthetic
of expression and strive for an
aesthetic of absorption. Our goal
is to construct spatial orders that
facilitate a culture of inhabitation.
 A Negotiated Practice: If
architecture is to be cultural, we
must realise that “culture” is not
a concept that can be defined,
for it does not exist purely in
the past. Culture is most alive
when it is active in the present.
The elusiveness of definition
means that a part of culture is
always open, and a hallmark of a
healthy culture is in the level of
collaborative rigour with which
this openness is continuously
confronted and negotiated.
Therefore, we deliberately avoid
bringing a predetermined language
of expression to any project. We
avoid a practice that is dominated
by iconic individuals. We look
at the site, client, project team,
consultants and other collaborators
as sources of renewal, and examine
each project with fresh eyes. Our
goal is to utilise this collaborative
approach to focus on the value that
can design can capture for each
specific project.
“Every human being has an
intrinsic spirit that is
Prem Chandavarkar and
Mehul Patel - Founder &
Director
CnT Architects
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Website: http://cnt.co.in/

intuitively drawn toward value and
beauty.
We seek connection to this spirit by
bringing
our passion for architecture into a
collaboration with
all whom we work with in order
to co-create projects that
enrich life through architecture.
For this, we envision our practice
as one that does not
revolve around personalities,
but is a reflective place -
a place to which the door is always
open.”
Prem Chandavarkar
Managing Partner
29

India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Who are we?
Manasaram Architects
Manasara, the celebrated saint wrote the oldest
treatise on Indian Architecture Vastushastra,
describing the science of design principles for
buildings, from which our Studio Manasaram was
born. Vastushastra is a science of architecture that
combines the five elements of nature and cosmos,
ultimately balancing with man and the material.
We believe that to create a Space for human
Existence transcending Time, it is desirable that the
architect designs to cater to all the three faculties of
Man - Physical, Psychological and Spiritual. Man
inherited, developed and nurtured this good earth
and is nourished by it. Ecological disturbances and
environmental problems are posing a grave situation
for humanity.
We, at Manasaram are committed to fight back
climate change by promoting the use of locally
abundant, easily renewable, low energy materials.
Working with natural materials in itself has been an
eye opener and put us on the path back to our roots.
Using what is freely available on the site, i.e., Sun,
Soil, Air, Water and Space, and materials that are
within our short reach are the determining factors
in our designs. Creativity is a mere result of this
challenge. We strive towards making the building a
living entity, responding and growing like any other
living being. When this goal is met, even to a small
extent, the built structure becomes a thread in the
web of all life, one with nature, nature itself.
What we do?
Architectural Design
We believe in holistic architectural building practices
that are cost effective, ecologically sensible and

Manasaram
Architects
sustainable. We work closely with the client,
labourers and artisans to be able to conceive an
environmentally sound project. We promote the use
of locally available materials, traditional building
techniques and climatically relevant building design
and building a vibrant community of crafts persons.
Environment Planning and Site Development
It is time to change our consciousness in this regard
and come up with appropriate means of utilizing
our resources such as Sun, Wind, Water and so
on. We must learn to use these limited resources
carefully. This is where we step in – to combine our
technological and creative skills with true wisdom
and commitment, and reverse the trend of violence
against nature. We work with consultants to bring
ecological thinking to land-use planning in all
stages of a particular project.
Education and Skill Development
In order to spread awareness and inspire the youth,
to help make widespread ecological and sustainable
practices, Manasaram along with CGBMT ,
its sister trust, provide courses and conduct
various workshops for Architecture, Design and
Engineering colleges, school children, rural women,
artisans and specially abled. We focus on engaging
the community into leading a Sustainable lifestyle
by involving them in workshops of mud, rural
buildings, while including Bamboo in our palette
of natural material from past 20 years. Advocacy to
promote sustainable architecture is an important
part of our agenda.
Website: https://manasaramarchitects.com/
Neelam Manjunath
Principal Architect
31

DESIGN MATTERS
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
About Design Matters
Design Matters was started in
2012 by Kiran Hanumaiah.
Kiran has more than 20 years
of experience in the field of
architecture, interior and
product design.
Kirangraduatedinarchitecture
from BMS College of
Engineering and has a Masters
in Architecture from School
of Planning and Architecture.
Prior to Design Matters, Kiran
worked in Team-2 Architects
as a senior architect.
Kiran played a lead role
in designing some of the
prominent apartment
complexes in Bangalore, when
the real estate boom started
in the 1990’s - such as Mantri
Sarovar, Embassy Grove,
Embassy Habitat, Nitesh
Forest Hills, Aquabay and Mall
of Goa in Goa.
Design Philosophy
Design matters has designed
a wide variety of projects-
residences, apartments,
resorts, schools, residential
interiors - all with the single
minded emphasis on making
the design matter.
The firm believes that a
good design has to be
functional-taking care of
clients requirements, enabling
efficient circulation and
creating an environment of
ample light and ventilation.
Design should also go beyond
taking care of the functional
requirements and create a
sense of wellbeing and delight-
SomethingthatDesignMatters
aspires to do.
Emphasis is on making design
holistic, contextual and
environment friendly.
The small but enthused firm
works out of Indiranagar,
Bangalore.
The emphasis is on enjoying
the design process as much as
the end product and stresses
on exploring all options before
arriving at the appropriate
design solution.
Certification and
Awards
Integral part of the design
team at Team-2-architects for
Embassy Grove-conferred
with the best residential
development India award at
the Asia Pacific International
Property awards 2017-18.
Biography
Kiran has a bachelor’s degree
in architecture from B.M.S
college of engineering and a
master’s degree from School
of Planning and Architecture,
New Delhi.
Kiran has more than 20
years of experience in
the field of architectural
design specialising in
residential design.
Kiran has worked with Team-
2 Architects and Engineers,
one of the leading architects
in Bangalore in the capacity of
senior associate architect.
During a 18year stint in
Team-2, Kiran has handled
a wide variety of residential
apartment projects in
terms of scale, segment and
builder profile.
The scope of work has been

right from design stage to final
completion of the project.
Some of the prestigious projects
worked on and clients associated
with are:
 Mantri Sarovar and Mantri
Astra for Mantri group.
 Nitesh foresthills at Whitefield,
Bangalore-500 apartment
project for Nitesh Estates.
 Embassy Grove, Embassy
Habitat and Embassy Oasis -
All high end villaments and
apartments for Embassy group
 Proposed apartments for Plaza
group in Kovilambakkam,
Chennai (upto Scheme stage)
 Vaswani Tranquil for Vaswani
group.
 Aquabay-High end villas for
Anand Bose Constructions Pvt
Ltd at Dabolim,Goa
 Cd Westwinds for
Commonwealth developers at
Benaulim, Goa
 Knightsbridge-Apartments
at Whitefield for Pristineciti
devopers.
Website:
https://www.designmattersblr.com/
33

Green Construction:
Trend in Real Estate
Overview to the topic
Living in a clean environment is every human’s basic
need and right as well. Current development in real
estate or construction industry is at its peak and we
are on the verge of creating a new form of crisis for
ourselves. We need to build roads, buildings and other
infra development to have shelter for every citizen and
have good connectivity of roads and railways to move
around. Construction and infrastructure development
is essential for developing country like India, but up to
what extent?
India’s construction sector contributes to 30% of air
pollution which is the second highest in urban areas.
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a major
concern to worry about as mishandling has become
normal. Strict government rules are framed but are
lacking in implementation. There has been some
sort of growth in reducing the waste as public is now
getting their heads in to it.
If have a look at global construction sector, buildings
are responsible for a huge share of energy, electricity,
water and materials consumption. It is not just
about pollution while constructing the building,
emissions after construction was contributing to 33%
of the total global emissions. As of 2018, buildings
account for 28% of global emissions. Including the
manufacturing of building materials, the global CO2
emissions were 39%.

35
India’s new policy to boost green
environment
As mentioned earlier, it is not just about constructing
the building. After construction there are certain
points which need to be discussed earlier.
Construction waste is traditionally dumped under the
construction site or left on the land with no proper
disposal process. It further leads to particulate matter
(PM) pollution as well as soil contamination with toxic
chemicals and plastic waste generated at the site. Later,
the water and electricity management and supply
contributes to pollution as well.
Government has made it mandatory for every
construction site to have clearance and approval
from Forest and Environment department for every
construction projects. Later, saplings must be planted
around the building to cut down the emission in the
air generated while construction in process.
Other solutions like, installing PV (Photovoltaic) solar
on the roof top for green electricity generation, or
installing solar water heater on the roof cold practically
help reduce rising heat as it will absorb and utilize
heat in the air. It will reduce the dependency on the
electricity power plants (which are mainly running on
dirty fuel like coal) and save up to thousands of rupees
and cut down the air pollution.
Green buildings in India
☐ ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon
Situated in sector-32, Gurgaon, ITC Green Centre
has set a benchmark for green structures in India.
It is spread across a rambling 1,
80,000 sq. ft. and has been granted
the Platinum Green Building rating
by USGBC-LEED (Green Building
Council Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design), making it
the first corporate house in India to
sack this honor.
☐ Suzlon One Earth, Pune
Reducing the requirement of electricity by 90%
due to having access to natural daylight; while the
exterior of the building uses renewable energy-
based LED street lights reducing approximately 25%
of the total power; ‘One Earth’ is another building
that has received Platinum certification of LEED.
The building is built using low energy materials
thus, reducing carbon footprint. The ventilation
system consists of jet fans that save 50% energy by
periodically pushing out inner air and brings in the
fresh air.
There’s lot more to be done in this industry as we
are heading towards economic prosperity and
infrastructure development. Rules need to be
strictly implemented by the authorities and followed
by the general public. Let’s keep our planet a green
and happy planet for the next generations.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building
- By Parag Ahire

About Architecture Continuous
Architecture Continuous is a Bangalore based group of architects,
designers, engineer’s builders and thinkers working within
the fields of Architecture, Interior Design and Research and
Development. The office is currently involved in a large number
of diversified projects throughout India and abroad that include
Residential Homes, Group Housing, Hospitality, Commercial,
Institutional and Public Spaces.
We care deeply about what we do and relish the involvement in
the design and execution of each project. Our firm is defined
by creativity, commitment, high energy and a true team spirit
continuouslystrivingtobecomebetterandbetteratwhatwedo.We
look at architecture as a quest to define the environments that
induce the most appropriate experience to the people in response
to the matrix of pragmatic concerns interwoven with sensibilities.
Programmatic requirements, the site conditions, climate, culture,
life style, economics, technical feasibility form the matrix of
Pragmatic concerns and the aesthetics form the sensibility. We
participate and contribute towards the wellbeing of our clients,
our culture and environment. We strive towards leaving a positive
legacy for the future generations because we believe architecture
is a process of designing the future.
Ar. Adithya. G. Kashyap - Founder and Director
Adithya G. Kashyap founding partner and principal architect for
the firm, has overseen all aspects of the design and construction
ARCHITECTURE
CONTINUOUS
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Adithya Kashyap
CEO

administrative process of projects that include: Residential
apartments, custom residential villas, hotels, commercial
complex, Institutional buildings, Interior design projects. He is
a firm believer that design should be unique to the site as well as
the client and seeks to create enduring and appropriate buildings
that positively influence users on a daily basis. Being passionate
about design, he delivers guest lectures at architecture colleges
and enjoys interacting with students. He loves challenges and
maintains an innovative approach to our work.
Ar. Sharada Seshadri - Co-Founder and
Design Head
Sharada Seshadri takes keen interest in sustainable design
solutions that result in lower energy usage and increased comfort
for building owners & occupants. Sharada, is a gold medalist
and holds a master’s degree from the School of Planning and
Architecture, New Delhi. She had been briefly teaching climatic
design to architecture students. She has also worked with Center
for Sustainable Technology (CST), IISC Bangalore on many cost
effective and sustainable construction projects. As the Design
Head, she overlooks the conceptual and developmental design
process and is in charge of the design management at our studio.
Architecture and Interior Design is a conscious process by
which designers attempt to propose and create an appropriate
built environment for the desired programmatic requirements.
It involves measured mindful plunging into thought process
today for a better tomorrow. Spaces, volumes, forms, materiality
can give birth to a myriad thought, feelings, emotions parallel to
the various musical ragas that can evoke nava rasas (9 emotions).
In addition to fulfilling a functional and societal need, some of
the architectural projects, even years after they are built, get
centrally interwoven into the lives of infinite number of people
creating a live canvas for their existence, thus etching lifelong
potent memories.
The Design Studio section carries out a diverse range of work,
frequently working as an integral part of the overall studio,
designing specific building elements, but also developing
products at a commercial and domestic scale such as, lighting
products, furniture and more.
Website: https://www.architecturecontinuous.com/
37

OSSA
ARCHITECTS
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
About OSSA Architects
Optimism is the faith the leads to Achievement
24- years ago (in the year 1996) a daunting
task was taken up by a husband-wife duo (Ar.
Sridevi & Ar. Sanjay Adlakha, both alumni of
BMS College of Engineering, B’lore) to set-
up a multi-disciplinary Design Studio (OSSA
Architects)withavisiontocreatecontemporary,
simple & functional spaces. OSSA Architects
believes in and aspires for design refinement
& inventive construction methodology
through an emphasis on rigorous geometry
and innovative use of natural and architectural
materials. It has been our constant effort to
work till the minute details understanding the
needs of the user. The reputation of the practice
is founded on providing high-quality design &
strategic advice to clients based on innovation,
flexibility, and sustainability. The main objective
has been to provide responsive, friendly and
professional service tailored to the requirement
of each client.

In more than two decades of professional practice,
out of 251 Projects designed till Sep 2020, we have:
☐
85 - Architectural (Residential, Commercial,
Industrial & others)
☐ 80 - Interior (Residential & Commercial)
☐ 79 - Exhibition Stalls (National & International)
☐ 7 - Landscape Projects
We have to our credit many Architectural and
Interior competition projects. On various occasions,
our Exhibition Stalls have been adjudged as the best.
Today, OA is a professional design studio capable of
producing large & diverse projects while maintaining
a personal & intensive involvement in each project. We
thank our clients (for providing us the opportunities),
consultants (for the required support), contractors (for
the successful completion of the projects), entire team
OA (for working shoulder to shoulder for the timely
delivery of the design) & all our family members (for
the constant support & unbiased advice). We look
forward to the continued support from each and
everyone involved in the process.
How do you evaluate success?
We don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in hard and
smart work. If your mind is curious enough to learn
about the things you are doing, then no one can stop
you from being successful.
Ar. Sridevi & Ar. Sanjay
Adlakha Founders
Website: http://ossaarchitects.in/
39

KHOSLA ASSOCIATES
About Khosla Associates
Khosla Associates, a leading Architecture and Interior
Design firm based in Bangalore India, was established
by Sandeep Khosla in 1995.
ThefirmheadedbySandeepKhoslaandAmareshAnand
create a versatile body of work ranging from architecture
and interiors of residences and corporate offices to retail
and hospitality spaces. They have in the past 23 years
of practice won over 30 National and International
Awards including the Inside Outside Designer of the
Year Award, 2010. They were The ‘Education’ Category
winner at the WAF/INSIDE Festival 2013 in Singapore,
winner of the prestigious WAN ‘House of the Year 2017’
in London, and winner of the Bar/Restaurant Interior of
2018 at the Trends Excellence Awards.
Khosla Associate’s distinct style of tropical residential
architecture uses local materials and concepts, but
reinterprets them with a unique and contemporary
design sensibility. The firm’s interest in global/local
trends in fashion, lifestyle and design is reflected in
their varied palette of bar, restaurant and hotel projects
across India. Their clients range from individual home
owners to companies such as Biocon, Westbridge
Capital, The Park hotels, Nike, MTV and Hard Rock
Café to educational institutions like Delhi Public School
and the Doon School.
Wallpaper magazine (UK) listed Khosla Associates in
2011 as one of India’s 10 most innovative architectural
practices. Architectural Digest named Khosla
Associates as one of the most influential names in
Indian Architecture and Design for 6 consecutive years
(2014 to 2019)
The work of Khosla Associates is featured regularly in
important Architectural and Interior publications from
around the world.
Design Philosophy
At Khosla Associates, we are contextualists who believe
that architecture should be rooted in one’s environment
and to a particular site. After walking through a
particular site we always like to ask ourselves – What
building does this site really want to see?
While we work with an international style, we draw
inspiration from traditional concepts, craft as well
as local material. We interpret the same with a
contemporary design approach.
Our design is experiential and attempts to modulate
space to create beautiful, peaceful or dramatic spaces.
There is a certain romanticism to our work, a narrative
quality that leads the viewer into varied experiences,
and we enjoy creating work which references the old,
has a hint of nostalgia while being wholly innovative.
Living in a tropical environment, our architecture is
climate sensitive and the relationship between built
form and the external environment constant.
Weworkinahands-onwayworkingcloselytocustomize
solutions with our collaborators. The process of making
is sometimes as rewarding as the process of conceiving.
We look at design holistically often blurring the
boundaries between the disciplines of architecture,
interior design, landscape, furniture and lighting.
We have over the past 20 years tried to develop our
version of an ‘India Modern’ sensibility.
India’s
T O L O O K F O R I N 2 0 2 1
Sandeep Khosla - Founder

Principals
Sandeep Khosla - Founder & Principal
Sandeep studied architecture at Pratt Institute, New
York, then returned to India to establish Khosla
Associates in 1995.
Sandeep developed a philosophy and design language
which is still 20 years later, at the core of the firm’s
vocabulary and approach.
Sandeep was picked by India Today magazine as one
of the fifty men and women under the age of 35 from
various fields of enterprise who are poised to be leaders
oftomorrow,byHomeReviewmagazineasoneofIndia’s
eight leading designers and by Construction World
Magazine as one of the countries’ top 10 architects.
Sandeep was included in Architectural Digest’s list of
the 50 most Influential names in Indian Architecture
and Design 2014.
Sandeep has been a speaker at several international
design conferences. Some of these include Kyoorius
Design Yatra, Goa, 2011; 361 Degrees “Architecture
of Purpose”, Mumbai, 2013; India Design ID, New
Delhi, 2013 and 2019; Institute of Contemporary Arts,
London, 2004; AD Power Talks 2018. He was a judge
and speaker at the INSIDE World Festival of Interiors,
Singapore 2014, and presented the firms’ work at the
ArchMarathon Awards, Milan 2014.
Amaresh Anand - Principal & Partner
Amaresh studied Architecture at the BMS college of
Engineering, Bangalore.
He joined the firm very early in his career in 1998
after interning with some of the other prominent
architectural voices in the city. Over the past 15 years
he has been integral to the evolution of the firm. He
became an Associate in the year 2000 and is currently a
Principal at Khosla Associates.
Amaresh’s eye for design detailing and expertise in
construction technologies has enabled interpreting the
firms’ vocabulary in new and innovative ways.
Amaresh was awarded the Inside Outside ‘Designer
Of The Year’ 2010 along with Sandeep. He was also
the ‘EDIDA’ award 2011 winner in the furniture
category for the ‘Teapoy table’ along with Sandeep
and Tania Khosla.
Website: https://www.khoslaassociates.com/
41

Construction Marvel of
Ancient India
Ancient India: Rich in Culture and
Engineering
Rich in culture and historical background, India
(previously named as Bharatvarsh) is also home to some
engineering and construction marvels. In this article,
we’ll be covering the ancient Indian construction sites
which resemble the true architectural design with a
meaning to it. You might have visited at least one in
the further list and got amazed by the technicalities
in design. Ancient Indian architecture dates back
thousands of years ago with replicating the futuristic
practical design, standing strong till date.
Starting from the eye catchy South Indian temples to
the finest craftsmanship in the Northern part of the
Indian Sub-continent, Indian architecture is as old as
civilization itself. The earliest traces of recognizable
building activity can be traced back to the settlement
of the Indus valley. Every monument in India has its
importance in the region, and those standing structures
tell the stories of their era.
Variety of Architectural Styles
India has witnessed a variety of architectural styles
emerging throughout its history. Much early Indian
architecture was in the wood, which has almost always
decayed or burnt, or brick, which has often been taken
away for re-use. Over the course of history, it has
progressed from small rock-cut cave shrines to huge

43
temples that have extended across the Indian sub-
continent and beyond, forming a style that is now seen
in contemporary Hindu temples across the world.
If not so wrong in numbers, India which is also
pronounced as ‘Bharatvarsh’ had been in existence for
the last 5’000 years. It all starts from the Indus valley
civilization and went on the journey with changes in
the dynasties and rulers in place. Archeologists around
the globe discovered many sites in recent times which
showcased how well-planned cities, buildings, and
temples were in Bharatvarsh. To keep it short, we’ll be
covering some examples of architectural marvels which
include Temple architecture, Dravidian architecture,
Cave architecture & Rock-Cut architecture.
☐ Temple Architecture
Temple architecture has deep roots in India. It has
developed in almost all the regions in the country.
Primarily, the Indian temple architecture varies as we
cross the regions; South Indian temples are huge and
are carved with many designs, as compared to the
northern temples in the Himalayan ranges they are
small in size and have different architectural styles.
To name a few: Southern temples to visit for their
marvelous architectural design are Meenakshi
Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu; Vittala Temple in
Hampi, Karnataka. To the east, you can visit Sun
Temple in Konark, Odisha.
☐ Dravidian Architecture
Dravidian culture emerged in the southern part of
India. The Dravidian architectural style emerged
thousands of years ago. The structures built by the
native Dravidian people were primarily named
kovils are epic instances of Dravidian architecture.
Texts from the 5th to 7th century CE is a guidebook
on the Dravidian style of Vastu Shastra design,
construction, sculpture, and joinery techniques.
☐ Cave Architecture & Rock-Cut Architecture
In India, caves have long been regarded as sacred
places. Caves that were enlarged or entirely
man-made were believed to be as sacred as natural
caves.ThesanctuaryinallIndianreligiousstructures,
even free-standing ones, was designed to have the
same cave-like feeling, as it is generally small and
dark, without natural light.
Indian rock-cut architecture is more varied and
found in greater abundance in the country than any
otherformofrock-cutarchitecturearoundtheworld.
Therearemorethan1,500knownrock-cutstructures
in India. Many of these structures contain artwork
of global importance, and most are adorned with
exquisite stone carvings. These ancient and medieval
structures represent significant achievements of
structural engineering and craftsmanship.
Monuments worth visiting in Cave & Rock-Cut
architecture are: Barbar caves, Karla caves, Ajanta
caves, Pandavleni caves, Tulja caves, and the largest
rock-cut Hindu temple Kialshnath Temple.
There’s a lot more to say in the context of engineering
and construction marvel of Ancient Bharat/India.
- Jai Hind
Reference:
■ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Indian_
architecture
■ https://www.floma.in/interesting-reads/history/9-
indian-architectural-styles-that-developed-the-
course-of-history
- By Parag Ahire

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