Chitra Vishwanath, an architect with roots in civil engineering, emphasizes sustainable architecture through the use of local materials and water conservation in her firm, Biome Environmental Solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm has created approximately 700 mud houses in India and Nigeria, focusing on ecological design. Vishwanath also advocates for internships in architectural education, highlighting the importance of learning over commercial gain during studies.

1. Chitra Vishwanath
Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM

2. Vishwanath studied for diploma in civil engineering from Nigeria and a Bachelor of
Architecture degree from the CEPT University in Ahmadabad . She started her practice in
1990. Her approach in evolving architectural designs has placed emphasis on indigenous
natural resources, in both an active and passive manner.
Vishwanath built her own mud house in an area of 135 square metres (1,450 sq ft) in
Bengaluru. She is married to S. Vishwanath, a civil engineer specializing in water harvesting
structures and water management. He is a partner in her firm.
Chitra Vishwanath and S.Vishwanath harvest rainwater and minimize wastage in their
Bangalore home
Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM
To promote sustainable
architecture
To use environment friendly
local resources and materials
that produces less pollution and
are easy to incorporate as per
the climate.
What a tree gives you is so
much more important than
what gold gives you

3. Born : 6 November 1962 (age 56 years), Bangalore
Notable work : Earthen architecture and water harvesting
 Practice: 1990
Firm : Biome Environmental Solutions, Bangalore which
created around 700 mud houses in India and Nigeria.
Biome
Ecology Architecture Water
Philosophy
“To employ local resources in an optimised way, to plan considering the natural
elements, positively and actively, improving lifestyle quality of doers and users “
Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM

4. The ideal time for internship is the 7th semester. This gives institutes the time to
prepare students for internships by teaching them the necessary skills. Interns, in turn
learn from real-life scenarios which they can tap into in later semesters. A student coming
after the 9th semester tends to believe that he/she is already an architect. This perception
colours the objective of learning and tends to make it job-oriented – which an
internship is not.
My advice to students is to neither take internship lightly nor look at it as a means of
commercial gain. You are at a stage in life where learning must be the primary means for
self-fulfillment
Mindset of the students
Irresponsibility of Institutes
Hierarchy within the Office
Authenticity of Portfolios
Architectural Internship in India
Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM

5. Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM
Team Biome works at
• Earth architecture
•Ecological Spaces
•Rainwater Harvesting Systems
•Ecological Sanitation and waste
water management
• Alternative energy systems
•Inclusive play spaces
•Education in ecology and design

6.  What inspires you?
People and their need.
Who is your favorite architect?
There is no single favorite, but the one person who I respect very highly is Didi Contractor for the kind of
sustainable projects and philosophy she espouses.
One design principle essential to all your projects…
Sustainability.
What is lacking in Indian design and architecture?
I cannot criticize or be an expert on what is lacking in this wide-ranging field. But I do I think that the initiative
and approach towards recognizing the potential within is what is rather low nowadays… However, there are many
inspiring examples of extremely good work. The field, in terms of a market for ideas as well as possibilities for
innovation, is very vast. And people are using opportunities to either make a fast buck or are exercising due
diligence… the latter may be less in number.
What motivated you to take up architecture?
More than what, it is who in my case. My father, who was a sculptor, felt architecture was furthering the
exploration of space, and he motivated me to study the subject.
The book you are currently reading?
Architecture for Rapid Change and Scarce Resources by Sumita Sinha.
How do you unwind after a hectic day?
Mostly watching TV.
Your favorite city, to live in and why?
It will have to be Bangalore. The climate, family and work, all come together here for me.
If someone were to write your biography, what would the title be?
Serendipity.
Your favorite superhero?
Hanuman.
Interviewed By- Ridhi Kale (May 14, 2012)
Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM

7. Uma Nagaraj Residence, Bangalore
Namboodri Residence, Bangalore
Residence for Pradeep & Pushpa
Hamsa’s House, Bengaluru
Projects
Ar POONAM SHARMA M.Arch II SEM