Book a Week: Recent Episodes
CEPT Library & Center for Research on Architecture and Urbanism
Book-a-Week is a weekly podcast in an author-interview format featuring new books on architecture and cities published in the last five years. Every week young scholars from the fields of architecture, urbanism and design research will interview authors of recent books on diverse topics from architectural history, design theory, and ecological thinking to urban studies and anthropology. Each episode is imagined as a reflective, genial conversation on the book, its context, significance and relevance in today’s time.
Shreyank Khemalapure engages in a discussion with Eric Denis and Marie-Hélène Zérah, Editors of ‘Subaltern Urbanisation in India: An Introduction to the Dynamics of Ordinary Towns' and Solomon Benjamin, author of the chapter 'Multilayered Urbanisation of the South Canara Territory' in the book, which was published by Springer in 2017The book, ‘Subaltern Urbanisation in India’, edited by Eric and Marie, offers a paradigm shift in understanding India's urban landscape by shifting the focus from major cities to smaller urban settlements. Drawing on three years of original research, the volume presents a comprehensive exploration of subaltern processes of urbanization.Eric Denis is a renowned scholar in urban geography, holding a PhD from the University of Caen, France, and a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne University. He currently serves as a senior research fellow at CNRS and director of research at the Géographie-cités Lab, Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne University. With extensive international experience, including work in Cairo, Sudan, and South India, Denis focuses on metropolitan transformations, social divisions in urban territories, and comparative analyses of systems of cities, contributing significantly to the field through over 60 publications.Marie-Hélène Zérah, a Research Director at IRD, specializes in urban studies with a focus on Indian cities. With a Ph.D. and HDR, she led research in New Delhi and co-coordinated projects on small towns' urbanization roles. Zérah's recent work explores data-driven Urbanism, Smart Cities, and urban energy governance. She is a prolific author, contributing to volumes such as "Quand l’Inde s’urbanise" and publications on water access and the Right to the City in India. Zérah also serves on the editorial board of Geoforum and is the Series Editor of Exploring Urban Change in South Asia with Springer.Solomon Benjamin, an urbanist, bridges geography, sociology, and anthropology, focusing on property's role in small-scale economies in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. He collaborates with artists, exploring urban density. Outside academia, he enjoys watercolor, ceramic stoneware, and carpentry, influenced by George Nakashima. His research delves into transnational urban spaces, local governance in global economies, and critical art practice.
Bhavin Shukla engages in a discussion with Sarita Sundar about her book ‘From the Frugal to the Ornate - Stories of the Seat in India' which was published by Godrej and Boyce in 2022In the book 'From the Frugal to the Ornate: Stories of the Seat in India', Sarita Sundar explores the significance of seating in Indian culture, delving into its relationship with users and its cultural symbolism. Drawing from her expertise in heritage studies and design theory, Sundar offers insightful reflections on the role of seating in shaping social dynamics and cultural trends, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intersection of design, anthropology, and cultural studies.Sarita Sundar is a versatile practitioner and researcher with expertise in heritage studies, popular culture, and design theory. With over three decades of experience, she blends academic insights with professional acumen in brand strategy and design solutions. Currently focusing on seating cultures in India, her work spans from Indian vernacular typography to intangible cultural practices in performance arts. Sundar holds degrees from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and the University of Leicester, UK, and has contributed essays to scholarly publications.
Soumini Raja engages in a discussion with Amita Baviskar about her book ‘Uncivil City: Ecology, Equity and the Commons in Delhi' which was published by the SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd in 2020"Uncivil City: Ecology, Equity and the Commons in Delhi" by Amita Baviskar explores the complex interplay between urban development, environmental sustainability, and social justice in the context of Delhi, India's capital city. It gives a critical examination of how rapid urbanization, economic growth, and environmental degradation intersect to shape the lives of Delhi's residents. Overall, the book provides a nuanced analysis of the challenges facing contemporary urban India and offers valuable lessons for policymakers, activists, and scholars interested in creating more equitable and sustainable cities.Amita Baviskar is a prominent scholar in Environmental Studies and Sociology, renowned for her research on environmental and development issues in India. With a background in Economics and Sociology, she holds a PhD from Cornell University. Her work focuses on social inequality, resource conflicts, and environmental movements, as evidenced in her acclaimed books like "In the Belly of the River" and "Uncivil City." Baviskar's contributions have earned her prestigious awards, including the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award and the Infosys Prize, cementing her position as a leading figure in the field of environmental sociology in India.
Bhavin Shukla engages in a discussion with Snehal Shah, Editor of ‘Footprints of Visvakarma: Studies in Indian Sculpture and Architecture' published by the Akshara Publications in 2018Footprints of Visvakarma: Studies in Indian Sculpture and Architecture" is a scholarly exploration of Indian sculpture and architecture, delving into the rich heritage and artistic traditions of the region. Authored by M.A. Dhaky and edited by Snehal Shah, the book offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate details and profound symbolism found in Indian art forms, particularly focusing on the contributions of Visvakarma, the divine architect.Madhusudan Amilal Dhaky (1927–2016) was a distinguished historian and researcher of ancient and medieval Indian art, architecture, and archaeology from Gujarat. Serving at the AIIS Varanasi Centre and later at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, he was recognized for his extensive publications, including contributions to the Encyclopedia of Indian Temple Architecture. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and a lifetime achievement award from the Gujarat Itihas Parishad.Snehal Shah, an architect with a childhood passion for drawing, studied at CEPT, Ahmedabad, under renowned professors like BV Doshi and Anant Raje. Inspired by Minimalism and Japanese architecture, he founded EssTeam in 2013, known for modern design and community-focused projects. With a growing team, Shah emphasizes collaboration and empowerment in his pursuit of innovative architecture.
Shreyank Khemalapure engages in a discussion with Pinkish Shah, Editor of ‘Sen Kapadia Architect: In Pursuance of Meanings', published by the CEPT University Press in 2022The book authored by Sen Kapadia, "In Pursuance of Meanings" is a profound reflection by esteemed architect Sen Kapadia, offering insights gleaned from over 50 years of professional practice. This seminal work, published by CEPT University, stands as a testament to Kapadia's view of architecture as a cultural endeavor. Written in the first person, the book is divided into four parts, each delving into different aspects of Kapadia's life and work. The book showcases eight carefully selected projects that exemplify Kapadia's design ethos and innovative approach. Overall, the book serves as a comprehensive compilation of Kapadia's life's work, providing a valuable resource for architects, scholars, and enthusiasts alike.Sen kapadia is an Architect, Planner and Educationist, based in Mumbai. His illustrious career includes collaborating with renowned architect Louis Khan in establishing his own independent practice, a period that profoundly influenced his architectural journey. Beyond his architectural practice, Kapadia has made significant academic contributions through lectures, seminars, exhibitions, writings, and theoretical projects, enriching the discourse within the architectural community.Pinkish Shah is an accomplished Design professional with a proven track record in the architecture and planning sector. With a Master's Degree in Architecture from The University of New Mexico, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. He is also the founding Partner of the firm, S+PS Architects and former Dean Of Academic Affairs at Kamala Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture
Bhavin Shukla engages in a discussion with Anjan Mitra about his book, ‘Durga Pujo and the City of Kolkata', which was published by the INDIANA & Sustained Actions for Value and Environment in 2022The book written by Anjan Mitra delves into the concept of temporality and its connection to the Bengali tradition of Durga Pujo in Kolkata. It transcends the physicality of buildings to explore how cultural practices shape our perception of time and space. Drawing from over 20 years of research, Anjan Mitra the author underscores the collaborative nature of design, emphasizing that its impact is shaped through community engagement and negotiation.Anjan Mitra has been involved with architecture and urban development as a researcher, a practitioner and an activist. Over three decades, he has engaged in numerous research projects, advocating for responsible design practices that prioritize the holistic experience of the built environment and its connection to society. Notably, his extensive involvement with the Durga Pujo festivities in Kolkata over two decades underscores his dedication to understanding and enhancing public spaces.Mitra recognizes design as a collaborative endeavor, emphasizing the importance of co-production and active negotiation to achieve meaningful impact.
Soumini Raja discusses the book ‘The Great Padma' with author Professor Kazi Khalid Ashraf. The Great Padma was published by the Goff Books in 2023This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate tapestry of life and history woven within the vast expanse of the Bengal Delta. The Book delves into the rich cultural heritage, geographical significance, and societal evolution of this unparalleled region. It offers a glimpse into the past and present of the delta, helping readers understand its importance and beauty in straightforward terms.Kazi Khalid Ashraf is a Bangladeshi architect, urbanist and architectural historian. Working at the intersection of architecture, landscape and the city, Kazi Khalid Ashraf has authored various books and essays on architecture. Through his books and essays, he sheds light on architecture in Bangladesh and India, delves into the legacy of Louis Kahn, and examines the intricacies of Dhaka, the capital city. Ashraf's writings offer valuable insights into the evolution of architectural forms in Bangladesh, both in the past and present. Furthermore, his work on Dhaka presents the city as a focal point for understanding urban development within a deltaic setting, contributing significantly to urbanism discourse.
Shreyank Khemalapure engages in a discussion with Vasudhendra Shroff about his book, ‘The Unforgiving City and other stories', which was published by the Penguin Viking in 2021The book written by Vasundendra and translated by Mysore Nataraja, offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of urban life. Through a series of gripping narratives, it delves into the harsh realities faced by individuals navigating the complexities of modern cities. From the challenges of relationships to the pursuit of dreams amidst societal pressures, each story sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of urban existence. He captures the essence of the unforgiving cityscape, exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the search for meaning in a relentless urban environment.Vasudhendra Shroff is an award-winning Kannada known for his short stories and novels. He is known for his writings that explore various aspects of urban life, including the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in India. Through his exploration of themes like identity, relationships, and societal norms, Vasudhendra's work resonates with authenticity and depth. He is widely admired for his candid storytelling, which vividly portrays the complexities of contemporary Indian society, earning him accolades and praise from readers and critics alike.
Soumini Raja engages in a discussion with Lindsay Bremner about her book, ‘Monsoon as Method: A Book by Monsoon Assemblages', released by the Actar Publishers in 2022The book written by Lindsay Bremner, Beth Cullen, Christina Leigh Geros, Harshavardhan Bhat, Anthony Powis and John Cook explores how the Monsoon Assemblages project engages with the monsoon as an active force in shaping urban life and space in South and Southeast Asian cities. It challenges the perception of climate as passive, highlighting its role in influencing urban politics, ecologies, infrastructures, buildings, and human bodies.Lindsay Bremner is a South African scholar and architect, and is currently Professor of Architecture at the University of Westminster, in the United Kingdom. Renowned for her contributions to the field, Bremner has authored numerous acclaimed books and has been honoured with several awards, notably the Jane Jacobs Prize in 2011. Her research focuses on the intersection of oceans, design, and climate change, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through architectural innovation and scholarship.
Bhavin Shukla engages in a discussion with Prof. Miki Desai and Prof. Madhavi Desai about their book, 'Architecture and Independence: The Search for Identity – India 1880 to 1980', which was released in its second edition by the CEPT University Press in 2022.The book written by Miki Desai, Madhavi Desai and Jon Lang explores how Indian architecture has evolved over the past century, reflecting the spirit of its times, particularly during the fight for Independence. It delves into how architectural styles and designs have changed in response to political shifts in India and globally since the establishment of the Indian National Congress.Jon Lang is an emeritus professor at The University of South Wales where he headed the School of Architecture and taught in the Masters of Urban Development and Design Program (MUDD). He was director for urban design of ERG/Environmental Research Group Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He directed the joint MArch/MCP program in urban design there before settling in Australia. He has authored and co-authored numerous books on urban design, architectural theory and modern architecture in India.Miki Desai retired as a professor from the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad after teaching there from 1981 to 2014. He has authored and co-authored books and held national and international exhibitions, based on his extensive research as well as drawing and photo-documentation, especially from his study of the vernacular, colonial and modern architecture of India. His books include Wooden Architecture of Kerala (2008), Architecture and Independence: The Search for Identity: India 1880 to 1980 (co-authored with Jon Lang, Madhavi Desai, 2022) and numerous other notable works. Madhavi Desai is an independent researcher, teacher and writer. She was an adjunct member of the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad. She has authored, co-authored and edited several books on Indian architecture, especially with a focus on gender and built environment.
‘The Unfinished: Stone carvers at work in the Indian Subcontinent’ by Professor Vidya Dehejia and Peter Rockwell, is an exploration of the notions of ‘completeness’ in the context of construction of stone monuments of India. In this podcast, Venugopal Maddipati talks to Professor Dehejia about the varying degrees of unfinished stone monuments across the country to reveal the stories and the decisions that resulted in these incomplete works.
Vidya Dehejia is Barbara Stoler Miller Professor of Indian and South Asian Art at Columbia University and a Padma Bhushan awardee. Her extensive work in the field of art history draws from her travels across South Asia, and her background in classical Sanskrit and Tamil. Her subjects have ranged from Buddhist art in its earliest centuries to the esoteric temples of North India and from the sacred bronzes of the south to the art of British India.
Delhi’s Qutb Complex is one of the most iconic sites that has encountered several changes since its inception to the present day. Catherine Asher’s book ‘The Qutb Complex: The Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli’ traces these historical changes by analysing the site’s monuments, patrons, inscriptions, and history. In this conversation, Sunaina Shah talks to Catherine about the book and the modifications and appropriations that the Qutb complex site has undergone across several years of changing dynasties and political powers.
Catherine Asher is a specialist in Islamic and Indian art, well known for her work on the Mughal dynasty and the patronage of their Muslim and non-Muslim successors and predecessors. Her other interest is in the shrines that develop around deceased Sufi saints, and the appeal such complexes have for devotees. Her books include Architecture of Mughal India (2008), India before Europe (co-authored with Cynthia Talbot, 2006) and Perceptions of South Asia's Visual Past (1994).
Rajshree in conversation with Dr. Ghazala Jamil, on her book ‘Accumulation by Segregation: Muslim Localities in Delhi’, published by the Oxford University Press in 2017.
The book explores the processes of creation and articulation of social identities of Muslims in Delhi and spatial components of identification like residential segregation, interaction with public spaces and institutions; and the socio-political positionality of Muslims in the urban social fabric. It maps the landscape of discrimination in Delhi's neighbourhoods and analyzes how such fractured geographies are created.
Ghazala Jamil is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has earlier taught at the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi, and School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. Her current research interests are around materiality and spatiality of culture, urbanism, minority rights, and subaltern feminism.
Sunaina Shah talks to Ebba Koch on the book titled ‘The Mughal Empire from Jahangir to Shah Jahan: Art, Architecture, Politics, Law and Literature’. The book is edited by Ebba in collaboration with Ali Anooshahr and published in 2019. It is a collective volume of articles written by 14 eminent scholars, and it takes a multidisciplinary approach to bring together historical, literary, architectural, and social studies in order to form a more nuanced multidisciplinary understanding of the least studied period of the Mughal empire in India.
Dr. Ebba Koch is a leading scholar and an authority on architecture, art and court culture of the Mughals of South Asia and their connections to Central Asia, Iran and Europe. She has published extensively on the subject, and has taught at the Universities of Vienna, Oxford and Harvard.
Arul Paul talks to Dr. Rahela Khorakiwala, author of the book From the Colonial to the Contemporary: Images, Iconography, Memories, and Performances of Law in India's High Courts. In this book, Dr. Rahela traces the remnants of the colonial pasts apparent in the practice and performance of law in the high courts of India at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. She argues that the iconographic identity of these courts helps preserve these historical notions of justice as evidenced in the contemporary perceptions of the court personnel.
Dr. Rahela Khorakiwala completed her MPhil/ PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, and has, in the past, worked with the World Bank for a project in Kabul, the Ministry of External Affairs on an international maritime dispute, and the law offices of Federal & Company in Mumbai. Presently, she is a Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi and leads the work for Vidhi Maharashtra. Dr. Rahela has several publications to her credit, including contributions to the Indian Law Review and the Asian Journal of Law and Society.
Sunaina Shah talks to Ray Meekar, author and photographer of the book Building with Fire, published by the CEPT University Press. The book is a compilation of Meeker’s best studio ceramics, with some essays that accompanied his show catalogs. The title ‘Building with Fire,’ is meant to underline a technique where fire is introduced into the construction processes as ‘cement’, for bonding building elements together permanently.
Born in New York, Ray Meeker lives and works in Puducherry, India where he founded Golden Bridge Pottery (GBP) with Deborah Smith in 1971. Pottery has remained significant in Meeker’s prolific practice which ranges from modest utilitarian ceramics to monumental sculptural installations and kiln buildings/homes, a result of a fourteen-year experiment in developing fire stabilized mud buildings.
Arul Paul talks to Tereza Kuldova and Mathew A. Varghese, editors of the book Urban Utopias: Excess and Expulsion in Neoliberal South Asia (Palgrave Studies in Urban Anthropology). The book brings together anthropologists and critical theorists to study utopian ideas of the future in India and Sri Lanka's neoliberal cities. The authors examine urban construction projects, special economic zones, fashion ramps, films, archaeological excavations, and queer spaces to argue for the importance of materiality to critique contemporary ideology.
Tereza Østbø Kuldova is a social anthropologist and Research Professor based at the Work Research Institute, Oslo Metropolitan University. She is the author of several books and edited volumes and is also the founder and editor in chief of the Journal of Extreme Anthropology.
Mathew A. Varghese is an Assistant Professor in the School of International Relations and Politics. He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Extreme Anthropology published from University of Oslo. He currently engages in inquiries into unintentional design and co-species evolutions of the Anthropocene.
Rajshree talks to Rahul Mehrotra about his latest book ‘Working in Mumbai, RMA Architects’ published this year in 2021, by the CEPT University Press. The book is a critical reflection on thirty years of practice of RMA Architects and is structured into five segments, each referring to projects that address questions generated by the complexity of the design program, and also its context. Through this book, Rahul Mehrotra weaves a narrative to connect his various involvement in architectural practise since 1990, including teaching, research, documenting, writing, and exhibiting.
Rahul Mehrotra is the principal founder of RMA architects, based in Mumbai and Boston. He is the Chair of Department of Urban Planning and Design and John T. Dunlop Professor in Housing and Urbanization at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He has written and lectured extensively on issues concerning architecture, conservation, urban planning and design in Mumbai and in India.
Venugopal talks to Asher Ghertner about his book ‘Rule by Aesthetics’. The book talks about the role the state plays in everyday lives of the poor and how urban aesthetics often supersedes inclusivity in the Indian city. Asher contrasts the powerful influence in Delhi of property owning citizens as represented through the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) with the travails of the property less in the city, and their displacement from public land.
Dr. Asher Ghertner is an interdisciplinary scholar who uses the contemporary politics of slum demolition and urban renewal in India to challenge conventional theories of economic transition, city planning and political rule. He previously taught at the London School of Economics and is currently an Assistant Professor in Geography and Director of the South Asian Studies Program at Rutgers University. He is the author and editor of three books and has written widely on subaltern urbanism, environmental politics, aesthetic governmentality, property, and the uses and limits of gentrification theory.
Arul Paul talks to Anshuman Gupta on his book ‘Celebrating Public Spaces in India’ co-authored with Archana Gupta. The book explores the architectural identity and socio-cultural-functional strength of urban public spaces by analysing fifty vibrant landmarks from across the country.
Anshuman Gupta, co-founder of The Foundation of the Indian Cities, works as Vice-President, Head of Projects (South Asia), at Deutsche Bank AG. As an architect and an accomplished corporate real estate professional, he has travelled and worked across India. He is a strong proponent of the sustainable approach to design, and he spares time to research and write about urbanization and cities.
Sunaina Shah talks to George Michelle on his book ‘Late Temple Architecture of India, 15th to 19th Centuries’. This book is the first wide-ranging overview of temple architecture in the 500-year period that overlaps with the authority of the Sultanates, the Mughals, and the British and has been largely excluded from scholarly pursuit.
George Michell is Professorial Fellow at the School of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne. He is a leading scholar on art and architecture in South Asia. His research has mainly concentrated on the Deccan, Bengal, Gujarat and, most recently, southern India. The projects have varied from surveys of town planning and Islamic buildings to detailed studies of temple architecture and sculpture. He is also a lecturer at universities and museums throughout the USA, Europe, India, and Australia.
Rajshree Rajmohan talks to Anindita Datta on her book "Gender, Space and Agency in India.’ This edited volume is a set of eleven insightful chapters by eminent researchers, each exploring links between gender space and agency across a diverse geographical context in India. The narratives are based on field studies and highlight not just the power of space in scripting gender, but also reinforced gendered spaces of power in a society marked by deep seated social divisions.
Anindita Datta is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has published consistently in international peer-reviewed journals with interdisciplinary perspectives; served as a member on the international editorial boards for Gender, Place and Culture and Social and Cultural Geography; and is also a member of the Steering Committee, International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission on Gender and Geography.
Venugopal Maddipati talks to Hakim Sameer Hamdani on his book “The Syncretic Traditions of Islamic Religious Architecture of Kashmir”. The book presents the rich historical context of Islam in Kashmir and explores newer dimensions of tracing histories through architecture.
Hakim Sameer Hamdani is a notable architectural historian and an Islamicist and the Design Director of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir Chapter, Srinagar. Some of his major conservation projects include Reconstruction of 18th-century Wooden Shrine of Peer Dastgeer Saheb (2020–12) and Conservation of Aali Masjid at Eidgah, Srinagar (2007) ― both of which were longlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. More recently he has received an offer under the Agha Khan Program, to do his post-doctorate at MIT, where he will be carrying forward his work on Muslim architecture and Muslim identity in the late 19th and early 20th century Kashmir, in the background of colonialism and the freedom struggle.
In the first episode of the Book-a-Week Podcast, Arul Paul talks to Gautam Bhan on his book, ‘In the Public’s Interest – Evictions, Citizenship and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi.’
Part of the School of Human Development at Indian Institute for Human Settlement, Gautam Bhan teaches, researches and writes on the politics of urban poverty and inequality, urban and planning theory, housing, and identity and social practice. He also anchors the role of IIHS as a National Resource Centre, with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and is part of IIHS’ work in affordable housing policy and practice. He has been an active part of urban social movements on sexuality as well as housing rights and currently advises and trains governmental agencies at national levels on housing policy.
Introduction to the Podcast by Prof. Srivathsan by CEPT Library & Center for Research on Architecture and Urbanism
Dr Tridip Suhrud, is a renowned scholar of Gandhi Studies, and is currently the provost of CEPT University. His body of work includes several projects on the life and thoughts of Gandhi, the social and cultural history of modern Gujarat, and translations of various literary and social science texts in Gujarati and English. Dr. Suhrud was earlier associated with the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation Trust as its Director. In this podcast, Dr. Suhrud talks about Gandhi's engagement with the material world and attendant issues of societal hierarchies. To Gandhi, working with hands was not a mere symbolic act but central to the way of living. Dr. Suhrud explains how Gandhi approached division of labour and technology to pave the way for a permanent economy.
Abin Chaudhuri, founder of Abin Design Studio, is based in Kolkata. His practice eschews a single 'big idea' approach and explores ways to engage with communities through a series of strategic initiatives. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA, New York) has selected one of the firm's projects to showcase in their publication and travelling Exhibition titled , "Uneven Growth: Tactical Urbanisms for Expanding Megacities, 2014".
In this podcast, Abin Chaudhuri, explains that the significance and value of design lie in improving the quality of life of its users. Taking a set of small but significant projects that he designed for the community of Bansberia, a small town in the peri-urban area of Kolkata, he explains how a collaborative practice yields enduring results and creates meaningful places for people.
Kaiwan Mehta, is a theorist and critic in the field of visual culture, architecture, and city studies. He is currently the Managing Editor of Domus India and heads the doctoral programme in Architecture at CEPT University. Kaiwan writes prolifically on architecture and city issues and has curated many significant exhibitions. He is also the author of two books: Alice in Bhuleshwar: Navigating a Mumbai Neighbourhood and The Architecture of I. M. Kadri.
Ìn this podcast, Kaiwan Mehta, portrays the dynamic relationship between architecture and history as seen through the biographies’ of neighbourhoods, in this case, Bhuleswar and Kalbadevi in Mumbai. He talks about how reciprocation of ideas, experiences of migrants, labourers, and citizens forms the genesis of a space. Kaiwan argues that a neighbourhood is expanded from the concept of space to the concept of time (history) and in doing so neighbourhoods have more potential than that of the nation space to reconcile conflicts.
Kamu Iyer is a senior architect who lived and practised in Mumbai for more than five decades. He is a keen observer, analyst and author of the book ‘Bombay: From Precincts to Sprawl’, among other books and articles. His prolific work is people-centred and focuses on their ways of using spaces.
Kamu Iyer talks about the evolution of architectural education in India during its formative years, including changing pedagogies. Using a biographical mode, he reflects on how the school of architecture at Sir J.J. School of Art, combined with interactions among prominent architects and some key buildings of Bombay ushered in modern thinking in architecture.
Seema Khanwalkar is a semiotician working in the area of cultural semiotics. She teaches courses on meaning and design at CEPT, IIM Ahmedabad and various other institutions. Seema also practices as a consultant in brand development and advertising analysis.
In this podcast, Seema Khanwalkar looks at associations between human beings and artifactual environments. Through the lens of anthropology and ecology, she unlocks the relationship the human body has with shelter and objects in them, which are not always evident to the architects and town planners. Using the theory of affordance, she looks at the designs of some of the mint architects in India such as Charles Correa and Balakrishna Doshi.
Parul Zaveri is co-founder of Abhikram, a practice well known for championing art and craft in architecture. Her works include settlement design and use of alternative technologies. An active explorer organic and biodynamic agricultural practices, she is a strong advocate of sustainable building practices. Abhikarm’s conservation projects have won many commendations
Parul Zaveri takes the listeners through a swift journey of conservations movement in India thus far and argues how it has to be anchored in the realities of Indian cities and social conditions. Emphasizing the importance of variety and local context in architecture, she lays out the basic principles that should govern conservation practice and unfolds the importance of resource conservation, innovation and professional responsibilities.
A G Krishna Menon is a senior architect, urban planner and conservation consultant based in Delhi. He is one of the eminent thinkers and writers in the country, and extensively written on education, practice and history. He is also the principal author of INTACH Charter of conservation.
Through the three-part podcast series, Mr Menon introduces the listeners to the disunity of modernist ideas and local context in the form and space-making in architecture. Using the example of shopping complexes, AGK Menon, analyses the architectural failures and explores much the needed reforms in practice and education. He argues for heterogeneity in architectural response, and accentuates the braiding of the modernist ideas with the local context architecture.
A G Krishna Menon is a senior architect, urban planner and conservation consultant based in Delhi. He is one of the eminent thinkers and writers in the country, and extensively written on education, practice and history. He is also the principal author of INTACH Charter of conservation.
Through the three-part podcast series, Menon introduces the listeners to the disunity of modernist ideas and local context in the form and space-making in architecture. Using the example of shopping complexes, AGK Menon, analyses the architectural failures and explores much the needed reforms in practice and education. He argues for heterogeneity in architectural response, and accentuates the braiding of the modernist ideas with the local context architecture.
Chitra Vishwanath is the founder of Biome Environmental Solutions, a firm focused on ecology, architecture and water. An architect noted for sustainable building practices. Chitra Vishwanath is deeply committed to addressing ecological and social issues through design, and over the last three decades, prolifically designed and built a wide variety of buildings
Vishwanath Srikantaiah is a well known water activist, educator and an urban planner from Bengaluru. Advisor to Arghyam foundation and founder of rainwater club, he has extensively worked on water conservation and has made over 10,000 wells functional in the city of Bengaluru.
Chitra Vishwanath in conversation with Vishwanath Srikantiah looks at architecture practices in the context of social inequality and environment and asks how relevant are the practices in the current times of pandemic. Both Chitra and Vishwanath discuss how design, material and architecture collaborate in equal measure in a design project. She finally delves into the prospects of future cities, and strongly advocates for the ecosystem design and an ecological approach in the discipline of architecture.
Reference Resource: https://crdf.org.in/crdf-resources/the-life-and-times-in-the-days-of-covid-19-with-a-blocked-sewer
A G Krishna Menon is a senior architect, urban planner and conservation consultant based in Delhi. He is one of the eminent thinkers and writers in the country, and extensively written on education, practice and history. He is also the principal author of INTACH Charter of conservation.
Through the three-part podcast series, Menon introduces the listeners to the disunity of modernist ideas and local context in the form and space-making in architecture. Using the example of shopping complexes, AGK Menon, analyses the architectural failures and explores much the needed reforms in practice and education. He argues for heterogeneity in architectural response, accentuates and the braiding of the modernist ideas with the local context architecture.
Sameep Padora, one of the noted architects in India, is the founder of Mumbai based studio, sP+a. Along with practice, he is also involved in research on issues of urbanization and architecture in India through sPare, a research initiative. Sameep is one of the founding members of the Bandra Collective, an organization involved with the design of public spaces in Mumbai.
Through two of his projects, Jetavan and Maya Somaiya Library located in rural Maharashtra, Sameep Padora, in this podcast, questions entrenched notions of context and craft. He argues for a value-based approach to understanding the region, a critical framework to rethink context and view craft as a function of its time.
Tapati Guha-Thakurta is one of the eminent art historians in the country. Her work includes the fields of cultural history, history of art and visual studies. She has written widely on the themes of art, nationalism and modernity, monuments and museum practices.
In this podcast, Tapati takes the case of two embattled sites of contemporary India - Ayodhya and Bodh Gaya and brings to light how historical and archaeological monuments are radically recast through a series of institutional interventions and mediations. In the first part, she takes us on a journey describing how Ayodhya underwent a change from a mosque to a demolished site to a site of contestation. In the second part, she talks up Bodh Gaya, a ruin that was remade into an archaeological monument, which too becomes a site of dispute.
Reference Resource: https://crdf.org.in/crdf-resources/archaeology-and-the-monument
Prem Chandavarkar heads CnT Architects, a third-generation architectural firm based in Bangalore. Besides design practise at CnT, he extensively writes and lectures on architecture, urbanism, culture studies and education.
Prem Chandavarkar, talks about the fissures in disciplinary specialization caused by the lack of humanness in the professional deliberations. Critiquing modern-day architecture, he dwells on three central themes – to merit heritage without invoking the strictures of tradition; apathy towards the inhabiting subject; and, the importance of placing humanness at the core of an architecture project.
Annapurna Garimella is a designer and an architectural historian. Her body of work includes research on late medieval Indic architecture and the history and practices of vernacular art forms in India after Independence. Presently, her research focuses on architectural renovation in temples and post-independence pedagogy in art, design and architectural schools in India.
In this podcast, she maps the lineage and issues facing architectural pedagogy in India. In particular, she looks at the relation or the lack of it between architectural history and pedagogy touching upon three critical aspects - divide between theory and practice, the conduct of professional life inside and outside of the academy and the imagination of the traditional and the modern in student-architect’s learning experience.
Rajan Rawal heads the Centre for Advanced Research in Building Science and Energy, one of the internationally recognised research hubs on energy performance of buildings. His work and teaching include the areas of energy-efficient built environment, building physics, energy policy, energy modelling and simulations. Rajan is one of the few committed to promoting architectural science in education and practice.
In this podcast, Rajan Rawal introduces listeners to fundamental principles in climate-responsive building design and explains how an evaluation of a building should include energy and thermal performance. By taking various buildings designed by architects in India, he maps how architects have adopted multiple approaches to climate `responsiveness'. This podcast is narrated by Amanda Santiago.
Tapati Guha-Thakurta is one of the eminent art historians in the country. Her work includes the fields of cultural history, history of art and visual studies. She has written widely on the themes of art, nationalism and modernity, monuments and museum practices.
In this podcast, Tapati takes the case of two embattled sites of contemporary India - Ayodhya and Bodh Gaya and brings to light how historical and archaeological monuments are radically recast through a series of institutional interventions and mediations. In the first part, she takes us on a journey describing how Ayodhya underwent a change from a mosque to a demolished site to a site of contestation. In the second part, she talks up Bodh Gaya, a ruin that was remade into an archaeological monument, which too becomes a site of dispute.
Reference Resource: https://crdf.org.in/crdf-resources/archaeology-and-the-monument
Sankalpa, teaches at CEPT University and his design studios are known for construction methods and modelling techniques. He is one of the founding members of 'Thumbimpressions Collaborative' a collective that is involved in community-based construction initiatives and has rich experience in designing and building bamboo structures.
The podcast introduces the listeners to the fundamentals of bamboo construction, highlights the multi-functional nature of bamboo and the ways to use it in constructing simple as well as complex forms. He also talks about how innovative practices can be coupled with traditional methods, and, in the end, sums up with a brief comparison of bamboo to timber and steel construction.
Centre for Research on Architecture and Urbanism (CAU), CEPT University brings this curated podcast series on architecture in India as a tool to help students listen, reflect and self-learn. It will also support teachers and interested professionals to stay updated on contemporary discourses in practice, design, and history and theory.