'Mass housing is a self-defeating concept'
SUHASINI AYER-GUIGAN is an architect concerned with issues of rural development and habitat. Holding a degree in architecture from the Delhi-…
Kangra safe corners
The Himalaya is the youngest range of mountains in the world are immensely prone to earthquakes. The entire range falls in seismic zone 5 and 4 - …
How green is your building?
The building's green credentials have been recognised internationally, most notably by the us Green Business Council (usgbc). The Washington-…
Easy tips to increase AC efficiency: EP5 New Vastu with Ashok B Lall
Ashok B Lall shares quick fixes on how to reduce the load on air conditioners during peak summer. Some of these are very easy, like shading your …
Lean, not fall
Experts are now busy implementing an innovative technique for preventing the leaning tower of Pisa from going overboard
Correcting the Leaning Tower's tilt
A Chinese architect claims he can stop the Leaning Tower of Pisa from tilting further, and even bring it back to the original angle of tilt.
Mud buildings that use traditional knowledge and no cement are making a comeback
An organisation, Thannal, is looking to educate architects on the benefits of traditional mud techniques
Homing in on tradition
Traditional models of architecture, especially for mass housing purposes, may yet be resurrected
Roman retreat
About 2,000 years ago, when the Romans ruled London, they gave the city its first centrally-heated homes. A look back in time
Kath-Kuni: A young architect brings back the glory of his homeland's traditional architecture
Rahul Bhushan, a 29-year-old Himachali local and alumnus of CEPT is trying to bring back the glory of Kath-Kuni structures
City trapped in a solar oven
Climate-incompatible buildings that fuel excessive use of air- conditioners not only add to the energy needs of cities but also create …
Eco-friendly building
BUILD YOUR HOUSE TO THE RHYTHM OF LIFE Vinoo Kaley Bliarat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha National Organising Council
Catching the wind
Modern designers of interior climate control can learn a thing or two from traditional windtowers and windtunnels
Solar Power Tree
Solar Power Tree is a structure that is designed like a tree with branches made of steel to hold the photovoltaic panels. India's first solar …
Out in the cold
It is possible to design buildings that stay cool in summer and warm in winter and save energy. But interest in solar passive architecture …
Sun city
Architectural features that eliminate artificial heating or cooling of a building are becoming de rigeur
‘Sick-building syndrome’ fuelling India’s COVID-19 infections
Greed of the air-conditioning industry and architects mean that India’s new buildings don’t get adequate ventilation; now, the Centre …
Rolling back the architect
Durganand Balsavar’s designs incorporate community demands even at the cost of violating architectural principles
Simply creative
General principles of architecture are imaginatively applied to create a green building in Gurgaon
`Bioregionalism could become a global movement'
French architect Didier Prost is an advocate of bioregionalism, which calls for a renewed focus on local people and knowledge to innovate for …
The greening of the urban landscape
GREEN ARCHITECTURE Brenda and Robert Vale Publisher: Thames and Hudson, UK Price: L18.95
Restoring a century-old building in Chandannagar helps raise awareness about heritage management
The Registry Building constructed in 1875 served as the register office as well as the first French courthouse
Natural elements keep homes comfortable
A new architectural technique uses the sun and other natural elements to regulate temperature, thereby helping to conserve non-renewable energy …
When the car drives you: Speed as hierarchy and privilege
What remains of the public if at their best of expressing their disagreement, their gatherings are called “traffic jams”?
Zipping ahead!
It may not be the best, but has a big appeal. For those wanting to break the tradition in the small car segment, this Hyundai product offers a …