Architecture + Design India’s Post

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture and design that focuses on harmonizing the built environment with the natural forces of the universe. It aims to create spaces that promote health, prosperity, peace, and success. Direction-Based Design East: Represents the rising sun and is associated with growth and positivity. It's ideal for entrance doors, living rooms, and prayer rooms. West: Represents the setting sun and is suitable for children's rooms or study areas. North: Symbolizes wealth and prosperity, making it good for living rooms, safe rooms, or business spaces. South: Represents energy and strength. It's suitable for bedrooms but generally not for the main entrance. Five Elements (Pancha Bhoota) Vastu is based on balancing the five elements of nature: Earth (Bhumi): Stability and strength. Water (Jala): Purity and fluidity. Fire (Agni): Energy and transformation. Air (Vayu): Movement and communication. Space (Akasha): Infinity and openness.

India's “Adopt a Heritage” initiative is a unique blend of conservation and collaboration. Imagine being part of a program where private companies, individuals, and organizations can adopt historic sites—not just for preservation but for the boost they bring to tourism, community engagement, and even local infrastructure. It’s a win-win: preserving cultural gems while contributing to the economy. Yet, the initiative isn’t without its hurdles. Striking the right balance between commercialization and authentic conservation requires transparency, community focus, and the right expertise. As an architect, this is a subject close to my heart. Being a part of preserving India's heritage and also push the boundaries that merge traditional with modern is a balance we endeavour in all our designs. But the overall city scape, that is primarily derived from the buildings that make it, is a vibe that is still somewhat in a state of chaos in India. Differentiating one city from the other is a challenge and this trend seems to be seeping into our picturesque towns of India as well. But back to the big monumental heritage structures that claim the identity badges of a city. Gautam Bhatia reflects on this from all sides and literally says all that I want to on the subject in such an articulate manner. Give it a read... But it bring to the forefront a very essential question...How many monuments will be under the charge of private companies and will their efforts take into account local requirements and national ideals? The Hindu: Why India’s ‘Adopt a Heritage’ programme needs a more enlightened approach https://lnkd.in/g6pF9Z6E #architecture #heritage #design #citydesign The Hindu Gautam Bhatia Navin Gupta Architects

🏛️ India: A Legacy of Architectural Brilliance and Global Innovation From the breathtaking Taj Mahal to intricate Jain temples, India has always been a powerhouse of architectural excellence. 🕌 Our Architectural Heritage: ▪️ Taj Mahal - A marble poetry of love ▪️ Khajuraho Temples - Intricate stone narratives ▪️ Meenakshi Temple - Colors that speak volumes ▪️ Ellora Caves - Rock-cut masterpieces And many more 🌟 What Made These Possible: ▪️ Extraordinary craftsmanship ▪️ Deep mathematical precision ▪️ Spiritual connection with design ▪️ Generations of inherited skills 🚀 Modern India: Beyond Architecture Today, India's skills extend far beyond stone and marble: ▪️ Global IT solutions ▪️ Cutting-edge technology ▪️ World-class innovation ▪️ Solving complex global challenges 💡 At UKValley Technologies: ▪️ We carry forward this legacy of excellence ▪️ Helping businesses grow worldwide ▪️ Turning global challenges into opportunities ▪️ Connecting innovative solutions 🌍 Our Commitment: Bridging skills, cultures, and possibilities. From ancient temples to digital solutions, India continues to amaze the world. Want to scale your business globally? Let's connect! 👇 #IndianInnovation #GlobalBusiness #TechnologySolutions #Architecture #GlobalGrowth

Featured in Lighting India Magazine (May-June 2024) - on a topic that is close to my heart forever- Lighting for Cultural Heritage. I believe heritage sites serve as windows into a country’s identity and rich history, making lighting an essential tool in both their conservation and enhancement. Through this platform by Lighting India, I emphasized the importance of recognizing lighting as a vital aspect of heritage conservation efforts. While many lighting approaches today lean towards creating a touristic appeal, there is a compelling opportunity to explore strategies that prioritize authenticity. Striking a balance between retaining the original character of these sites and meeting new-age requirements can redefine how we illuminate and experience cultural heritage. Recognizing that heritage sites already possess an strong historic value, inherent story and character is the first step. Our role is not to alter their essence but to amplify their narrative, bringing these spaces to life with thoughtful, context-sensitive lighting techniques. The goal is to preserve the authentic vibe of these spaces while subtly integrating lighting solutions & technology aid. When was the last time you visited a cultural heritage site? In today’s fast-paced world, social media is often flooded with photos and videos of these iconic places, shaping opinions about them even before a visit. In such a scenario, the role of illumination becomes even more critical—it should center on enhancing the appreciation of the architecture's intrinsic quality rather than merely catering to visually striking, shareable moments. Thank you Lighting India #LightingIndiaMagazine Team. #Conservation #architecture #lightingforconservation #Heritagelighting #Heritage #corecharacter #Authenticity #LightingIndia #LightingIndiaEmagazine #Emagazine #MayJune #ASI #Heritagedesigner #Heritagespecialisation #SpecialisedLighting #Architecture

In the heart of Rajasthan lies a testament to the genius of ancient Indian architecture and engineering—the Chand Baori. This stepwell, built over a millennium ago, stands as a remarkable feat of design and functionality, plunging 30 meters into the ground with 13 stories and an astonishing 3,500 steps. Constructed in the 9th century by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty, Chand Baori served a critical purpose in the arid climate of Rajasthan. Stepwells like this were ingeniously designed to harvest and store rainwater, providing a vital source of water for drinking, irrigation, and bathing during the dry months. But Chand Baori is more than just a functional structure; it is a masterpiece of symmetry and precision, reflecting the advanced knowledge of geometry and aesthetics possessed by our ancestors. In an era where modern technology has redefined construction, Chand Baori remains a symbol of sustainable engineering that was well ahead of its time. It reminds us that true innovation doesn’t always require advanced machinery or materials but rather a deep understanding of the environment, a commitment to sustainability, and an eye for enduring beauty. As we stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge infrastructures, we must ask ourselves—what have we built that will stand the test of time like Chand Baori? This stepwell not only showcases the architectural brilliance of ancient India but also challenges us to create with purpose, to build structures that serve humanity while harmonizing with nature. In a world that often races towards the new, let's take a moment to honor and learn from the old. Chand Baori is not just a relic of the past but a source of inspiration for the future. It’s a call to architects, engineers, and builders to look back at our heritage and draw from the wisdom of our ancestors as we shape the world of tomorrow. May this marvel of Rajasthan inspire us to build not just for today but for eternity. #ChandBaori #Rajasthan #AncientEngineering #IndianHeritage #SustainableArchitecture #CulturalPreservation #ArchitecturalMarvel

[PART 2/2] We are delighted to partner with R.K.G. Publishers, a distinguished publishing house founded by Ravindra Kumar Gupta, former Chairman of S. Chand & Company. Renowned for their exquisite coffee table books on heritage, architecture, and culture, R.K.G. Publishers is committed to safeguarding and celebrating India’s rich legacy. As part of their groundbreaking Digital Heritage Initiative, we are crafting immersive 3D walkthroughs of Delhi’s iconic monuments. These walkthroughs not only showcase the architectural marvels of various dynasties, such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, but also contribute to the digital preservation of these treasures for future generations. We are excited to commence this journey with Hauz Khas Village, a historic gem reflecting the grandeur of the Delhi Sultanate. This site encompasses the renowned reservoir, madrasa, mosque, and tomb complex built by Alauddin Khalji and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The walkthrough will form the basis for engaging YouTube videos, produced and edited by R.K.G. Publishers, designed to inspire and educate audiences on Delhi’s vibrant heritage. Join us as we merge technology and history to breathe new life into Delhi’s architectural wonders! #HeritageUnlocked #DigitalPreservation #3DWalkthrough #HistoricDelhi #HauzKhasVillage #CulturalHeritage #DelhiSultanate #MughalArchitecture #HistoryIn3D #ExploreDelhi #PreserveIndia #TechMeetsHistory #RKGPublishers

As someone who deeply loves to know about the history of India, I was excited to learn about a remarkable initiative shared with me by a college registrar. They’ve hired a team of 45 researchers dedicated to exploring Indian architecture. The vision is clear: to shift the focus from studying Japanese or European styles and instead highlight India’s own architectural treasures. From the majestic temples of Khajuraho and Meenakshi to the grand palaces of Rajasthan and Mysore, Indian architecture is a living testament to the brilliance of our past civilizations. These structures not only showcase artistic mastery but are deeply intertwined with science, spirituality, and sustainability, all of which are central to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). By bringing this knowledge back into the forefront of architectural studies, this initiative ensures that future generations will remain intact with their roots, learning from the temples, palaces, and innovations of the past. Understanding and preserving our heritage is crucial, not just for historical appreciation, but to guide us in creating sustainable solutions for the future. When we look back at our history, we’re not just admiring the past, we’re building a future that honors it. I’m truly excited to see how this renewed focus on Indian architecture, rooted in IKS, will shape the minds of tomorrow. #IndianKnowledgeSystems #IKS #IndianArchitecture #HistoryOfIndia #Temples #Palaces #CulturalHeritage #Sustainability #FutureOfDesign #LinkedInThoughts

On this Independence Day, I’m reflecting on how India’s rich history has not only shaped our design and architecture but also inspired a journey of rediscovery and originality. For centuries, India has been influenced by various rulers, from the Mughals to the British, each leaving their mark on our architectural landscape. These influences introduced new styles, materials, and techniques that added depth to our cultural fabric. Yet, what stands out most is how, after gaining independence, India began to embark on a path of finding its true architectural identity. Post-independence, we see a conscious effort to reconnect with our roots—embracing traditional craftsmanship, reviving ancient building techniques, and incorporating indigenous materials. This is reflected in modern structures that blend contemporary design with timeless Indian aesthetics, creating a new narrative that is uniquely ours. This evolution is not just about preserving the past, but about innovating for the future while staying connected to our origins. As we celebrate our freedom today, let’s honor this continuous journey of creativity, resilience, and the rediscovery of our national identity.

Here's the biography of the Hall of Nations in New Delhi ¹ ² ³ ⁴: *Name:* Hall of Nations *Location:* Pragati Maidan complex, New Delhi, India *Year of Inauguration:* 1972 *Architect:* Raj Rewal *Engineer:* Mahendra Raj *Purpose:* Built to celebrate 25 years of Indian independence and to host the India International Trade Fair *Design:* - The building was a capped pyramid with a tesselating triangular structure. - It was made from in-situ concrete cast. - The design was inspired by ancient Indian monuments, tombs, and the traditional Indian ‘jali’. *Features:* - The building was the world’s first and largest-span space-frame structure built in reinforced concrete at the time of its construction. - It was a part of a group of four halls of varying sizes, interconnected by a system of ramps. - The building was used for trade fair exhibitions. *Demolition:* - The Hall of Nations was demolished on April 24, 2017, along with Hall No. 1 to 6, 14 to 20, state pavilions, and key neighboring structures like the Hall of Industries and the Nehru Pavilion. - The demolition was part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan to make way for a new exhibition and convention center. - The demolition was met with widespread national and global disapproval, with many arguing that the building was a significant part of India's cultural heritage and should have been preserved.

First up, #VastuShastra , the OG of design principles from India. It’s all about balancing the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—to create harmony with nature. Vastu tells you where to place your bed, where your doors should face, and even which way to position your head while sleeping. Think of it as the universe’s instruction manual for building a home that vibes with your personal energy. Then there’s #FengShui , its ancient Chinese counterpart, which focuses on the flow of *chi* (energy) through your living space. Feng Shui fans will tell you to avoid sharp corners, hang mirrors strategically, and never, ever put your bed in line with the door unless you want bad juju. It’s all about maximizing the flow of positive energy, and who doesn’t want more of that? 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gzBSD54U Nikhil Pattani