INI Design Studio’s Post

The Surat Diamond Bourse, built by Morphogenesis brings together tens of thousands of diamond pros in a space that’s part workspace, part mini-city! With its central spine and 15-story towers, it’s designed to foster collaboration, natural light, and a lively atmosphere that mirrors Surat’s rich diamond trading culture. Here’s how this mini-city is setting a global standard: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 With 50% less energy use, achieved through passive cooling, radiant cooling technology, and solar power for common areas, it’s designed to perform beyond traditional standards. Its IGBC Platinum rating proves it’s built for a sustainable future! 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 Every corner of this space was designed with Surat’s diamond community in mind. From open-air workspaces to green atria, the Bourse reflects the collaborative, community-driven work style of its diamond traders. The central spine fosters easy connection and brings people together effortlessly. 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 By using Lakha red granite and Gwalior white sandstone from within 300 km, this building honors regional craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact. This localized sourcing exemplifies architecture rooted in both sustainability and local culture. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 The north-south orientation and 15-story towers maximize natural light while shielding interiors from intense heat. Over 75% of workspaces receive soft, diffused light all day, creating a comfortable, energy-efficient environment. 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 More than just a workspace, the Bourse is sparking new growth in Surat. From employing local stone-working communities to inspiring infrastructure like schools and hospitals, it’s a testament to architecture that builds communities, not just buildings. This architectural marvel is aesthetic, functional, community-focused, and eco-friendly space that truly sets the bar for exemplary architecture! #SuratDiamondBourse #ExemplaryArchitecture #SustainableDesign #CommunityDriven #GreenBuilding #FutureOfWork #LocalCraftsmanship #WorldsLargest #EcoFriendlyDesign #ArchitectureLovers

Weaving the Urban Fabric: Redevelopment of Calico Mill Lands, Ahmedabad | Masters Design Project on Urban Regeneration ‘Weaving the Urban Fabric’ is a masters design project by Rishika Jain from the ‘Faculty of Planning - CEPT University’ that explores the urban regeneration of a historically important yet unused area in Ahmedabad, transforming it into a dynamic urban hub. It prioritizes social inclusion, fair distribution of amenities, and sustainable land use. The aim of the project is to create green spaces, improved public facilities, and enhanced connectivity to the Sabarmati Riverfront. To submit your academic project for publication at ArchiDiaries login to ArchiDiaries page. #urbandesign #urbandesignthesis #UrbanRegeneration #AridArchitecture #Sustainability #FacultyofPlanningCEPTUniversity #ahmedabad #India https://lnkd.in/ghifAGDp

Glimpses from the conference held at CEPT University on Urban Design in India. Ar. Saumil Mevada, Director - Urban Planning / Architecture, INI Design Studio, discussed Urban Expansion in the context of Rajkot Smart City development, which has been envisioned and developed as a city having world class, smart physical infrastructure with utilities that are environment friendly, sustainable, functionally smart and technology driven. As architects and planners, we bear a vital responsibility in shaping our built environment with sustainability at its core. Emphasizing the same, Ar. Saumil spoke about the project entailing both preserving and cultivating open spaces like parks, waterfronts, and recreational areas to foster a lively public sphere and uphold ecological equilibrium. Additionally, the strategy focuses on the promotion of mixed land use, aiming to optimize land efficiency and cluster complementary activities in proximity to each other. #architecture #urbanplanning #urbandesign #urbandevelopment #sustainability #cept #ceptuniversity #rajkot #smartcity #gujarat

For our next ‘Changemakers’ feature, we are highlighting Monish Siripurapu and his work at Ant Studio and CoolAnt. Monish, a Solar Decathlon India jury member, is the CEO and Founder of Ant Studio. Ant Studio has developed AeroLeaf™, a terracotta building envelope system that promotes natural cooling through evaporative surfaces and a nozzle effect. Shaped like a leaf, it shades, ventilates, and cools spaces by channelling air along its porous, water-storing modules.  The studio recently used this in a commercial project in Bilaspur Chhattisgarh. The building is oriented towards the southwest direction, with more emphasis on the west than the south. Its facade is designed to capture part of the sun as it moves from south to west. The resulting design is a parametric facade where sunlight enters the building for most of the day, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadows. All this without obstructing the view from the inside! #SDI #ChangeMakers #SDIchangemakers #DesignChallenge #StudentCompetition #NetZeroEnergy #NetZeroWater #NetZero #EnergyEfficiency #Architecture #Engineering #Buildings #Construction #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #BuildLess #BuildSmart #WhatsItAllAbout #smartwaystobuild #buildlessbuildsmart

🌍 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏: 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 Too often, I see 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 reimagining existing spaces in ways that 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭. Many refurbishments end up with hyper-modern or futuristic designs that disregard the essence of the place—especially in cities with rich histories like New Delhi. Recently, I came across a proposal for public spaces in Delhi—featuring sleek, contemporary structures with glass facades—overlooking key factors like climate and the city’s architectural heritage. In a city that reaches 50°C in summer, and whose architecture spans Indo-Islamic, colonial, and modern styles, why not honor these elements? Thoughtfully blending the city’s legacy with modern needs could result in spaces that resonate with both the environment and the people who use them. At SKY+Line BUILT, we’re forming a dedicated team to 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡. Our goal is to partner with 𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 to create sustainable, locally inspired spaces that balance tradition and innovation. Let’s transform urban spaces with purpose. #UrbanDesign #SustainableArchitecture #CityPlanning #HeritagePreservation #PublicSpaces #SkylineBuilt #SmartCities #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalFusion #DesignWithPurpose #India Indore Municipal Corporation Indore Development Authority (IDA) Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Limited Pushyamitra Bhargav Bangalore Development Authority Dr Sanjeev Kumar Lohia Sanjay Kumar Shukla Arun Kumar Gupta Shagun Sharma Parikshit Dhume #ArchitectureWithPurpose #SustainableDesign #UrbanPlanning #HeritagePreservation #CityDevelopment #PublicSpaces Ilustrative Image, Source : Bernard Tschumi Urban Revitalization

In today’s fast-paced world, commercial spaces are no longer just places to work or shop — they have become vibrant hubs for socio-cultural connections. At GPM Architects and Planners, we believe thoughtful design goes beyond functionality; it creates environments that foster community, promote interaction, and celebrate diversity. The Indirapuram Habitat Centre in Ghaziabad is a perfect example of this philosophy. By blending the traditional Indian bazaar with modern urban design, we created a space that integrates retail, residential, and social functions where people can truly connect. The design nurtures interaction and a strong sense of belonging with features like vibrant shopping streets, open courtyards, a multiplex, a convention centre, restaurants, and educational facilities. It’s more than just a place to shop; it’s a space for living, learning, and growing together, transforming how commercial spaces can empower community connections. #CommunityDesign #UrbanPlanning #IndirapuramHabitatCentre #CommercialDesign #Architecture #UrbanDesign #GPMArchitects

ARCHITECTURAL PLACISM? The other day, a friend talked about her case study—a museum in Bihar designed by a renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. Her first reaction? “I didn’t expect Bihar to have such a fancy building!” This got me thinking: Why do we associate certain places with specific architectural characters? Why does a “fancy building” feel out of place in Bihar but seem natural in a metro like Mumbai or Delhi? Every city or region carries an architectural identity—its placeness. Think of Jaipur’s pink facades, Venice’s dreamy canals, or even Chandni Chowk’s chaos. These elements create a sense of belonging, making places instantly recognizable. I’ve been calling this Architectural Placism—how we emotionally connect with the identity of a place through its built environment. But here’s the catch: Are we holding onto this sense of placeness or erasing it as architects and designers? In today’s race for modernization, we often trade local character for globalized, cookie-cutter aesthetics. The result? Cities that look the same everywhere, but feel like nowhere. So, what’s the way forward? Can we design in a way that respects and celebrates the soul of a place while still embracing innovation? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! #placemaking #architecturalidentity #design

"Helping clients understand the application of materials is a significant challenge, further exacerbated by the unavailability of certain materials. This issue poses a serious concern for us and often limits our creative potential," says ID Sargam Solanki of Shreejee Interiors during a recent interaction with Building Material Reporter in Gwalior. #interiordesigner #building #interiordesign #architect #sustainability #construction #Architecture #bmreporter #Gwalior

Culture informs context. When woven into the designs, these influences represent both the history and foresight of the environment they belong to. The redevelopment of Ayodhya to envision a 21st-century blueprint demanded a futuristic approach that also looked at the tiniest nuances of this ancient town and its established values. Monumental expansions like that of the Sarayu riverfront, hospitality avenues, and marketplaces contribute to the fast-evolving cultural icon. The design seamlessly unifies with the socio-political context by adapting to its emerging needs. [Cultural Spaces, Ayodhya Redevelopment, Saryu River Redevelopment, Heritage Icons] #CPKA #DesignPhilosophy #Ayodhya #UttarPradesh #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #MasterPlanning #UrbanDesign #IndianArchitecture #Renovation #IndianArchitects #BuiltEnvironment #Design #Innovation #DesignInspiration #ArchitectureAndDesign #Sustainability #SustainableArchitecture