INDIAN INSIGHT

Rebuilding Faith

A New Language for St. George Orthodox Church, Kochi by Ar. Vinu Daniel

Vinu Daniel, the Kerala-based visionary architect behind Wallmakers, is redefining sustainable design with raw earth and discarded materials. A graduate of the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, he rejected conventional practice to embrace a radical, eco conscious philosophy - using low-impact construction, with techniques like compressed earth blocks and debris repurposing. Rebuilding the St George Orthodox church is amongst Daniel’s most prestigious and pathbreaking works.

INDIAN INSIGHT

Restoring Faith

Conservation of Cheraman Juma Masjid In Kerala by Chennai-Based Ar. Benny Kuriakose

Based in Chennai, Benny Kuriakose & Associates (BKA) champions vernacular architecture; with cost-effective and climate-responsive design. With a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kerala and a Master’s in Conservation Studies from the University of York, UK, Benny Kuriakose has become synonymous with sustainable architecture and heritage conservation in India.

ART INSIGHT

Dekh Kabira Roya

Ahmedabad-based artist Bharti Prajapati’s Kabir paintings

Award-winning artist Bharti Prajapati was born in 1962, in Vadodara, Gujarat. Having studied textile design at Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai and the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, she worked as a textile designer for 10 years. Later returning to explore her long-time passion – painting – Prajapati’s work has strong philosophical overtones.

INSITE STORY

Divine Interventions

In conversation with Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur

The International Headquarters of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur encapsulates the organization’s vision and sets the tone for exemplary work happening across its 206 centres scattered over the world. Spread over a lush expanse of 223 acres on a quiet hillock in Dharampur, Gujarat, and envisioned by the mission’s founder Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, this spiritual sanctuary is a vibrant centre of activity dedicated to the pursuit of a higher existence.

URBAN INSIGHT

Corridor to Eternity

Redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple precinct by HCP, Ahmedabad led by Dr. Bimal Patel

HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd. provides comprehensive services including master planning, architectural design, MEP design, and development management support. Featured here is one of the transformative projects handled by the practice - the Kashi Vishwanath corridor; which demonstrates how architecture can honour heritage while serving contemporary needs.