Caffeine shots and animated conversations in a cozy corner of a cafe seems irresistible to a majority of young Indians today. But was the scene always so? Historically, chai tapris were seen at the corner of every other busy street; where a few friends or even total strangers bonded and chatted over chai. Delving into history, one finds that the Britishers brought the café to India. The British left, but the cafe culture held its roots in India. The aftermath of Covid-19 saw the café getting a new lease of life. Earlier perceived as a standoffish eatery, now it is an adaptable, welcoming space that doubles up as a working and meeting place! Besides delicious cookies and brownies, the free WiFi offered by all these cafés gives them extra brownie points.

Mumbai indisputably has the largest population of apartment dwellers. In these three handpicked units of sizes 1000, 2000, and 3000 sq. ft. one can see luxe décor treatments laid on to well-resolved layouts that optimize the available space. These stylish apartments come from the portfolios of well-known Mumbai-based designers Ketan Sheth (Founder & MD, Goldmine Project Consultant & Services LLP), Prashant & Anu Chauhan (Principal Architects & Co-founders, Zero9 Design) and Sumessh Menon (Founder, Sumessh Menon Associates)

In this segment we pick up three different typologies – Residential, Corporate, and Hospitality – and showcase some brilliant work being done by Gujarati architects based out of Mumbai!
The ravishing villas in Surat, the stunning corporate office interior in Bhuj, and the luxury hotel in Junagadh, are representative of the growth that India, and particularly Gujarat is witnessing.

Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum is built in memory of the victims of the terrible earthquake in Kutch, Gujarat. Designed by Vastushilpa Sangath LLP, chief architect Rajeev Kathpalia envisioned it as a structure that would resonate the resilience of the residents of the disaster-struck area. A narrative intertwining memory, nature, the enduring human spirit and the traditions of Kutch, using vernacular materials and methods thus unfolds in a built form.

Ar. Diana Kellogg - the founder and principal of Diana Kellogg Architects, known for her high-end New York residences, has expanded her portfolio to include the design of the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School in India. She previously focused on upscale residential projects but has recently shifted towards social change initiatives.