Letters

Letters

The inspiring architect from Burkina Faso who lifted world’s biggest prize

Kéré’s work is a magnificent example of the potential of architecture to provide a better future 

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 …