---
title: "Commercial & Institutional Architecture for Sustainable Buildings - mytribe"
description: "Award-winning commercial & institutional architecture focused on low-energy construction. We design LEED certified offices, university campuses, and community centres using passive design principles. Build a sustainable future with us."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture
last_updated: 2025-09-25
---

# Commercial & Institutional Architecture in New Delhi

By [Ashok B Lall](https://mytribe.in/ablarch) · I design commercial and institutional buildings using passive cooling, local materials, and recycled elements so spaces are comfortable, energy-efficient, and fit their surroundings.

## Locations

Takes projects across India; Visit office at Civil Lines, New Delhi

### Travels to

- Takes projects across India (India, India)

### Visit at

- Office at Civil Lines, New Delhi (designs projects near Delhi University North Campus, Kashmiri Gate, Kamla Nagar, Vidhan Sabha, Tis Hazari, Chandni Chowk)

## Pricing guide (estimates)

These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote.

### Low-Cost Regenerative Community Design

Frugal architectural design utilizing on-site earth block production, upcycled demolition materials, and thermal mass cooling for NGOs.

Typically ₹100-180 per sq. ft. of Built-up Area (estimate)

#### Material Sourcing & Upcycling
* Integration of second-hand components like vintage doors and shutters sourced from demolition sites.
* Setup and supervision for Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) using excavated site soil.
* Design details for utilizing recycled construction debris within filler slabs.

#### Space Planning & Utility
* Flexible hall designs serving as training centers, dormitories, and dining areas.
* Inclusion of playful architectural elements like rooftop lookouts and varying floor levels.
* Integration of pre-cast concrete "Aalas" (wall niches) for built-in storage.

#### Natural Cooling Systems
* Heavy thermal mass wall design to regulate indoor temperature swings without AC.
* Ventilation shafts and wind-catchers for non-mechanical air circulation.
* Design of rotating vertical louvers using mild steel and canvas for facade shading.

### Institutional Campus Master Planning

End-to-end master planning for large-scale campuses using passive cooling towers, local stone masonry, and net-zero energy strategies.

Typically ₹160-250 per sq. ft. of Built-up Area (estimate)

#### Master Planning & Zoning
* Site analysis for sun path and wind direction to optimize building orientation.
* Creation of "Aakash Chowk" courtyards to link academic and residential blocks.
* Civil design for water recharge valleys and rainwater impounding systems.

#### Architectural Design
* Deep-plan buildings featuring light wells and open courtyards.
* Specifications for locally sourced pinkish-grey quartzite stone and exposed brick.
* Custom detailing of Jaalis (lattice screens) and Chajjas (overhangs) for glare control.

#### Passive Cooling Engineering
* Design of downdraft evaporative cooling towers and air tunnels reducing AC load by 60%.
* Acoustic detailing for classrooms to ensure noise control with open-air systems.

#### Landscape Integration
* Patterned stone flooring for all pathways and hardscapes.
* Design of secluded "Quietude" pockets with natural vegetation and stone seating.

### Sustainable Corporate Office Architecture

LEED Platinum-ready design featuring Bubble Deck Slab technology, biophilic atriums, and automated BMS integration for high-performance workspaces.

Typically ₹220-320 per sq. ft. of Built-up Area (estimate)

#### Green Building Strategy
* Documentation and design support for LEED Platinum or GRIHA 5-Star certification.
* Net-zero planning with rooftop Solar PV integration to offset lighting and HVAC loads.

#### Structural & Technical Design
* Implementation of Bubble Deck Slab technology using recycled voids to increase floor heights.
* Smart BMS integration to automate cooling based on external weather conditions.

#### Biophilic Interiors
* Central atrium design featuring water body trickle fountains that act as heat sinks.
* Light shelf design and narrow floor plates ensuring 100% workstation daylight access.

#### Artistic Facades
* Design of movable external shading systems like bamboo pergolas.
* Detailed drawings for hand-painted vertical louvers or metal "Donor Tree" installations.

## About Commercial & Institutional Architecture

### What Drives My Work

I see every project as a chance to make spaces that feel good and do good too. Whether it's a university campus, an office, or a community centre, I work to blend comfort, responsibility, and a sense of khushali (well-being) for everyone using the building. I want places that breathe, not just boxes with walls.

### How I Design: Practical, Local, Real

- Passive architecture techniques are my go-to - letting sunlight and wind do a lot of the work, so you don’t always fight with bijli ki killat (power cuts).
- I stick to what’s local. Jaalis (screens), chajjas (shades), and materials from nearby help create buildings that actually belong where they stand.
- Adaptive reuse in institutional buildings is something I love - old doors from a haveli (mansion), excavated earth for new walls. Waste isn’t just waste for me.
- Buildings should help people connect, not feel lost. I focus on spaces for learning, chatting, or just sitting quietly.

### Projects That Show My Approach

- The Butterflies Centre, Delhi: Earth walls, second-hand doors, and a Bubble Deck slab to cut down on concrete.
- IIHMR Campus, Jaipur: Local stone, evaporative cooling, and a rainwater causeway for water-saving campus design.
- LEED Platinum Office, Noida: Courtyard with water body as a heat sink, bamboo facade screen, top green rating.
- Qutub-Shahi Centre, Hyderabad: Modern spaces echoing history, made for gentle, immersive experiences.

### My Sustainable Tools

I often make earth blocks on site, design cooling systems that use water and air without heavy ACs, and use recycled materials wherever possible. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it when a building starts to really feel like it belongs.

## Highlights

Browse through Ashok B Lall's best work.

### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/featured)

- ![Children look out from a *jharokha* window at the Butterflies Resilience Centre. We used upcycled doors and windows from an old haveli, giving them a new home and weaving a sense of history and continuity into the building's fabric. For me, architecture must create these moments of simple joy and connection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b4dff4f2-bd2b-46c9-94e7-f75574221911)
- ![The central courtyard of our LEED Platinum certified office in Noida. The space is designed around a water body that acts as a natural heat sink, passively cooling the building and creating a tranquil heart for the workplace. This is how we build spaces that breathe.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f355c9f8-4f3e-4802-b6a1-7badf4e2d8cb)
- ![A view of the IIHMR University campus in Jaipur, nestled in greenery. We used local stone and designed the buildings around linked courtyards, creating a space that feels rooted in its environment and encourages interaction and learning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7aa0e288-b0ee-4fa3-a23d-dfea04871dc1)
- [Video: Here, I explain my approach to materials. We excavated the earth from the basement of the Butterflies Centre and used it to make the very bricks for its walls. By using what is already there, like second-hand doors and windows, we create buildings that are truly sustainable and cost-effective.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/521d952e-4d70-4fc3-8e28-025581ef6c2e)
- ![The vibrant facade of the Butterflies Centre in Delhi. These hand-painted louvers are not just for decoration; they are a dynamic shading system that controls sunlight. This is an example of how we integrate art with function to create buildings that are both beautiful and intelligent.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/12699ba3-b28f-48ca-9c0a-4bb5b9114a59)
- ![A shaded pergola at the IIHMR Jaipur campus. I believe in creating gentle transitions between the indoors and outdoors. These spaces offer respite from the sun and invite people to walk, pause, and connect with nature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b487901-28a8-4ff7-9d14-20f9ecda64a1)
- [Video: This is the custom-made trickle fountain in our Noida office project. The sound and sight of water are calming, but it also serves a practical purpose. It is part of a larger evaporative cooling system that helps manage the building's microclimate with minimal energy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0bbef3f3-6060-4c38-a003-187ebab83e9e)
- ![A portrait of myself. After five decades in architecture, my commitment remains the same: to design and build spaces that are responsible, gentle on the earth, and bring a sense of well-being to the people who inhabit them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/59c783d9-b781-45af-a196-41fe08b8010b)

### [Butterflies Resilience Centre: A Home with Heart](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/butterflies-resilience-centre-a-home-with-heart)

- [Video: An introductory look at the Butterflies Resilience Centre, situated within the urban village of Jaunapur, Delhi. The film shows how we designed a space for healing and growth, promoting an environmentally aware lifestyle with simple means.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e1f2948-44d7-4f1d-8f1f-6207d6f47f04)
- [Video: An aerial top-down view showing how the Butterflies Centre is designed as a long, narrow building with two internal courtyards. This structure brings light and air into the deep plan, creating a network of interconnected spaces from the basement to the rooftop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b4bd7703-eaa2-4952-843e-b9a83052e107)
- ![Two boys stand in a doorway at the Butterflies Centre. We sourced about 80 percent of the doors and windows from local second-hand stores, giving each opening a unique character and a story of its own.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1afdfe17-527e-412f-850c-ccb56597650b)
- ![Looking up from one of the whitewashed courtyards. These light wells are essential, drawing daylight and fresh air deep into the building and allowing for visual connections between floors through openings like these traditional *jharokhas*.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c59380af-09f4-4a2c-a902-0ada90ee2676)
- ![Another view from a courtyard, this time with earthy-toned walls and bright green window frames. The play of color, light, and shadow creates a dynamic and cheerful environment for the children living here.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/047e3ba1-d331-4ee2-a90a-09d360a820cc)
- [Video: This video shows the rotating vertical louvers on the building's facade. Hand-painted with warm colors on the outside and cool tones on the inside, they serve as a functional sun-shading system and a piece of interactive art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/27c13b44-6ae4-4c15-a52c-fef2ec45634c)
- ![The view from inside the cafe at night, looking at the backlit, hand-painted louvers. The artwork creates a magical atmosphere, blurring the line between the interior and exterior and sparking the imagination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f33dfc51-aaad-488e-b477-17c5f31ba6c7)
- [Video: Rita Panicker, the Executive Director of Butterflies NGO, shares her experience of the building's atmosphere. She speaks about the positive energy from the natural light and free-flowing air, and how the artistic louvers add to the innovative design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc45418a-1181-4a91-9ec5-966801beb83f)
- [Video: Architect Chetna Singh explains the concept behind the 'Donor's Tree' installation. Each leaf is uniquely shaped, symbolizing the individuality of every child, and the artwork serves as a beautiful tribute to the community that supported this project.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ff05e4a4-642b-450d-8539-26c857191e54)
- [Video: I share my personal inspiration for this project, recalling my own childhood in a rambling old house. I wanted to create a place of exploration where children could find their own corners, from the courtyards to the rooftop perch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2f3c7b99-10c5-43b3-977f-c8d8a93345da)
- [Video: Here, I explain how we can reclaim the ground in dense urban areas by thinking of the rooftop as a new living space. The roof at the Butterflies Centre is designed to hold solar panels for electricity and hot water, making the building more self-sufficient.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f1b7aebe-9ff0-4129-bbe4-5116f96951ce)
- ![A design rendering and text from an article explaining the project's goal. It was to create a flexible framework for childcare, education, and rehabilitation, with a network of spaces that allow children to explore and feel at home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e807f63-470b-4c58-877f-0bfa2ca76806)
- ![This clipping highlights our low-carbon construction approach. Soil from the basement became walls, and recycled debris was used for filler slabs, demonstrating a cost-efficient and eco-friendly building method.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/95f62851-143c-4321-9b5a-922fe06bc4df)
- ![An excerpt from an article where I explain the design concept. I drew from my childhood memories to design a home that encourages exploration and gives children a sense of freedom and discovery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bbd22ba-94fc-44eb-b931-182a00eaad9e)
- ![This image and text describe the sustainable systems we integrated. These include roof gardening, greywater recycling, solar panels, and courtyards that funnel daylight, minimizing the need for air conditioning and artificial light.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/85d62cd5-ccfd-480b-9deb-8d93537804f8)
- ![The cover of a feature article in STIR world about the Butterflies Resilience Centre. It recognizes the project as a thoughtfully designed temporary home for street kids, highlighting its social and architectural importance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0dd60e6f-fef2-46ed-92e2-78524e597724)
- ![This article detail explains how the design reinterprets the traditional 'haveli' courtyard typology for a narrow urban plot. The courtyards are key to the building's sustainable regeneration strategy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/513de291-c4b8-438e-9abd-79a3f05ddc7c)
- ![A powerful image of children looking out from colorful windows, featured in an article. The text explains the building's hybrid structure, which is robust, earthquake-resistant, and flexible enough to adapt to future needs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94840609-787d-4bee-9fd5-cddcc45672d8)

### [IIHMR University, Jaipur: Learning with Nature](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/iihmr-university-jaipur-learning-with-nature)

- ![The main academic block at IIHMR, built with a pinkish-grey quartzite sourced from a nearby village. The design uses traditional elements like precast *jaalis* and *chajjas* to create a building that is modern yet deeply connected to local craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/64cbf8f2-0909-476c-b809-1970c5f9b992)
- ![A stone causeway on the campus acts as a bridge and a dam to impound rainwater. This feature helps recharge the local water table and adds to the unique environmental character of the university.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc81ff46-7eb4-4f35-8902-220b41062618)
- ![Lush greenery lines the pathways at the IIHMR campus. The landscape design is integral to the architecture, providing shade and creating pleasant walkways that connect the various buildings and courtyards.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dce793cc-9e9b-477d-aebf-1d09efcb8125)
- ![A central tree provides a natural gathering spot within a courtyard. These compact, linked courtyards are the heart of the campus plan, offering shaded, comfortable spaces for students and faculty to interact.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26be2f82-8adf-4f8c-a8f9-3a2756ccc140)
- ![The building facade shows balconies with flowering plants, integrating nature at every level. This project was the winning entry in a design competition and was later nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/931a07b0-5951-4eb3-8db4-c0852d8c6d31)
- ![A detail of the local stone masonry against the sky. The texture and color of the material ground the building in its location, creating an architecture that feels like it belongs to the landscape of Jaipur.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/63a73c76-183a-4b04-ae12-154c4a361f87)
- ![The building's facade showing deep-set windows and chajjas (shades). These passive design features are crucial in Rajasthan's climate, as they protect the interiors from harsh sun while allowing for natural ventilation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/140ba543-e67b-42a5-be4a-d45d72c2f9aa)

### [LEED Platinum Office, Noida: The Breathing Workplace](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/leed-platinum-office-noida-the-breathing-workplace)

- ![The exterior of the LEED Platinum office building in Greater Noida. The design incorporates a prominent shading structure and lush landscaping at the entrance, immediately signaling its focus on sustainable and green architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c341e4a9-796c-456b-9071-a8c83dd0e0b8)
- ![Looking up at the sky through a bamboo pergola at the building's entrance. This structure, along with the adjacent green wall, creates a dramatic and welcoming entry while providing essential shade to the south-west facade.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8dc5763-5e8f-404d-a33f-64df6578b8df)
- ![The same view of the bamboo pergola and green wall, presented in black and white. This perspective highlights the strong architectural lines and the beautiful contrast between the built form and the natural elements of sky and plants.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b7b8f67-549a-48f0-b630-f89fb86ca4c6)
- ![A low-angle view of the building's courtyard architecture. The design features intricate details like the patterned railing and mosaic tile work, showing our commitment to craftsmanship even in large commercial projects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c060bff-cdae-4af4-a4cd-7584009c8343)
- [Video: A brief tour of the Institute of Rural Research And Development (IRRAD), another one of our sustainable institutional buildings. This project also features a central courtyard with a water body and lush greenery, demonstrating our consistent approach to passive design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0679bddd-84d5-4424-aa94-d76c8e800157)

### [The Craft of Sustainable Building](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/the-craft-of-sustainable-building)

- [Video: I believe the most sustainable material is the one you find on site. Here, I explain how we used the earth from the basement excavation at the Butterflies project to create over 70% of the building's walls, a truly circular approach to construction.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/521d952e-4d70-4fc3-8e28-025581ef6c2e)
- [Video: This video shows two key construction techniques from the Butterflies Centre. First, the on-site production of cement-stabilized earth blocks, and second, the use of a Bubble Deck slab, which uses recycled plastic balls to reduce concrete and lighten the structure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0960d3fb-84e6-4b60-815a-5be5185a5bc2)
- ![A view through an arched opening framed by walls made of stabilized earth blocks. The soil was excavated directly from the basement, making it the primary, hyper-local building material for the project.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2ee162d5-9a5e-481e-913c-5180028d1197)
- ![A hallway at the Butterflies Centre, showcasing the texture and warmth of the earth block walls. This material is not only sustainable but also provides excellent thermal insulation, keeping the interiors comfortable.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/891181ee-fa4f-4ddc-8103-76de387fac4d)
- [Video: The process of creating precast wall storage units, also known as an *Aala*. This small alcove is a traditional design element we have modernized to add utility and character to a wall, serving as a small shelf for everyday items or a space for prayer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b104a129-f187-4a69-a6bf-ee284881f164)

### [Future Visions & Design Concepts](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/future-visions-design-concepts)

- ![A rendering of the proposed Qutub-Shahi Interpretation Centre in Hyderabad. The design uses a modern idiom to recall the sense of order and gentle play of light found in the historic Qutub-Shahi monuments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e088df0c-2599-44ec-ae1a-c9ab3a2d299a)
- ![A rendered view of a semi-open courtyard space at the Qutub-Shahi Centre. These areas are designed to provide a gentle transition, with trees and informal seating that connect the galleries to the surrounding park.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d6c6ee2-446b-41f9-a901-2728013a1e46)
- ![A grand staircase at the Qutub-Shahi Centre, designed to lead visitors up towards the park. The angled walls frame the view of the trees, creating a powerful sense of arrival and connection to nature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/13a0f184-4f36-40f7-ab3f-de1e11381897)
- ![This rendering shows how light and water are used to define spaces within the interpretation centre. The design aims for a modesty of scale that complements, rather than competes with, the grandeur of the nearby monuments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db137b68-1d80-4fc8-b845-79ea1c2a04e2)
- ![An interior view of the main gallery hall. The design simulates the sensory experience of the monuments through its scale, geometric discipline, and carefully controlled lighting, creating an immersive atmosphere for visitors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3870eb0-8978-401e-93d0-4201cc0204a8)
- ![A view towards a central model display at the Qutub-Shahi Centre. The layout is organized with a clear sense of order, guiding visitors through the exhibition while maintaining a feeling of spaciousness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6c36eac8-7450-4d9d-9c17-dfd33ea56d89)
- ![A technical section drawing showing the integration of environmental systems. This diagram illustrates how we combine acoustic baffles, fans, and cooling systems to create a comfortable indoor environment with maximum energy efficiency.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1eb8454a-b207-4594-9f96-11df8cac5c6f)
- ![This diagram explains the human-centric integrated cooling system for the centre. It uses low-tech evaporative cooling methods, local water, and minimal electricity to provide year-round comfort at a fraction of the energy cost of conventional systems.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f9dc43fe-9512-4654-b695-52b674848395)
- ![A sectional drawing of the Chinmaya Mission Gurudham project. The design is based on passive architecture principles, with a central courtyard or 'Aakash Chowk' that connects all spaces and brings in daylight and ventilation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f6bfe6d-31b4-4561-85ef-55188d0fbb5d)
- ![The plan for a secluded meditation space designed for the IIHMR University campus in Jaipur. The octagonal seating arrangement is centered around a focal point, creating a space for quiet contemplation in the forest.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf8e6f6e-586e-4e5d-a927-0fabbd21f3b5)
- ![An elevation drawing of the meditation space. The structure combines rustic stone walls with a modern, crystalline roof form that reaches towards the sky, blending earth and light.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/395d2e50-8d52-40e4-abe4-34928f96e9af)
- ![A sectional view revealing the interior of the meditation space. The design plays with light filtering through the pointed roof structures, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere for those sitting inside.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a57975c-0243-4dae-a82c-465be398571b)
- ![An isometric view showing how the meditation structure is nestled within the landscape. It is designed as a quiet sanctuary, a place of refuge and peace within the bustling university campus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9b7b8ece-047d-463d-988b-af042b415a2a)

### [Conversations on Architecture](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/commercial-institutional-architecture/conversations-on-architecture)

- ![I was honored to be a speaker at The Liveable Cities Conclave. I believe sharing knowledge on environmentally sustainable design is crucial to building a better future for our cities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e4a788a5-cfc0-4d71-b9ce-8402fbfa286d)
- ![In conversation with Nirmal Kishnani on the Ecogradia podcast. We discussed the important bridge between social and environmental goals in design, a topic that is at the core of my practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e71cbde-567c-41dd-83b6-48f48bb35971)
- ![An excerpt from an article where I share my design philosophy for the Butterflies Centre. I believe a place for children should be one they can explore and make their own, full of corners and pathways to discover.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bbd22ba-94fc-44eb-b931-182a00eaad9e)
- ![This article clipping discusses the innovative and flexible structure of the Butterflies Centre. The design's DNA is its spatial structure and material innovation, making it a replicable solution for urban regeneration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94840609-787d-4bee-9fd5-cddcc45672d8)
- [Video: Listen to Rita Panicker of Butterflies NGO discuss the positive atmosphere of the building. It is always rewarding to hear from the people who use the spaces we design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc45418a-1181-4a91-9ec5-966801beb83f)
- [Video: Architect Chetna Singh talks about the 'Donor's Tree' artwork at the Butterflies Centre. This is a wonderful example of how art can be integrated to tell a story and represent the spirit of a community.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ff05e4a4-642b-450d-8539-26c857191e54)
- [Video: In this clip, I discuss the idea of the rooftop as the 'new ground' in dense urban areas. We must use every surface intelligently, harnessing the sun for energy and creating new spaces for life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f1b7aebe-9ff0-4129-bbe4-5116f96951ce)
- [Video: Here I speak about my personal vision for the Butterflies Centre. The goal was to create a place of exploration and freedom, allowing children to connect with the building and its spaces on their own terms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2f3c7b99-10c5-43b3-977f-c8d8a93345da)
- ![An article explaining the core mission of the Butterflies Centre. The design provides a robust yet flexible home for children, integrating artwork and natural materials to create a place of aesthetic delight.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e807f63-470b-4c58-877f-0bfa2ca76806)
- ![This clipping details the low-carbon construction methods we employed. Using excavated soil for walls and reusing old doors are practical examples of our eco-friendly approach.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/95f62851-143c-4321-9b5a-922fe06bc4df)
- ![This text describes the building's sustainable features, like roof gardening and solar panels. These simple and effective means enhance the building's performance and minimize resource consumption.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/85d62cd5-ccfd-480b-9deb-8d93537804f8)
- ![A feature on the Butterflies Centre in STIR world. It is heartening to see our work on creating a sustainable, low-cost home for children being shared with a wider audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0dd60e6f-fef2-46ed-92e2-78524e597724)
- ![This article explains how the traditional 'haveli' courtyard was reconstituted with green concepts. It shows our strategy for the sustainable regeneration of urban villages.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/513de291-c4b8-438e-9abd-79a3f05ddc7c)

## Meet your expert

[Ashok B Lall](https://mytribe.in/ablarch)

### My story

We’ve been at this since 1980, but really, the roots go way back. I grew up in a big, wild house – always climbing, always discovering new corners. That’s what I want for others too. Whether it’s a home for street kids or a sprawling university, it’s got to feel alive, in sync with nature. Cities keep getting tighter, so we started treating rooftops as new ground – gardens, solar panels, places to meet. It’s about comfort, and building something that lasts.

### My work

- **Sustainable and Passive Architecture**: We design low-energy buildings for homes, campuses, and city projects using passive cooling architecture.
- **Local Materials and Recycled Elements**: We use site soil for walls, recycled jharokha windows, and always ask—what’s more sustainable than this?
- **Future-Proof Homes**: With insulated walls, solar panels, and smart ventilation, our future-proof homes keep your bijli ka bill (electricity bill) super low.
- **Courtyard House Design**: Courtyards bring in light and air, inspired by havelis, making spaces cooler and more connected to nature.
- **Art in Architecture**: Hand-painted louvers, custom jaalis, and artful touches make our buildings joyful, not just functional.

## More services from Ashok B Lall

- [Sustainable Residential Architecture](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/sustainable-residential-architecture) · ₹250-600 per sq.ft (design & consultancy) (estimate)
- [Green Building Consulting & Research](https://mytribe.in/ablarch/green-building-consulting-research) · ₹2.5-20L per project (estimate)

## Book

To book Ashok B Lall, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Commercial%20%26%20Institutional%20Architecture%20by%20Ashok%20B%20Lall.)