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Exploring Architecture: Design, Sustainability, and Well-being

byAshok B LallTakes projects across India; Visit office at Civil Lines, New DelhiStarts from₹100 per sq. ft. of Built-up AreaView full gallery

Architecture is a continuous dialogue about building better, more responsible spaces. Here, I share the articles, talks, and stories that shape my approach to sustainable, human-centric design.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About Conversations on Architecture

When I write or speak about architecture, my goal is not to present abstract theories. It is to explain how our daily environment—the way light hits your wall or how air moves through a courtyard—directly influences your sense of well-being. Understanding these simple, passive techniques is the first step toward building a home that feels alive and truly yours.

Over 40 years of sustainable design practice. — Approved by the tribe
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Ashok B Lall

Takes projects across India; Visit office at Civil Lines, New DelhiStarts from ₹100 per sq. ft. of Built-up Area

I am Ashok, an architect who believes buildings should be as natural as the landscapes they inhabit. My practice, developed over decades, is less about rigid blueprints and more about finding the khushali, or well-being, in every space we create together.

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To create comfortable interiors in warm climates, we often recommend lighter fabrics like cotton. They reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, which helps keep rooms cooler and can make smaller spaces feel more open and airy.10
Color psychology plays a key role in creating a calming atmosphere. We use cool tones like blues, greens, and greys in our interior palettes, complemented by natural fibers like linen for furniture, to enhance comfort, especially during humid weather.
Biophilic design is a core principle for us. Introducing indoor plants not only adds a touch of nature but also helps regulate humidity and improve air quality, contributing to a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment.
We focus on creating timeless interiors that transcend fleeting trends. Our approach emphasizes quality materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and personalized design to create homes that feel authentic and resonant for years to come.

Designing for People & Planet

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Team3Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Lado Sarai, New Delhi
This aerial view of a factory extension shows my commitment to energy efficiency, with integrated solar panels and a green roof. The central courtyard is a landscaped breakout space, improving the indoor environment for workers.9
At Symbiosis International University, I used a combination of stone retaining walls, green spaces, and shaded walkways. This approach demonstrates a commitment to water preservation, healthy living, and creating a high-quality indoor-outdoor environment.
The campus at Symbiosis International University in Pune is a showcase of sustainable design. Features like green roofs, eco-friendly construction materials, and efficient water management systems are integral to the project.
This image highlights the use of indigenous materials in my projects. The image shows a detail of a brick jali, or screen, which allows for natural ventilation while creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.

Sustainable Architecture and Materiality for Modern Spaces

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IMK ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit office in Worli, Mumbai
We are thrilled to have our studio in Gurugram featured in Elle Decor. The article highlights how the workspace is designed as a retreat, blurring the lines between the built and the natural with open courtyards and a climate-responsive material palette.13
An excerpt from our feature in Architecture + Design on the power of mood boards. We shared our process of how we analyze a project's core purpose, context, and desired emotion to shape the colors, textures, and materials that define a space.

Our Architectural Voice: Insights on Design and Legacy

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GroupDCATakes projects across India; Visit studio in Gwal Pahari, Gurugram
A sectional drawing of the Sans Souci Residence, illustrating its core ecological strategies. It shows how the basement provides soil for the walls, how mezzanines create seasonal comfort zones, and how the rooftop harvests rainwater and supports a garden.36
A sectional drawing of the Sans Souci Residence, illustrating its core ecological strategies. It shows how the basement provides soil for the walls, how mezzanines create seasonal comfort zones, and how the rooftop harvests rainwater and supports a garden.
An axonometric floor plan of the Sans Souci Residence, showing how people use the multi-level spaces. This drawing visualizes the flow between the living areas and the split-level bedrooms with their mezzanines.
An axonometric floor plan of the Sans Souci Residence, showing how people use the multi-level spaces. This drawing visualizes the flow between the living areas and the split-level bedrooms with their mezzanines.

Architectural Design and Technical Blueprints

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Biome Environmental SolutionsBased in Vidyaranyapura; serves Bengaluru & India
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Our Perspective: Architectural Talks and Insights

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Anagram ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit studios in New Delhi and Panaji, Goa
This high-angle view of the Sunrise restaurant project captures the essence of my biophilic design approach. I created a multi-level garden oasis where seating areas are nestled amongst lush foliage, blurring the line between a building and a landscape.9
The curved brick jali wall at the Dr. Vishnuvardhan Memorial is a key element of the design. It creates a semi-permeable screen that filters light and air, forming shaded, in-between spaces for people to gather, reflecting my goal to design for community interaction.
For this private residence, the goal was to create a tranquil oasis. The design seamlessly integrates the swimming pool and deck with the surrounding palm grove, using clean lines and natural materials to craft a space for quiet relaxation.

Featured Architectural Projects and Design Philosophy

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M9 Design StudioArchitectural projects across India; Studio in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru

More from Commercial & Institutional Architecture by Ashok B Lall

FeaturedButterflies Resilience Centre: A Home with HeartIIHMR University, Jaipur: Learning with NatureLEED Platinum Office, Noida: The Breathing WorkplaceThe Craft of Sustainable BuildingFuture Visions & Design Concepts

More services by Ashok B Lall

Sustainable Residential ArchitectureGreen Building Consulting & Research
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