--- title: "Institutional & Cultural Architectural Design for Museums & Universities - mytribe" description: "Hire RMA Architects for award-winning institutional & cultural architectural design. We specialize in creating inspiring museums, universities, and public spaces through adaptive reuse and contextual design. Let's build a landmark together." canonical: https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design last_updated: 2025-08-21 --- # Institutional & Cultural Architectural Design in Mumbai By [RMA Architects](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects) · We design institutional and cultural buildings that fit their site, use local materials, adapt to changing needs, and bring heritage spaces back to life. ## Locations Takes projects across India; Visit office in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai ### Travels to - Takes projects across India (India, India) ### Visit at - Office at Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai (office close to Colaba, Nariman Point, Churchgate, Marine Drive, Cuffe Parade, Ballard Estate) ## Pricing guide (estimates) These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote. ### Greenfield Institutional & Campus Architecture Full-scope design for new educational campuses and public buildings, including master planning, climate-responsive facade engineering, and exposed concrete detailing. Typically ₹400-750 per sq. ft. of Built-Up Area (estimate) #### Master Planning * **Armature Concept:** Flexible infrastructure design allowing building functions like classrooms or labs to evolve over decades. * **Campus Interface:** Planning of pedestrian ramps, landscapes, and social courtyards to connect new structures with the wider campus. * **Climate Analysis:** Sun-path and wind analysis to design passive cooling systems and optimize courtyard orientation. #### Facade & Structure * **Concrete Detailing:** High-precision formwork drawings for fair-faced exposed concrete finishes requiring no external plaster. * **Custom Shading:** Design of dynamic shading devices using terracotta, corten steel, or zinc louvers for heat reduction. * **Integrated Structure:** Dual-purpose engineering where elements like library bookshelves also support roof or mezzanine loads. * **Skylight Arrays:** Design of complex roof apertures to filter natural daylight into deep plan areas. #### Interior Infrastructure * **Social Architecture:** Design of oversized staircases and wide corridors that function as informal gathering spots. * **Material Specs:** Selection of durable institutional-grade materials like Kota stone and polished granite for heavy footfall areas. * **Tender Documentation:** Preparation of detailed documents to select contractors capable of museum-quality construction. ### Historic Restoration & Gallery Architecture Specialized adaptive reuse design for museums and heritage structures, featuring structural retrofitting, conservation audits, and museum-grade lighting layouts. Typically ₹600-950 per sq. ft. of Carpet Area (estimate) #### Core Restoration Services * **Historical Audit:** Analysis of existing history and material palette (stone, wood, lime) to align interventions with original spatial sensibilities. * **Structural Retrofitting:** Design of surgical interventions to strengthen old buildings, such as inserting steel beams within timber structures. * **Subterranean Planning:** Design for underground galleries or storage to expand floor space without altering the historic skyline. * **Circulation Design:** Creation of fluid thresholds and pathways optimized for visitor flow and art viewing. #### Advanced Design Specs * **Scale Modeling:** Creation of handcrafted Balsa wood scale models (1:100 to 1:20) to test spatial volumes and light ingress. * **Artisan Collaboration:** Coordination with artists and craftspeople for custom elements like cast railings or scrap metal Jaalis. * **Lighting Integration:** Strategic design of skylights and artificial lighting layouts for humidity control and artwork preservation. * **Material Conservation:** Specifications for restoring original materials like teak trusses and basalt stone alongside modern finishes. #### Project Execution * **MEP Integration:** Concealing modern climate control (HVAC) and security systems within heritage shells. * **Site Supervision:** Periodic oversight to ensure construction craftsmanship meets the specific heritage design intent. ## About Institutional & Cultural Architectural Design ### Why Place Matters We believe buildings should feel like they belong – not just dropped onto a site. Our work is all about being rooted in context, history, and climate. You’ll see us using courtyards, real landscape elements, and always thinking about how natural light shapes spaces. We don’t try to copy the past, but we use traditional ideas and tune them for now. ### What Guides Us - Every design responds to its surroundings, from climate-responsive architecture to using materials that fit where we’re building. - We’ve got solid experience in adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, bringing old spaces back to life while keeping their soul intact. - Spaces aren’t static – we design for flexibility, so institutions can grow and change. Big staircases, common hubs, and easy movement mean it’s never just about rooms, it’s about people bumping into each other, sharing ideas. - Natural light integration is a big deal for us – skylights, jaalis, and sometimes even going underground to keep heritage sites looking right. ### How We Work Collaboration runs through everything. We team up with artists and craftspeople, so buildings aren’t just functional – they’re layered with meaning. Whether it’s a library, gallery, or university space, each project is a mix of structure, history, and a bit of creative chaos. If you want spaces that feel alive and are built for real life – not just for show – that’s what we’re about. ## Highlights Browse through RMA Architects's best work. ### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/featured) - ![The facade of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University demonstrates our approach to climate-responsive design. The integration of terracotta louvers, extensive glazing, and verdant rooftop gardens creates a building that breathes, connecting the interior learning environments with the natural landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/21d12d7c-4e67-4f40-ad3a-a6543d23b949) - ![We design libraries as sanctuaries for knowledge and quiet contemplation. At the Lilavati Lalbhai Library at CEPT University, floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves create a warm, immersive environment, with carefully planned sightlines that draw the eye through the multi-level, subterranean space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/96d73fb2-6347-41a4-b843-380758148b21) - ![Our designs foster moments of spontaneous interaction and repose. Here, the sunken courtyard of the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum in Ahmedabad becomes an informal amphitheater, where the interplay of light, shadow, and landscape creates a dynamic social space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2996414a-d6ae-4381-9f84-75725c6db262) - ![The experience of art is shaped by its environment. In the Vismaya private museum, we manipulated form and light to create dramatic, atmospheric galleries, using focused illumination and dark, monolithic partitions to highlight individual artifacts and guide the visitor's journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26c431e6-b549-468c-a16a-23d5c686d036) - ![The play of light is a fundamental material in our work. Within the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad, sunlight filters through terracotta screens, casting rhythmic patterns of light and shadow that animate the circulation spaces and connect the interior to the time of day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/703039e3-da89-4b54-a743-25ece62098ca) - ![We believe architecture should coexist with, not dominate, the natural world. This courtyard is designed around a mature, sculptural tree, making the landscape an integral and celebrated component of the building's spatial experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a2a3e56-d49f-4797-ad6e-a962a3490efe) - ![Natural light is sculpted to define space and mood. These sculptural skylights on the roof of the Vismaya museum are not just functional openings but architectural forms in their own right, each designed to capture and diffuse light in a unique way for the galleries below.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/96222a67-a0e8-4dc6-b412-2786f6be663d) ### [University & Academic Environments](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/university-academic-environments) - ![The campus of Ahmedabad University is designed as a seamless extension of its verdant landscape. Walkways and buildings are carefully sited among existing trees, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages movement and connection with nature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/132acdea-b780-4c54-925a-7c2ec1c12473) - ![An open, ground-floor plinth at the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University serves as a versatile social space. The minimalist design, with its robust concrete columns and integrated seating, provides a place for students to gather, study, and relax.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/19b1a561-5d12-4e38-928d-42a166b14ab1) - ![Multi-level circulation spaces within the School of Arts and Sciences are designed to be active social zones. The interplay of stairs, bridges, and open corridors creates visual connections between floors, promoting a sense of community and shared academic purpose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2372b226-6798-4d88-926b-27be35f9715f) - ![The main staircase at the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad is more than just a means of vertical circulation. It is a grand social condenser, a place for informal meetings and chance encounters that are vital to academic life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a1a46ed-d3d9-428a-86b6-f55568c297c0) - ![The partly subterranean design of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library at CEPT University responds to both climate and context. By building below ground, we minimized the visual impact on the historic campus while creating naturally cool, insulated spaces for the collection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a71e4b0-95c8-4858-b081-efef2fda11ed) - ![A view of the primary circulation spine at the JSW School of Public Policy, showcasing the use of raw concrete, a bold red feature wall, and a generous staircase to create a dynamic and engaging institutional interior.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2b084f7b-c038-4fbe-a181-3cd56253ca51) - ![The North Canteen at CEPT University is conceived as an open-air pavilion nestled within the campus landscape. The design prioritizes natural ventilation and shaded outdoor seating, creating a comfortable and popular gathering spot for students and faculty.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2f8abf53-2026-4ce7-b1d0-8577e661c674) - ![An institution of higher education in Ahmedabad where the Arts and Sciences converge. The building's facade, with its layers of glass, terracotta screens, and rooftop gardens, reflects the diverse spaces for exploration and interaction within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e496e98-c0dc-4eaf-b360-42fea647d84e) - ![A wide, light-filled corridor at the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad. The extensive use of glass and terracotta jaalis allows for natural light and ventilation while framing views of the surrounding campus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e7d760f-118d-42b0-996a-a39ad551da7b) - ![The facade of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library at CEPT University features operable wooden louvers. This system allows users to modulate the amount of natural light entering the building, providing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/408f9fcf-dca3-4106-a70f-4c41d99d37d6) - ![Dappled light filters through the trees and onto the covered veranda of a multi-use pavilion in Ahmedabad. This transitional space blurs the boundary between inside and outside, offering a shaded retreat that is connected to the surrounding landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a598ee8-d04c-466c-8472-bcb42cccb456) - ![Reflections on the glass facade of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library merge the new structure with the historic context of the CEPT University campus. This visual layering connects past and present, a key principle in our approach to institutional design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a68db7d-c7ee-492c-a168-fc6a58a52dc1) - ![A lightwell brings greenery and natural light into the heart of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University. These internal gardens improve air quality and provide a visual connection to nature for students in adjacent classrooms and labs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61a1ba58-bb50-4b5e-b2b4-532ff86c230c) - ![A view from within the Lilavati Lalbhai Library, looking out into the campus courtyard. The design uses large glass panels and open sightlines to ensure the subterranean spaces feel connected to the outdoors and the life of the university.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/688e44a5-5d99-4b8b-acb5-9f87d139e124) - ![The interior of the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad is defined by a clear material palette and a focus on creating interconnected spaces. This image shows the main staircase and circulation area, designed to encourage student interaction.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6a266e04-b9a7-416e-890a-d2691f9692fb) - ![An accessible ramp provides an alternative route to the upper level of the CEPT University Canteen. Our commitment to universal design ensures that all spaces are welcoming and easily navigable for everyone.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b50c98f-9b10-49c1-aa3a-3fb5054bf372) - ![The interior of the CEPT University Canteen features long communal tables and benches made of simple, durable materials. The design creates a functional and robust space for dining and socializing, with natural light filtering in from the open sides.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/70b7db80-db2e-4a4f-8f31-70c163cfcd70) - ![The architecture of Ahmedabad University is set within a carefully sculpted landscape of rolling green lawns and mature trees. The building appears as a quiet, considered backdrop to the natural environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/765e2393-0e64-4303-9817-6253004c9669) - ![A view through an opening in a concrete wall at the Lilavati Lalbhai Library reveals the complex, multi-layered interior. This framing device creates a sense of depth and invites exploration of the spaces within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b09c9a0-5f21-4a1f-87de-d369c70e5504) - ![The interior of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University uses bold blocks of color to define different functional zones and create a vibrant, stimulating atmosphere for learning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fa525e6-bb86-4040-a95b-1dc04faa798d) - ![The circulation corridor at the JSW School of Public Policy is animated by the rhythmic pattern of light filtering through the facade's terracotta screens. This space is designed for movement and informal social exchange.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81eec70b-33aa-40db-adda-38b2a61098de) - ![An auditorium-style tiered seating area at the JSW School of Public Policy provides a flexible space for lectures, presentations, and group discussions. The design uses natural materials like stone and wood to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/83f2a7c5-96ca-41f6-8c05-8f5dd1a0b7ae) - ![A monumental staircase at Ahmedabad University's School of Arts and Sciences serves as a central organizing element. Punctuated by colorful, deeply recessed windows, it is both a functional circulation path and a powerful architectural statement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/86f208f7-48b7-49ac-b7d5-f3d733cb080a) - ![A student browses the collection in a quiet aisle of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library. The integration of structure and shelving, along with warm, indirect lighting, creates an environment conducive to focused study and research.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/88f87dca-dc9f-4d70-98b8-bc973011dfab) - ![The grounds of the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad provide ample space for recreation and relaxation. The building's facade, with its pattern of solid and void, serves as a backdrop to the active campus life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8caed473-d879-45a1-807f-181b9426775f) - ![A quiet study carrel at the Lilavati Lalbhai Library, carved into a niche of wood and concrete. A narrow skylight washes the raw concrete wall with natural light, creating a serene and contemplative space for individual work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/988a3a3c-f462-43ab-a23e-38191e25de3f) - ![The JSW School of Public Policy is integrated into the landscape through the use of earth berms and sunken portions. This approach helps to modulate the building's temperature and root it firmly in its site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abbcbb1e-5ba3-4ded-9e31-65dcaeb09747) - ![The play of light and shadow in a stairwell at the JSW School of Public Policy. The simple, robust materials of concrete and steel are elevated by the careful consideration of how natural light enters and moves through the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ada35fe2-8db2-47d3-a4d9-5f6dd74407ca) - ![Stripes of sunlight pattern the floor and wall of an interior space at the JSW School of Public Policy. This effect is created by overhead louvers, a key element of our climate-responsive design strategy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2ac9fd5-5199-4100-9b3b-782032170c38) - ![The facade of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University, seen through a frame of lush green trees. The building's material palette of concrete and terracotta complements the natural surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b90977d2-b47a-436c-b602-ef94ee4ee1cd) - ![A view of the CEPT University Canteen showing the transition from the open ground floor to the lighter pavilion structure above. The design allows for flexibility, accommodating various uses over time.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bfbe0618-4965-4a72-90e8-10bf3e7cd6a3) - ![Afternoon light cascades across layers of ramps within the School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad. The ramp system creates a continuous, accessible path through the building, fostering a sense of dynamic movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c2975a07-1df7-4cae-8e47-b2bfb8163f4d) - ![A historic 1937 building by Atmaram Gajjar is given new life as the Amrut Mody School of Management. Our conservation-centric approach synthesized the existing structure with a new landscape design to create opportunities for adaptive reuse.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca50621c-0387-4c13-9169-f3c2025f48c4) - ![The grand entrance hall of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University. The use of a monumental staircase, double-height spaces, and bold color accents creates a welcoming and impressive point of arrival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca7ba53a-a5fa-4304-b7ed-b987040166c8) - ![The underside of a grand staircase at the JSW School of Public Policy reveals its structural logic. The blue steel cladding contrasts with the raw concrete, highlighting the different material components of the design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cec199c0-d4e4-4df8-9760-61b1f78ee9b9) - ![An upper-level reading area in the Lilavati Lalbhai Library offers views out to the campus through a screen of wooden louvers. This space provides a quiet zone for study while maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d47a482e-f002-442b-ae62-0faf5e60f95c) - ![The landscape design for the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad incorporates gentle mounds and preserved trees. This creates a soft, natural foreground that contrasts with the building's clean architectural lines.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd6f751e-82b9-4250-97e0-f5d3ed93be60) - ![The JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad, viewed from across its recreational lawn. The building is designed to be a part of the active life of the campus, providing a backdrop for both academic and social activities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2c141fd-082d-4804-a3e9-dab46f397e49) - ![The accessible ramp leading to the CEPT University Canteen is integrated into the landscape design. It provides a gentle, sloping path that connects different levels of the site, ensuring easy access for all.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eff8b763-91de-4f44-bff7-10f6d775eb54) - ![A view through the stacked levels of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library. The design creates a series of interconnected spaces, allowing for visual transparency between different library sections while maintaining distinct zones for study.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f01b2655-81de-4c6a-bcd8-c8edb6b84739) - ![The CEPT University Canteen is nestled between mature trees, with its structure carefully integrated into the existing landscape. The use of concrete steps and planters helps to merge the building with its site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f8c41da4-ae78-4266-afb8-cc8d16ba8219) ### [Museums & Art Galleries: Curating Cultural Experiences](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/museums-art-galleries-curating-cultural-experiences) - ![The interior renovation of the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai involved creating highly flexible exhibition spaces. These movable black partitions allow for endless configurations, accommodating a wide range of artistic installations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/046757f9-6fb3-4bf2-93c0-16688a7e126f) - ![The main hall of the Vismaya private museum in Alibaug features a curving interior wall and strategically placed skylights. The space is designed to house large-scale sculptures, with the architecture itself becoming a quiet, sculptural backdrop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e01137d-1788-4359-bdcc-a58975db0c4a) - ![A view from the subterranean gallery at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum. A large glass wall opens the underground space to a sunken courtyard, bringing in natural light and connecting the gallery to the landscape above.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/247543b2-ff19-4d9b-a5e6-06728225c1c2) - ![The exterior of the Vismaya museum is a composition of bold, simple forms articulated in different colors and textures. This approach breaks down the building's mass and responds to the surrounding landscape and internal display requirements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/29884e33-a664-4dc0-9bd0-ff927e0aa968) - ![An artwork is suspended in the central atrium of the CSMVS museum's staircase extension, which we completed in 1998. We design circulation spaces in cultural institutions to double as dramatic galleries for site-specific installations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2d105532-906a-411c-a8b1-3bcb31ebc33a) - ![The Children's Museum at CSMVS in Mumbai is carefully nestled under the canopy of large, existing trees. The design preserves the natural heritage of the site while creating a protected, shaded environment for the new building.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2dd5d3d6-d1d6-4597-9bc5-d7d39c7a261c) - ![For the Jehangir Art Gallery renovation, we designed a system of modular, movable partitions. This allows the gallery to transform its spatial layout to suit the specific needs of each exhibition, ensuring maximum flexibility.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/339c4cb1-040c-4a58-aaaa-6a1055d382d5) - ![In retrofitting a heritage building for the Sakshi Art Gallery, we created a fluid circulation path through a series of interconnected rooms. The ambiguous thresholds and clean, minimalist walls provide a neutral canvas for the art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/34edbef5-b0e6-4579-b7ea-18916ccfd47b) - ![A view of the subterranean gallery at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum, showing the seamless transition from the interior exhibition space to the sunken courtyard. A shallow water channel at the base of the glass reflects light into the gallery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36033767-dda3-42a0-948c-a541793873ed) - ![A detail from the Heritage House at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Gallery. Our conservation work involved carefully restoring original features like this ornate spiral staircase and patterned tile floor, preserving the residential ambiance of the historic home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f7fdb91-7306-4964-80fe-364341ee1bc6) - ![A covered veranda at the Vismaya museum blurs the line between the interior gallery and the exterior landscape. This transitional space offers visitors a place to rest and enjoy views of the surrounding greenery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6423c62f-160d-4a22-9a2a-25dd7f09391c) - ![The design for Project 88 gallery involved stripping back a former printing press to its essential structure. The restored industrial columns and beams create a powerful dialogue with the contemporary art displayed within the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6901f160-810a-4696-bd21-05a676c9c9b1) - ![A view from the Batley Gallery at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum. A full-height glass wall provides a clear view of the historic main house, creating a visual connection between the adapted gallery space and the original heritage structure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/743fbb1e-5b97-4d71-a715-8aaefc9e1039) - ![The wide, grand staircase leading down to the subterranean gallery at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum. The gentle slope and generous width transform the descent into a formal procession, preparing the visitor for the exhibition below.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7484a8af-0087-4645-8e70-4141a4b30a2b) - ![The interior of the restored Heritage House at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Gallery. We maintained the original room layouts and residential scale to display the art collection in an intimate, personal setting, as it was originally intended.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c1ff0ef-c5c0-4419-9ec0-347703f53a9d) - ![The entrance to the subterranean gallery at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum is a discreet opening in the landscape. This design allows the new extension to exist without visually compromising the sightlines of the historic mansion on the site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7cd1b806-6e2d-4cc6-adb8-6db6d02e78f7) - ![The renovation of the Jehangir Art Gallery was predicated on creating a flexible "white cube" space. The design uses a system of suspended, movable panels to allow for a multitude of exhibition layouts within the raw, stripped-down historic shell.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/88359681-e134-4907-90f0-b889321e5a07) - ![The Batley Gallery, a former kitchen block, was readapted into a modern exhibition space. We exposed the original wooden roof trusses and combined them with contemporary track lighting to create a space that honors its history while serving a new function.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9b8b5f79-9bf7-478f-a2aa-fda0574c7e47) - ![The vast, open interior of Project 88 gallery, a former industrial warehouse. We preserved the original cast-iron columns and steel beams, painting them white to unify the space and create a raw, textured backdrop for large-scale art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f4a247e-fa8c-4b2c-b267-e529e0335e0b) - ![The restored facade of the Heritage House at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Gallery. Our conservation work focused on meticulously repairing and preserving the original architectural details of this historic colonial-era mansion.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9fba3032-b8a3-45ce-9aa3-f66c32214df6) - ![A modern glass-walled extension to the Batley Gallery reflects the historic facade of the main museum building. This juxtaposition of old and new is a recurring theme in our work with heritage structures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a5d3472e-0867-4952-af0d-b7b6edef4c86) - ![The interior of the Vismaya museum is a fluid, open-plan space modulated by curving walls and carefully controlled light from above. This allows for a flexible arrangement of artifacts and creates a varied journey for the visitor.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a92b0bcf-7f24-4f17-beff-6d78dbba2c90) - ![A visitor contemplates an exhibition at Project 88 gallery. The preserved industrial columns punctuate the large, open space, creating a rhythm that guides movement without dictating a specific path.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/affb2b61-8a8a-4368-9f74-0cd004c33498) - ![A view through a series of arched openings in the Sakshi Art Gallery. The design leverages the existing layout of the heritage building to create layered views and a sense of discovery as one moves through the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b063c71a-c581-49ed-9649-3d158cf32e4b) - ![A dramatic, light-filled staircase at the Vismaya museum. A narrow slit of light from a skylight above illuminates the path, creating a powerful, almost spiritual transition between gallery levels.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c1604564-2b99-4fb7-87cb-96d8aeaaaa2d) - ![The discreet facade of Gallery Maskara, located in a former boat repair shed in a historic Mumbai lane. Our adaptive reuse approach respects the industrial character of the neighborhood while creating a contemporary art space within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3953026-097d-480a-baa6-665e5250f670) - ![A detail of a restored cast-iron column and steel beam connection at Project 88 gallery. We celebrate the industrial heritage of the buildings we adapt, making the original structure a key part of the architectural experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c41e2d1b-44de-475c-aa54-403d6e656999) - ![The flexible interior of the Jehangir Art Gallery, showing how the suspended panels can be configured to create intimate alcoves or long, continuous walls for displaying art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c6328ce7-7b81-4ad7-bcf3-5f063bbaae74) - ![The interior of the Vismaya museum is a carefully composed sequence of spaces. Here, freestanding partitions and controlled lighting create a dramatic, moody atmosphere, focusing the visitor's attention on the illuminated artworks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d635b8f3-28d1-494b-bb94-f695a2d0bfe2) - ![The long, linear expanse of the subterranean gallery at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum. The polished black floor reflects the artwork and the light from the side courtyard, creating a sense of infinite space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e16a811e-6c14-4b0f-a7bf-3a2aaf836003) - ![A full view of the restored Heritage House at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Gallery, set within its manicured landscape. The project demonstrates our expertise in large-scale architectural conservation and landscape integration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec07bc9e-306e-4010-8290-33c1b3a9e94c) - ![An art installation viewed through a series of thresholds at the Sakshi Art Gallery. The design creates framed views and a sense of procession, enhancing the experience of discovering the art within the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ee7e2048-ffbb-4306-8ea4-cb38ca1aa754) - ![The main gallery space at Vismaya is characterized by its clean lines, sweeping curves, and the soft, diffuse light from circular skylights. The architecture provides a serene and neutral environment for the display of art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eec1fe81-70eb-4d57-b76d-6dfcfc39a723) - ![Gallery Maskara was designed to accommodate large-scale installation art. The high, open volume of the former industrial shed provides the necessary scale and flexibility for artists to realize ambitious, site-specific works.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f03a3d41-fe73-471c-8fa6-d90e26f5e8a4) - ![The exterior wall of the Vismaya museum is articulated with a series of deep, vertical fins. This creates a rhythmic facade that changes in appearance with the movement of the sun, playing with light and shadow throughout the day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fe04265a-442d-4321-82aa-a477dc1d909e) ### [The Interplay of Light & Form](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/the-interplay-of-light-form) - ![Circular skylights punctuate the ceiling of a corridor, casting pools of natural light onto the floor. This simple gesture transforms a simple circulation space into a dynamic experience, marked by a rhythm of light and dark.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/03bab06d-266a-4f74-85cd-328408a4ec5d) - ![In this institutional waiting area, skylights are integrated with built-in concrete seating. The light defines distinct zones, creating more intimate spaces for conversation within a larger, open hall.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2bed5323-6135-4e0d-9ab8-301ffba77016) - ![A detail of the skylights at the Vismaya museum. The abstract, sculptural quality of the openings on the roof contrasts with the soft, diffuse light they create in the galleries below.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a4ba173-5964-4324-ac14-9edf7454aade) - ![Even utilitarian spaces are considered opportunities for architectural expression. In this restroom at the Vismaya museum, a skylight illuminates a small, planted courtyard, bringing nature and daylight into a typically enclosed space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6c6b52cf-98f9-41f7-b815-ee9cce28d229) - ![A deeply recessed window frames a view of the landscape, creating a quiet space for contemplation. The thick concrete walls provide thermal mass while the large opening offers a powerful, singular connection to the outdoors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8704792f-bf30-44c2-b6db-c98c09168825) - ![Colored light filters through skylights into a stairwell, painting the walls with hues of red and orange. This use of colored glass transforms the quality of the light, adding an element of surprise and delight to the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d4a3259-685a-46a8-b106-b6ea30c60257) - ![A deeply recessed, copper-clad window punches through a traditional stone wall. This juxtaposition of modern and traditional materials highlights our approach of respectfully adding new layers to existing contexts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a02b4e22-79f2-483f-a5a2-21ac1491acf6) - ![Operable steel window boxes are set within a raw concrete facade. These apertures act as both windows and shading devices, and their sculptural quality adds a fine-grained detail to the monolithic wall.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a28b6456-cc80-4312-8e3f-390143a73e21) - ![In a space designed for remembrance and quietude, a central skylight creates a focal point. The symmetrical design and controlled use of light foster a serene, contemplative atmosphere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c244ee1f-3d78-44f2-9fd9-f731d53eb346) - ![The interplay of light from multiple circular skylights creates overlapping patterns on the walls and floor. This dynamic effect changes throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ea596f99-5dc4-4edb-9a35-4837d479036c) - ![A waiting area in an eye clinic in Gujarat is illuminated by a series of skylights. The design provides a calm and reassuring environment, where the changing quality of natural light offers a connection to the outside world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f1abeffb-330d-4c43-98e7-9524851acacf) ### [Climate-Responsive Facades](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/climate-responsive-facades) - ![A facade composed of vertical wooden louvers provides privacy and shade while allowing for natural ventilation. This skin gives the building a warm, textured appearance that is rooted in its natural surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1ead5595-76d3-4ef0-875e-5c328857f10c) - ![Floor-to-ceiling louvers mediate the relationship between the interior space and the lush landscape outside. They provide a filtered view and protection from direct sun while maintaining a strong sense of connection to nature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/30212b99-5caa-4d21-a32b-2384824a11a8) - ![A modern interpretation of the Mughal-style jaali, fabricated from scrap metal from the client's own factory. This screen filters light and provides a symbolic connection between the corporate office and its industrial origins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/53d887e3-ce15-4060-898d-9950a9a04dcb) - ![A detail of a facade with operable wooden louvers set within a concrete frame. This system allows occupants to control the amount of light and air entering the space, making the building adaptable to changing conditions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d8df313-de23-4482-9c9f-06113bba97dd) - ![A close-up view of the abstract, patterned jaali at the LMW Headquarters. The screen's design, made from scrap metal, creates a complex play of solid and void, casting intricate shadows while providing ventilation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6fdfa6ae-51c8-444f-b6d6-a9217e5837a0) - ![This facade combines different screening elements, including wooden louvers and planters. This layered approach provides varying degrees of transparency and shading, creating a dynamic and functional building envelope.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3772ff4-0af9-4004-be11-b4e0a39b9482) - ![A multi-story residential facade featuring operable wooden screens. This allows residents to customize their environment, opening the screens for views and breezes or closing them for privacy and sun protection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c2f25ce8-f0e0-4a29-b98a-81e291ea9f9f) - ![A facade detail showing a combination of deep-set arched openings and vertical fins. This design uses the building's own mass and form to create shade, a timeless strategy for climate control in hot climates.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f34cc986-8b70-42e5-acd8-c5e09a2dbe6e) ### [Spaces for Connection: Courtyards & Circulation](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/spaces-for-connection-courtyards-circulation) - ![This staircase explores the intersection of light, detail, and materiality. The warmth of the wooden treads contrasts with the industrial feel of the steel railing, while small, colored light niches add a playful detail.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0f6d622b-45d8-407a-9972-8642f00409af) - ![An interior courtyard brings light, air, and nature into the center of this building. The polished concrete floor reflects the sky and the surrounding structures, blurring the boundary between inside and out.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31822e38-32ee-4f22-8529-ac037d865f29) - ![A view from above shows how a staircase can become a sculptural element within a larger space. The clean white lines of the balustrade contrast with the dark, curving floor plates, creating a dynamic composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44394e3b-8eb9-4ded-b4b4-69903efc2f3e) - ![A lushly planted courtyard creates a tranquil green oasis. The space provides a quiet retreat and a visual amenity for the surrounding rooms, integrating the building with a verdant landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/80168b44-e0ed-4338-a3e0-c582a067437e) - ![This courtyard design incorporates a small pool and a single tree, creating a serene, minimalist landscape. The space serves as a visual focal point and a natural cooling element for the building.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a32579fc-e0bc-4258-921c-8278f0c43b2b) - ![A detail of a staircase where a single, bold red column provides structural support. This expressive use of color and form turns a functional necessity into a striking architectural feature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa7f6174-bc9f-40ec-bb98-f4e141e8c9f5) - ![A student finds a quiet place to read on the steps of the sunken courtyard at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum. We design these "in-between" spaces to be habitable and inviting, supporting both social and individual activities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bcae7a9e-ec5c-49fd-a156-a733be0a0984) - ![A person descends a spiral staircase, their motion captured as a blur. The design of the stair, with its solid central column and radiating wooden treads, creates a powerful sense of movement and descent.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec14c08b-501e-4291-9a5b-18f084a7dd08) - ![A staircase crafted from folded, patinated metal plates becomes a dominant sculptural feature in this interior. The raw, textured materiality of the steel provides a strong contrast to the smooth white walls.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f09a69c6-a588-4529-842a-33b87ce46892) ### [The Architect's Craft: Process & Collaboration](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/the-architect-s-craft-process-collaboration) - ![Collaboration is central to our practice. Here, we are on-site with the renowned artist Manjit Bawa, reviewing designs for artworks to be integrated into the LMW Headquarters project, ensuring a deep synthesis of art and architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26b40c8a-b8e5-4f83-abb0-fc4436672aae) - ![A large-scale stainless steel installation by artist Rajeev Sethi hangs in the lobby of the LMW Headquarters. Our collaborations with artists are integral to creating buildings that are layered with meaning and cultural resonance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e3b3c85-bd83-4c02-bb08-8d060cf2dd10) - ![On-site discussions with artists and craftspeople are a critical part of our design process. This image captures a working session for the LMW Headquarters, where sculptural elements for the building were being reviewed and refined.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3208c6d-1fc5-45fb-b585-f72e88833671) - ![A collection of architectural models at various scales for the Lilavati Lalbhai Library. Physical models are an essential tool in our practice, allowing us to study everything from the building's overall form to the finest construction details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac9eb4ca-f7e4-46d3-8773-34450c1a1a7d) - ![A highly detailed 1:100 scale model of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, crafted by our expert in-house modelmakers. These models are not just representations but tools for understanding and celebrating complex architectural heritage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb65303a-3352-48c9-92ec-b955ae851aba) - ![A detail of a painted wooden installation created by Kerala artists for the LMW Headquarters. By integrating the work of traditional craftspeople, we aim to create buildings that are rich in texture, narrative, and local identity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e59c7974-7820-4b2c-b4ab-f74491794621) ## Meet your expert [RMA Architects](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects) ### My story We started RMA Architects back in 1990, one foot in Mumbai, one in Boston. Our thing? Buildings that actually feel alive, not just concrete boxes. Like, for LMW HQ in Coimbatore, we mixed old-school courtyards, artists, and even scrap metal from the factory to make those Mughal jaalis. In Hyderabad, we ditched the boring glass box for a custom-cast façade with plants—handmade in a village, not some factory. Whether it’s a private museum in Alibaug or a campus in Basel, we always try to make spaces that breathe, that sit quietly but powerfully in their place. ### My work - **Architectural Design Services**: We design homes, retreats, museums, offices, even retrofit old buildings. Each project gets its own vibe. - **Context-Driven Architecture**: No copy-paste jobs here. Every building is shaped by its location and climate, so it just fits. - **Integrating Courtyards & Nature**: Courtyards, greenery, light, water—these help us make spaces that connect people to nature’s rhythm. - **Materiality and Craftsmanship**: We use local stone, traditional stuff, and work with artists for custom details—like that custom-cast façade. - **Beyond the Building**: We want our places to spark conversation and connection, not just stand there looking pretty. ## More services from RMA Architects - [Commercial & Corporate Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/commercial-corporate-architectural-design) · ₹60-200 per sq.ft. (estimate) ## Book To book RMA Architects, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Institutional%20%26%20Cultural%20Architectural%20Design%20by%20RMA%20Architects.)