Our Signature Public and Institutional Projects
From carving runways into Himalayan mountains to designing sustainable university campuses, my focus remains consistent. I build public spaces that combine heavy engineering with human needs, using honest materials like exposed brick and stone to create environments that last.
This is the Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, a project that required us to literally carve a runway out of the mountains. It represents my belief that architecture should serve people and connect communities, no matter the challenge. This aerial view shows the sheer scale of the geotechnical work involved in creating a stable, functional airstrip at 4,500 feet.
The Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) in New Delhi, illuminated at dusk. I believe in creating spaces that feel right, and here, the combination of red brick, stone, and thoughtful lighting creates an inviting atmosphere for research and learning. This is an example of sustainable institutional architecture that stands the test of time.
A wider view of the Pakyong Airport, showing the terminal building set against the massive, terraced retaining walls we engineered. This was one of the tallest reinforcement walls in the world, a solution born from the need to work with, not against, the challenging Himalayan terrain. It highlights how engineering and nature can coexist.
A daytime view of the ISID campus, showing how the different blocks create a cohesive and functional environment. Public architecture is about creating a sense of place. My design here uses natural materials and green spaces to build a campus that is both modern and grounded.
This is a rendering of the new faculty building for IIT Kanpur, a project currently under construction. The design uses a modern architectural language while staying true to my preference for honest materials like brick, creating a facade that is both complex and orderly. It reflects my work in shaping the future of educational infrastructure.
A feature on my work and philosophy in Ideal Home and Garden magazine. It’s important for me to not just build, but to also share the 'why' behind my process. I see architecture as a people-centric art, and this article captures my thoughts on material honesty and client collaboration.
About Featured
People often ask why I focus on heavy-duty infrastructure alongside institutional design. The answer is simple. Whether it is an airport runway at 4,500 feet or a faculty building for an institute, the responsibility to the user and the land remains the same. I do not believe in imposing a design. Instead, I let the site dictate the engineering solutions, ensuring that our structures—be it steel, brick, or glass—work with the environment rather than against it.
My approach to public architecture is rooted in the belief that buildings should be honest. When I took on the Pakyong Airport project in Sikkim, the challenge was a battle against nature. We implemented massive cut and fill geotechnical engineering to stabilize slopes while protecting the Himalayan ecology. This resulted in an 80-metre retaining wall, one of the tallest globally, all while maintaining the integrity of the mountainside.
In contrast, my work for institutions like the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) in New Delhi or the IIT Kanpur faculty building follows a different rhythm. Here, the focus shifts to creating spaces for learning and public governance. I avoid synthetic, short-lived finishes. I rely on red brick and stone because they age gracefully and offer natural thermal insulation.
When we plan these projects, my team and I focus on:
- Structural Resilience: Ensuring safety in Zone-4 or 5 seismic areas through honest engineering.
- Material Honesty: Using wire-cut bricks and local stone that require minimal maintenance.
- Passive Sustainability: Designing for natural wind flow and lighting without relying on heavy artificial cooling.
If you have a large-scale project—be it a campus, a convention centre, or specialized infrastructure—let us sit down and talk. Architecture is a long-term commitment, and I ensure every square foot we design is built to serve people for generations.
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