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Cultural and Civic Architecture for Public Spaces

byKapil Krishan AggarwalTakes projects across India; Visit studio in South Extension II, New DelhiStarts from₹350 per sq. ft.View full gallery

We create public spaces that honor our shared history and engage the community. From restoring heritage museums to designing meaningful memorial parks, we blend architectural integrity with cultural storytelling to craft environments that serve society.

I had the opportunity to speak with the media about the restoration of the Lahori Gate Haveli. In this interview, I explain my perspective on our duty as architects to preserve our heritage and give it back to society, in this case by transforming the haveli into a public museum.

The Lahori Gate Museum project is a vital example of adaptive reuse, reviving a historic structure to tell the story of Chandni Chowk's cultural heritage. Once complete, it will serve as a landmark destination for heritage tourism in Delhi.

This video provides a glimpse into the Lahori Gate Museum project. The restored haveli will house artifacts, narrative panels, and audio-visual tools to recreate the history of Shahjahanabad, alongside an interpretation center and cafeteria.

Our work on the Lahori Gate Museum has been featured in several national newspapers. This coverage highlights our ongoing commitment to heritage conservation and the transformation of historic buildings into vibrant cultural spaces.

A feature in the Hindustan Times on the restoration of the 96-year-old Lahori Gate Haveli. The article details our work in transforming the once-crumbling structure into a museum and interpretation center.

Her Excellency, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurating the Gandhi Smriti Park. It was a moment of immense pride to see our work in creating this public space of contemplation and tranquility come to fruition.

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, seated next to a life-sized sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi at the newly inaugurated Gandhi Smriti Park. We designed the park to be a symbol of Gandhiji's enduring ideals.

A group photograph with the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, at the inauguration of Gandhi Smriti Park. This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving national legacies.

A behind-the-scenes moment during the installation of a Gandhi statue at Gandhi Smriti Park. This image captures the hands-on effort and dedication that goes into creating these significant public memorials.

About Cultural & Civic Architecture: Building for the Community

Architecture at this scale requires balancing structural conservation with modern public accessibility. When we approach a project like the Lahori Gate Museum, we are not just renovating a building, we are meticulously preserving the cultural fabric of Chandni Chowk. We work with traditional artisans to ensure every element, from the lime plaster to the stone carvings, respects the historical narrative while creating an immersive, functional space for future generations to explore.

Designed and restored iconic civic landmarks. — Approved by the tribe
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Kapil Krishan Aggarwal

Takes projects across India; Visit studio in South Extension II, New DelhiStarts from ₹350 per sq. ft.

I see public architecture as a dialogue between the past and the present. Whether I am breathing new life into a neglected haveli or grounding a memorial park in the ideals of peace, my process remains rooted in deep historical research and craftsmanship. My goal is to create landmarks that do not just stand for an era, but invite the community to participate in it.

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For the Dr. Vishnuvardhan Memorial, I designed this curved gallery wall to guide visitors on a journey through the actor's life. The raw concrete walls and soft, indirect lighting create a contemplative and reverent atmosphere for the exhibition.8
The gentle curve of the memorial's main gallery creates a flowing, continuous path for visitors. The design is intentionally minimalist to keep the focus on the photographs and the story they tell, creating a space for quiet reflection.
A narrow, compressed passageway with vibrant orange walls opens into a larger space, creating a dramatic sense of arrival. I use such spatial sequences to guide movement and shape the emotional experience of moving through a building.
This is the auditorium of the memorial complex during its final stages of construction. The pixelated acoustic wall paneling in shades of blue adds visual interest and functional sound dampening to what is designed as a hub for community events.

Public & Cultural Architecture

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M9 Design StudioInterior projects across India; Studio in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru
The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bangalore, featuring a tree-like column that supports the structure. This element is a nod to the Garden City, grounding the modern building in its local identity and creating a welcoming gesture at the entrance.58
An aerial view of the MAP museum at night, showing its relationship with the surrounding urban environment of Bangalore. The building is designed to be a beacon in the city's museum quarter, with its illuminated facade and rooftop restaurant contributing to the public life of the street.
The sculpture court at MAP, a transitional space between the interior galleries and the city. We designed this area to be a quiet, contemplative zone, using natural light and a simple material palette to highlight the art and create a serene public experience.

Public & Cultural Architecture: Creating Meaningful Landmarks

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Mathew and GhoshVisit Studio in Koramangala; Projects across Bengaluru & India
An aerial view of the Cipla Museum and Dining Facility, a project shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival. The design features organic, flowing forms that create a unique civic space, blending the building with the surrounding landscape.29
A perspective of the Cipla Museum, showing the grand, curved staircase that leads visitors through the space. The extensive use of glass and the fluid lines of the structure are designed to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
A close-up render of the Cipla Museum, highlighting the smooth, stone-like texture of the façade and the large, curved glass walls. The design is meant to feel both monumental and approachable.
Another view of the Cipla Museum, showcasing its sculptural form nestled within a lush green landscape. This project is a testament to how architecture can create powerful, experiential civic spaces.

Cultural and Community Architectural Projects

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Qutub MandviwalaTakes projects across India; Visit office in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai
An invitation for a public walkthrough of the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). For me, a building is only complete when it is inhabited and experienced by the people it was designed for.18
Sculptures by Stephen Cox find a home in the transitional space of the museum, blurring the line between the gallery and the city. The architecture is designed to create a stage for these powerful artistic encounters.

Public and Cultural Architecture by Mathew & Ghosh

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Soumitro GhoshBased in Koramangala; Projects across India
The inaugural music event at the Bandra Fort amphitheater, a project we helped design. This image captures the space being used as intended, a vibrant public venue for arts and culture, bringing the community together to enjoy performances in a historic setting.21
An aerial view of the BITS Pilani campus, showcasing the grand central axis we designed. This project is a prime example of our ability to create inspiring institutional environments, where landscape architecture defines the campus identity and fosters a sense of academic community.
The landscaped courtyard at IIT Madras Research Park, inspired by traditional Indian 'kunds' or stepped tanks. The design provides an enjoyable and inspiring environment for researchers and students, with geometric seating areas and flowing pathways that encourage informal meetings and idea exchange.

Public, Institutional & Heritage Urban Design

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Green Space AllianceTakes projects across India & Edmonton; Offices in Pune & Canada
The outdoor cafeteria at Sargakhet Handicraft Centre in Mukteshwar, set on a terrace with brick flooring. This space was created by transforming a dilapidated British-era Post Office into a hub for local artisans.17
Visitors enjoying the panoramic valley views from the Sargakhet Handicraft Centre. The design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a memorable experience that promotes sustainable tourism.
The restored Sargakhet Handicraft Centre nestled in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand. The project involved renovating the stone structure and landscaping the surrounding area to create an accessible and inviting destination.
An aerial view of the outdoor seating area at Sargakhet, showing the concentric brick flooring and stone benches that complement the natural landscape and the restored heritage building.

Adaptive Reuse and Heritage Conservation Design

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Compartment S4Studios in Ahmedabad & Bengaluru; Public space projects across India

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