The Changing Trends in Indian Architecture

By Alex Jacob. Principal Architect, Alex Jacob Architect

One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture. Different types of Indian architectural styles include a mass of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to India. As a result of vast diversities, a vast range of architectural specimens have evolved, retaining a certain amount of continuity across history. As the construction industry claws its way back from one of the most severe contractions in decades, architects and designers are looking to reinvigorate and redefine the field with innovative architectural styling that will give a new generation of buildings a lean, intelligent identity.

Architectural Designs Going Green

Indian architecture is now seen to welcome contemporary ideas of such variety that often encourages creative minds of the architects. Efficient use of space, a key factor that rolls out each design is now dealt with. Pragmatic solutions are provided by incorporating innovative storage spaces. One of the most prominent implementations in architectural design in the present times is green architecture that is looked upon as the bench mark of modernity and new trend. This in turn provides designs that increase the work efficiency and in turn the economic productivity. Site constrains paves path to prefabrication, saving a lot of time and energy.

Health conscious designs are also making a prominent place in the architecture industry. From the choice between fluorescent lights versus natural day lighting, to what kind of materials to use in flooring and finishes(toxic, non-toxic), to heating, cooling and ventilation decisions, to flow and transportation within buildings and between buildings, every design decision impacts people’s health and wellbeing — either positively or negatively. Additionally, vertical planning is chosen instead of increasing the building footprint. Villas and separate homes have now been replaced with apartments and community living. Gated communities are nowadays sprouting up at every city hub. Amenities are provided within, hence making life easier for people. Commercial and residential spaces now co exists hand in hand to an urban level, planning is now approached in such a manner that everything happens at the node, and not clustered elsewhere. People in India are more enthusiastic about new changes, and encourage experiments in architecture and embrace new trends with pride.

Architecture & Technology
The sudden demand in residential and commercial construction sector has indeed taken a toll on architectural firms. This is because design is now under constraint. Loads of factors affect the design more than just feasibility. It is the economic revenue that the construction could bring, accommodating more footfalls per meter square, and providing efficient means of tackling this problem. Loads of brainstorming happens behind the curtain that is where architects and designers show their skill of providing the most intelligent solution with the highest revenue. Also, people now demand solutions which can keep them intact with their roots also at the same time they want to keep in pace with the emerging trends hence the designers are working with the ideas of modern version of vernacular architecture keeping intact the material usage and basic forms. Technology, in such a case has been a blessing to the architecture industry. Nowadays, more software implementation is done to analyze the practical behavior of buildings. Earthquake resistant buildings are designed in order to assure the life of the structure in any kind of disasters, with the help of the structural modifications and material usage. Building spaces has now become easier because of working with modules. Modular design technologies are implemented, for improvising building designs which makes it more functional and also enhances the other aspects. Design technologies are being used to merge landscape with buildings and sculpture with architecture leading to redefining a space. Building management and project management technologies are also being incorporated for planning, organizing, controlling resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals or daily problems.
 thanks to

Alex Jacob. Principal Architect, Alex Jacob Architect