PRAXIS 14 | Abin Design Studio

An editorial project by Matter in partnership with Şişecam Flat Glass, PRAXIS investigates the work and positions of diverse contemporary architecture practices in India. Elaborating on the workings of his eponymous Kolkata-based practice, Abin Design Studio, Abin Chaudhuri discusses what it means to be an informed practice for ADS – pushing boundaries in both the public and the private realm. He provides an insight into the different trajectories that shaped the foundations and ethos of their interdisciplinary studio, and ideals that contribute towards creation of architecture and smaller infrastructures for different cultural, social and geographical contexts in rural and urban India alike. 

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Nehru and the Delhi Modern Movement: Architecture and Design in Delhi 1947-1980

Ram Rahman

A Recorded Lecture from FRAME Conclave 2019: Modern Heritage


In this lecture, Ram Rahman speaks about the works of his father, the noted architect Habib Rahman. He also speaks at length about Jawaharlal Nehru‘s vision for the new nation, the architecture and design in Delhi post-independence and its present-day state.

Edited Transcript

Basically, my approach to what I am talking about has come through photography. I am not really a historian. I am only here because my father, who you see there (referring to image 01), Habib Rahman was an architect and I grew up in the milieu of many of the architects whose work will be discussed today, but I will begin very quickly.

In a tribute to some of my Goan friends, these are pictures I did of Mario Miranda and Charles Correa at Dona Sylvia a number of years ago (referring to image 02). So, a tribute to them, tribute to these fantastic people who came out of Goa and did amazing work.

I first came here in 1986, it was for ‘Architecture + Design’ magazine (referring to image 03) at that time edited by Razia Grover. My introduction to Goa was actually Goan modernism in architecture. I came here to photograph the work of Ralino De Souza, Peter Scriver mentioned him earlier today, and I am happy he did. Also, Sarto Almeida and Lucio Miranda amongst many others. And these were wonderful issues at the time when much of this work had actually not been seen in the rest of India. So, salute to these architects too.

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PRAXIS 13 | architectureRED

An editorial project by Matter in partnership with Şişecam Flat Glass, PRAXIS investigates the work and positions of diverse contemporary architecture practices in India. In this episode, Biju Kuriakose and Kishore Panikkar speak about practising with empathy through their Chennai-based studio, architectureRED. In the discussion, they elaborate on their intense design process, protecting the core idea of a project, and research as a means to understand the built fabric they are part of. The episode follows their individual journeys and outlines their collective approach to practice.

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RUPALI GUPTE: THE 2022 TAKSHILA LECTURE ON ARCHITECTURE & SOCIETY

The Takshila Lecture on Architecture and Society is delivered by an eminent professional / academician that addresses the growing disparity between the practice and pedagogy of Architecture in India, and the realities of our social, cultural and economic contexts. The lecture and the following dialogue aim to challenge the status- quo with a conviction that an open and honest conversation on the state of practice will instigate positive change.

The 2022 Takshila Lecture on Architecture and Society was delivered by Rupali Gupte at Arthshila Ahmedabad on October 16th, 2022.

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PRAXIS 12 | _Opolis

An editorial project by Matter in partnership with Şişecam Flat Glass, PRAXIS investigates the work and positions of diverse contemporary architecture practices in India. In this episode, Rahul Gore and Sonal Sancheti of _Opolis elaborate on the formal values that shape their outlook and approach to design. The discussion examines in detail aspects of partnerships – internally and externally – especially in public projects, the active role teaching and collegial culture plays in their studio.

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