About the Book
This publication contains a compilation of works of notable Indian practice Studio Archohm, spanning their 25-year journey of practice. As torchbearers of contemporary Indian architecture, it depicts how the studio evolved into a responsible, responsive stakeholder in nationbuilding, actively initiating and realising large-scale urban, infrastructure and civic projects. It also touches upon the experimentation the studio could undertake in the private realm while delivering these scales to the public. Moreover, Archohm's portfolio does not end at urban and architectural projects but goes beyond, into the realm of design research, design thinking, experience design, city branding and education. The projects are a testimony to multidisciplinary explorations, universal curiosity and connecting the dots across a range of scales, typologies, mediums, programs and domains in the public and private realms. From a cobble to a city, from tourism master plans to rejuvenation of old cities, from building cultural icons, and educational institutions to developing their pedagogies, building buildings, cities and their identities alike. projects of Archohm aim to unlock the potential of a space and thereby impact and inspire the communities and stakeholders involved. The publication also explains how architecture, despite the constraints of time, energy and clients, must attempt to be deeply rooted in theoretical understandings, indigenous practices and global perspectives. Works of the studio are evocative of an Indian identity reimagined in contemporary thinking and doing. This extraordinary volume provides a comprehensive overview of the studio's work to date with detailed excavations of some of its most distinguished projects while conveying the firm's underlying philosophy and vision. Generously illustrated with architectural plans, diagrams and photography, each project is accompanied by a detailed explanation and complemented by texts from the studio principals and renowned architectural critics, showing how it is Archohm's vision to celebrate life through design.
About the Author :
Aric Chen is the curatorial director for Design Miami/ and an independent curator and writer based in Shanghai, where he is a professor of practice and director of the Curatorial Lab at the College of Design and Innovation at Tongji University. From 2012 to 2019, Chen was the founding lead curator for design and architecture, and later curator-at-large, for M+, a museum for visual culture in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District. Prior to founding M+, Chen was the first creative director of Beijing Design Week. He has organized dozens of projects and exhibitions internationally, in addition to serving on numerous juries and as a curatorial adviser to the Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, the Cooper-Hewitt Design Triennial, and the Gwangju Design Biennale. Chen is the author of Brazil Modern (The Monacelli Press, 2016) and has been a frequent contributor to The New York Times, Wallpaper*, Architectural Record, and other publications.André Jeanpierre Fanthome's first photographs came off a Zenith 122 in 1999 while he was still an undergraduate at St. Stephen's College. In 2009 he was awarded the 'National Academy Award for Visual Art' by the National Lalitkala Academy - becoming, at 27, the youngest of three photographers to have received this National Honour. Fanthome loves to teach photography and give youngsters an opportunity to discover the power and excitement of the medium, something he discovers afresh every time he points his lens in a new direction. In addition to photography Fanthome is an avid naturalist, a keen birder and loves cooking!Neelkanth Chhaya is an architect and academic. He has practiced at Ahmedabad since 1987, and taught at Faculty of Architecture at CEPT University from 1987 to 2012, when he retired as Dean of the Faculty. He also taught earlier at the University of Nairobi and at Institute of Environmental Design, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and has been an Adjunct Faculty at Srishti School of Design, Bengaluru. He edited Harnessing the Intangible: Collected Essays on the Work of Balkrishna Doshi (National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture, 2014). Prof. Chhaya has been interested in the value of Indic thought on architecture, urbanism and place-making to contemporary practices.Based in Ahmedabad, India, I am an Architect and Educator deeply engrossed in the study and practice of architecture, not just as an end but as a powerful means to guide society towards positive transformation. My belief that architecture transcends its immediate function to act as a catalyst for social, cultural, and economic change shapes my approach to teaching. In my role as an associate professor of Architecture, I specialize in housing design, viewing each project as an opportunity to nurture communities, foster sustainable living, and contribute to the urban fabric with a mindful approach to future needs. As an educator, my fascination lies in unraveling the intricacies that exist between teaching methodologies and learning outcomes, particularly within the sphere of design education. Fortuitously, my involvement in the development of various curricula and the evolution of pedagogical strategies has deepened my interest in design pedagogy. This exploration occurs on several fronts--from crafting vision statements that guide educational institutions to devising assessment techniques that enhance the effectiveness of courses.Sourabh Gupta is an architect, entrepreneur, and visionary designer who founded Studio Archohm in 2000. A graduate of CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and TU Delft in the Netherlands, Sourabh combines academic excellence with a passion for exploration and innovation. His studio is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, addressing diverse typologies and scales--from urban planning to product design--while focusing on contextual and climate-responsive architecture. Sourabh's design philosophy emphasizes originality, meticulous detailing, and the seamless integration of technology to enhance creativity. Beyond architecture, Sourabh has incubated several design ventures, including The Design Village Institute for holistic design education, Design Factory India for experience design, and Gomaads. These initiatives reflect his belief in "life through design," fostering collaboration and creativity across disciplines. Known for his restless energy and hands-on approach, Sourabh continues to redefine contemporary Indian architecture while inspiring new generations of designers through his work and educational endeavours.
