Architecture and design have mostly been represented in the form of visual mediums with Sketches, drawings, and other forms of representations. These things have always played a key role in the presentation of design and its narrative and rightly so. But apart from the representation of the drawing, there is a narrative and tone of the design, which needs to be understood by regular users, not just with drawings, but with the power of storytelling and conveying ideas which is relevant to the designer’s approach towards creating the layout. This is where architectural storytelling in the written form begins.
Architectural writing has generally taken a back seat as it has been considered unimpactful as compared to a visual representation. There has been a drastic shift from this mindset because of very impactful architectural writers who have understood the importance of creating a design narrative. Architectural writing serves as a bridge between the designers and the general public giving them insights into the world of architecture, design and built environment. This makes the users and the general public aware of the choices they can make.
Every form of art and design has its own story, and the stories are best told when documented and written. The community of the common man becomes accustomed and acquainted with the different design typologies like sustainability, energy efficiency, biophilic design, urban design and landscape architecture, which only makes the design reach out better, easing the life of the designer. Let’s look at some of these writers who have brought critical insights and built a narrative to support meaningful changes in society and the world of designers.
Abha Narain Lambah: Conservationist
Abha Narain Lambah is a prominent architect, who focuses her work on preservation and restoration projects. She also won two UNESCO awards for her restoration projects of David Sassoon Library and Bikaner House. She has played an imminent role in recuperating some of India’s most iconic landmarks. Her book “The Architecture Of The Indian Sultanates” explores the architectural styles and celebrates the architectural contributions of the sultanate era to the Indian heritage and history. She is also the author of the book “Conservation Guidelines For New Delhi” which has laid foundational principles for preserving the architectural heritage of the culturally rich city Of Delhi. She has also contributed to various articles, journals, and reports where she has highlighted the importance of maintaining the heritage in an urban context.
Anupama Kundoo: Sustainable Design Story
Anupama Kundoo is an Indian Award Winning Designer and Writer, who has primarily kept her focus on “Sustainable Design Solutions”. She is the Author of the book “Anupama Kundoo – The Architect’s Studio” where she has given insights into her design philosophy and talks about sourcing materials locally for a sustainable approach towards development. It explores how traditional Building ideas have been incorporated into her design, making them timeless. She has worked on different projects and seriously advocates for energy-efficient and sustainable design practices. Documenting and representing her design practices as a written narrative, inspires and helps people understand the designer’s process, approach and mindset.
Madhavi Desai: Gender Equality In Architecture
Madhavi Desai is an academic professor and author who has contributed immensely to the architectural discourse. She has co-authored the book “Architecture and Independence: The Search for Identity – India 1880 to 1980” where the book reflects the patterns of architecture in the pre-independence era and how it developed later on post-independence. Her publications also include her book “Women Architects and Modernism In India: Histories of Practice in Mumbai and Delhi” which highlights the role of women architects in shaping the colonial Era of India. She challenges the male-dominated narrative of architectural history and speaks of providing a more equal and comprehensive approach in the field. With her works and contributions, she challenges the notion of men being synonymous with architecture. She has inspired people with her work and believes that gender has no role to play when it comes to being a successful designer.
Mrinalini Ghadiok: Inclusivity And Diversity
Mrinalini Ghadiok is an architect, curator and also a writer. She is a dynamic voice in the architectural field who has worked on various historical research projects and writing. She has contributed to numerous architectural forums, discussions and architectural events. She is known for creating content that highlights emerging trends and innovations in architecture and has advocated for inclusivity and diversity in the design sector.
Tanya Khanna: Bridging Designers And The Public
Tanya Khanna began her career as an architectural journalist in 2004. She is the founder of Epistle Communications and has carved herself a niche in promoting architectural dialogue in India. Through her firm, She has created a Platform bridging the designers and the public in one stage, Which has fostered open and inclusive conversations on the architectural discourse. Her work boosts the voice of architects emerging in the field. She has also highlighted the importance of Marketing, PR and Communications for designers and how that plays an important role in the perception of a design studio, after all even Architecture is a business that needs to sell. She has been contributing to various publications and also runs platforms teaching students and young entrepreneurs on their journey with writing and building narratives.
Emerging Writers In India
Some upcoming writers who have had an immense impact in the writing field in recent times are Suha Riyaz Khopatkar best known for her book – Just Give Me Some Space, with beautiful illustrations depicting the hardships in a School Of Architecture. The book is humourous and helps in giving a little insight into the world of Architecture.
Saili Sawantt – An Emerging Content Creator, and Writer who teaches young lads how they can build a career in Architectural Journalism.
Architectural narrative and writing are powerful tools, which is going to immensely impact the understanding of designs and help build the gap that is between the public and designers.
