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Showing posts from August, 2021

ACOUSTIC COMFORT: Sound Matters In Architectural Design

 No matter where we are, sounds affect us physiologically, psychologically, cognitively and behaviorally all the time - even though we’re not conscious of it. And so, it is rightly said that well-designed spaces must sound as good as it looks. Visual and aural perception are complementary systems. It is not a question of one being better than the other; instead, they actually balance each other. Hence, it is no longer viable to ignore the auditory sense when designing any space. Sound is an important part of an architectural design plan. The productivity and wellbeing of residents, visitors, and workers within a building can be affected by how well thought out the acoustics are. For example, in classrooms, libraries, churches, meeting rooms, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, etc. the design has to be such that it is easy to speak and comfortable to listen. Even a simple small room sounds very different when a window is open. In short, sound defines, animates, and enlarges the archi...

Fundamental Principles Of Sustainable Building Design

     These days,  hotel architects , residential architects, hospital architects, etc are challenged not only in crafting a design that excels in form and function, but also in being able to come up with integrated solutions that take into account environmental factors. Sustainable architecture is one such concept that fulfills this need. Also referred to as green architecture or environmental architecture, it is a complex concept that involves sketching and building structures that minimize the use of natural resources and energy. It not only aims to reduce environmental impact but also strives to offer inhabitants a better quality of life. Sustainability is as much about the process as it is about the structure. Its principles must follow through the entire lifecycle of the building - from its initial design and construction, use and maintenance, to its demolition and reuse of building materials. Fundamental Principles of Sustainable Building Design While the defin...

The Climate Is Changing - So Must Architecture

Climate change is a term that we are hearing everywhere. The question is no longer, “Is it happening?” but rather, “What are we doing to avoid the disastrous consequences? With the change in climate comes the call to action for architects, engineers, and builders to be a part of the climate crisis solution. It's time for such professionals to move beyond the checklist approach to sustainability. Architects need to find ways to minimize the use of energy- and carbon-intensive technologies such as electric lighting and air-conditioning and revive low-tech solutions such as passive ventilation. Of course, the implementation of such standards requires support from numerous stakeholders, including consumers, colleagues in related fields, public officials, lenders, and most especially clients. Retrofitting commercial and residential structures with sustainable energy sources will be one more way that the architects can contribute to lowering the carbon emissions of buildings. It is one o...

The Upcoming Malabar Hill Forest Trail Design

  Malabar Hill in Mumbai is getting a unique forest trail that would let people take in the serene view of nature. The trail design - a 705-m long, 604 m wide "treetop walkway" has been approved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Conceptualized by the  top architectural firm in Mumbai , IMK Architects, the Malabar Hill Forest Trail will provide uninhibited views of the Arabian Sea. The walkway is meant to be environment friendly and would be built without intervening with the forest. With a complete focus on ecological protection and conservation – the project is ought to be built without damaging a single tree on site, which boasts of a wealth of local flora and fauna. A first-of-its-kind forest Trail for the city of Mumbai – this project is set to be completed by the end of 2021. IMK Architects—aim to revive an ecological lung in the city in the Malabar Hills, with this enchanting trail through a little-known forest. The project is steered by a vision to creat...