In the ever-evolving landscape of the creative industries, the boundaries between disciplines are increasingly porous. Architecture, fashion, media, and performing arts are no longer isolated silos; they are interconnected dialects of a universal design language. At Thali (தளி), the ongoing mission is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry, exploring how foundational […]
When you walk into a space, it should do more than merely offer shelter. It should communicate with you, evoke an emotion, and ground you in its context. In the quiet, rural landscape of Vedanthangal—a town in Tamil Nadu famous for its bird sanctuary—stands a home that does exactly this. It is a beautiful, eco-parametric
Architecture is often viewed simply as the art of building. But for Nezar AlSayyad, it is a sound argument—a narrative written in stone and social history. As a professor emeritus at UC Berkeley and a pioneering urban historian, AlSayyad has spent four decades reshaping how we see the cities of the Global South. He does
The Architecture of Identity: Nezar AlSayyad on Heritage, Cinema, and the Global South Read More »
As an architecture journalist, I often hear the debate between modern convenience and traditional wisdom. We are constantly sold the idea that newer is stronger, and that “expensive” equates to “beautiful.” However, when you sit down with seasoned practitioners who actually build with their hands in the dirt, a very different, much more grounded reality
Starting an independent architectural practice is no small feat, especially when trying to balance heritage with contemporary client demands. For Architect Gayatri, the founder of the Madurai-based firm “Mutram,” the core philosophy of her practice revolves around integrating traditional architecture in modern design. By adapting the classic central courtyard concept into smaller urban spaces, she
The opportunity to delve into the construction of a Madras Terrace Roof was a wonderful experience, thanks to a workshop in Chennai led by Architect Akshaya Balakrishnan Founder earth_weal and organized by Architect Swetha, founder of WondAr Woman. We visited a project in Choolai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where the roof for the mandapa (a pillared
Rediscovering Heritage: The Madras Terrace Roof Workshop Read More »
Architect Dr. PONNI M. CONCESSAO, a trailblazer in the field, sat down for an insightful interview, offering a deep dive into her architectural journey, her educational experiences, and her views on the evolving role of women in the profession. Discussing everything from her time as the first woman undergraduate student at NIT, Tiruchirappalli, and her
Architect Akshaya Balakrishnan, a Chennai-based conservation architect and founder of Earthwall Studio, believes that heritage conservation is not about preserving the past alone — it is about creating a sustainable future rooted in cultural memory. In an exclusive conversation, she discusses her journey, the challenges of conserving heritage structures, and why awareness and community participation
In this engaging Article, Architect and Professor Arulmalar Ramaraj delves into the intricacies of design thinking, focusing on its application and transformation within the architectural realm. She sheds light on innovative teaching methodologies aimed at empowering both students and educators in mastering the art of design thinking in architecture. Furthermore, Prof. Arulmalar discusses the exciting
In this insightful video, renowned Architect Murali Murugan of Murali Architects shares valuable expertise on identifying and managing unethical clients in the field of architectural design. Drawing from years of experience, he provides practical tips and strategies to handle clients who may pose challenges to a successful project completion. Learn how to spot red flags,
