Architecture, more than just buildings is about having a vision, asking the question, ‘what if’, and having the capacity to make spaces that connect people, people and nature, and people and their history. In Elev8 2025, Rajeev Kathpalia, a designated partner in Vastu Shilpa Sangath LLP exemplifies design thinking and architectural approach. His strong alignment and work with B.V. Doshi, has been instrumental in situating contemporary architecture in India. Additionally, he spoke about the making of the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial, which has re-defined commemorative architecture in India.

The Making of Smritivan

Rajeev Kathpalia’s involvement with the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial in Bhuj began with a straightforward brief: “Plant a tree for each victim.” The 2001 earthquake in Gujarat killed thousands of people, and the challenge was to create a memorial that would exist not as an isolated artifact, but as a landscape that was alive, changing, and a work-in-progress. Instead of a tree for each victim, the Vastu Shilpa Sangath team envisioned a forest to represent rebirth, resilience, and remembrance. The forest is located on 470 acres of land and encompasses lakes, green space, and built environments integrated into the landform. Sustainability was central to the design, utilizing the least amount of all external water for the trees and maximizing efforts to improve biodiversity in a self-sustaining environment.

Architecture as a Medium for Storytelling

Rajeev Kathpalia considers architecture as a way to engage people with history and culture. The design of the Smritivan site including the pathways and reservoirs is intentionally created to evoke the feeling of a pilgrimage. Visitors meander through a sequence of earthquake-resistant spaces, memorial stones, and step wells which include the names of victims. Water is a large component and the rain harvesting strategies provide a refreshed lush landscape despite the dryness and harshness in Bhuj. The Sun Point is popular at Smritivan where visitors engage with the Horizon and the timing of the platform associates visitors with sunrise and sunset in a way that invokes the tradition of other ancient Indian observatories such as Jantar Mantar. Furthermore, the celestial connection of the Sun Point grounds the visitor within time and space, creating a moment of reflection.

Influence of the Masters

Kathpalia has been profoundly influenced in his architectural endeavors by Le Corbusier and B.V. Doshi. He made the first connection with Corbusier’s work by studying the Chandigarh Capitol Complex. During this journey, Kathpalia had the opportunity to study with B.V. Doshi, who instilled in him the concepts of regionalism, sustainability, and a human-centered approach to design. All of these influences appear in his architectural projects, where tradition influences the evolution of contemporary lifestyles. Moreover, nature plays a role in a particular form of the built environment.

Urban Planning & Public Spaces

Beyond Smritivan, Kathpalia has been pivotal in the development of institutional campuses, city plans, and public infrastructure that focus on inclusivity and respect for the ecosystem. He believes that architects must do more than just produce landmarks, they should design environments that enhance human experience and connection. His projects show a profound understanding of climate-responsive architecture, frequently using passive cooling methods, locally sourced materials, and designing for energy efficiency. All of these ideas fall in line with the idea that architecture should be a meaningful as well as accessible experience for users.

Conclusion

For Kathpalia, architecture is not about being permanent; it is about adaptation and transformation. His work at Smritivan and beyond offers examples of how the design of immersive, interactive spaces can lead to reflection, resilience, and community engagement. By stretching boundaries and taking risks, he continues to reframe the definition of architecture in an increasingly changing world. As he mentioned in his keynote at Elev8 2025, the future of architecture is not monumental, but rather “How do we create an environment that connects us to the natural world, to history, and one another.”