SAaTh—Sustainability in Action and Thought—embodies this vision by promoting sustainable practices across the architecture, construction, and design sectors. India, home to 18% of the world’s population but just 4% of its freshwater, faces a critical challenge: balancing development with sustainability. The construction industry, while essential to economic growth, consumes 12% of global freshwater and generates up to 30% of global landfill waste. The over-extraction of natural resources for construction has placed the planet in an ecological overshoot, requiring “1.5 Earths” to sustain current lifestyles. This situation demands a transformative approach to building practices, one that reduces resource consumption while supporting sustainable development.
Ethos Foundation, in collaboration with Mphasis F1 Foundation, aims to address this challenge through Project SAaTh (Sustainability in Action and Thought). This is a program built around fostering architects’ social responsibility integrated with an approach towards sustainability. SAath encourages innovative solutions and promoting sustainable construction practices. It also seeks to create opportunities to reverse the ecological debt incurred by unsustainable development. In addition to that, the initiative focuses on aligning the construction sector with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like water conservation and responsible resource use.
To catalyze this shift, Ethos Foundation and Mphasis F1 Foundation are inviting architects, educators, students, and professionals to take action. The time to act is now—every building, every decision, and every idea can make a difference. Join us, with the following initiatives that are being offered.
At Ethos Foundation, we firmly believe that educators and students are the unsung heroes shaping our future. Project Inspire is our initiative to honour these changemakers who are driving real, transformative change. They challenge the ordinary and usher in sustainable practices while creating ripples of impact that extend far beyond the classroom.
We are looking for such inspiration from Architecture, Design, and Planning faculty members for the Design Educators Awards and the Student of the Year Awards to students taking personal action including but also beyond their design journey.
By celebrating these efforts through Project Inspire, we recognise that change is driven by the passion and dedication of individuals who dare to make a difference.
Recognising that educators play a vital role, we equally honour the students. They are true catalysts of change who will carry forward the vision of sustainable practices and its future. Their creativity, commitment, and passion are the driving forces behind a better society.
This initiative is open to educators across India who are making a profound impact through their teaching practices. By submitting examples of your innovative methods and student outputs, you can highlight your unwavering commitment to sustainability and inspire others in the field.
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
Editor’s Note: Matharoo Associates created this unique expression of design, where textured concrete façades hide quietly behind the surrounding landscape that has been carefully retained. With thoughtful deliberation, they achieve a perfect balance where practicality, creativity, and functionality come together seamlessly. As sunlight falls across the surfaces, it creates an intangible texture, almost like watching […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
The design of the house prioritises connectivity to nature by incorporating green elements like vertical gardens or landscaped courtyards. This is achieved through various means, such as large windows framing scenic views, outdoor living spaces seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The emphasis on connectivity to nature creates a serene and harmonious environment, fostering a […]
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]