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.
Layers don’t just sit here; they breathe, shift, and whisper through light. The Screen, set in the sun-drenched fabric of Solapur, Maharashtra, isn’t trying to scream luxury. It doesn’t need to. It moves quieter than that, more composed, more intentional, like a pause button carved into the chaos of the city. Spread across 4,125 sq. […]
This project is located in Ben Tre, Vietnam, and was completed in 2021. With a total area of 430m2, the project set within concrete vaults includes 3 bedrooms and one living room, each with a view of the nearby river. Concrete Vaults Form The Main Identity Of This Vietnamese Home | VTN Architects The ground […]
We conceive EMA not as a conventional architectural object, but as a living continuum of memory, ecology, and craft. Located in Malappuram, Kerala, the 1,700 sq. ft. residence, designed with thermal comfort draws from vernacular wisdom and the philosophy of the Kaavu—the sacred grove—where humans, nature, and other living beings coexist without hierarchy. Within this […]
Set within the lush landscapes of Bharanikavu in Kollam, Arcade – a single storey residence that blends tropical modern architecture with colonial and traditional elements. Designed for a businessman, his wife (a teacher) and their two daughters, this house showcases a shared interest for elegance rooted in familiarity. This Single Storey Home Sits Amidst Lush […]
Noah’s Ark is a contemporary residence designed as a calm and welcoming home with a clear planning. The client’s brief was to create a home that felt simple, warm, and timeless without becoming overly minimal or impersonal. Noah’s Ark responds by blending clear planning, honest materials, and personal elements, resulting in a house that is […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]