Architecture is a powerful expression of our values, aspirations, and collective memory. It influences how we live, interact, and connect with the environment around us. In today’s rapidly changing world, where city design, climate change, and socio-economic shifts are constantly redefining our built environments, architecture holds the potential to do much more than provide shelter—it can shape culture, inspire communities, and build legacies that last for generations.
At Elev8 2025, panelist Ar. Surya Kakani, Ar. Anuprita Dixit, Ar. Sachin Bandukwala, and Ar. Manisha Agarwal explores visions and ideas that transcend both time and generations, shaping the future of inclusive city design & healthy communities.
The panelists began by offering personal definitions of legacy. For some, it meant timeless architecture, rooted in context and sustainability, such as the work of I.M. Kadri, whose decades-old buildings continue to inspire. For others, legacy was seen as the spirit of the time—the way architects respond to current social, political, and ecological circumstances. Whether designing a school, a memorial, or a housing society, each project leaves behind not just a structure, but a reflection of the ethics, values, and priorities of its time.
One of the key themes discussed was the relationship between space and ecology. Panelists spoke about how architecture cannot remain static. It must evolve with changing climates, geographies, and urban needs. Referencing large-scale infrastructure projects in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the conversation highlighted how urban development often compromises ecological balance. The panel stressed the importance of long-lasting construction and conscious urban interventions that respect local ecosystems and address issues like flooding, pollution, and over-construction.
A compelling thought emerged: What is the lifespan of our buildings, and when do they become ruins? As public infrastructure is increasingly privatized, panelists advocated for architecture that justifies the resources spent by lasting not just physically, but also culturally and functionally for generations.
Discussions around urban housing redevelopment offered insights like even in zones like Mumbai, there is a growing awareness among residents about the need for open spaces, community engagement, and environmental sensitivity. In one example, a housing society consciously chose not to use its full building potential (FSI), prioritizing quality of life over density.
This conversation sparked broader reflections on urban density—how densification is not inherently problematic, but becomes so when disconnected from ecological and social considerations. Verandas, courtyards, and communal open spaces were highlighted as essential architectural elements that can bring back everyday connections to nature and the sky.
As India’s cities face increasing migration and urban sprawl, the panel emphasized the need for decentralized development. Instead of crowding metros with jobs, education, and healthcare, panelists called for smaller cities and towns to be empowered through policy-driven planning, encouraging more equitable distribution of opportunities.
Affordable housing was a focal point. Rather than reacting to slums, the solution lies in preventing their formation by creating socially inclusive urban design. Architects can advocate for this, but real change must happen at the policy level, with governments.
Looking ahead to 2050, panelists discussed waste management, construction quality, and material reuse. With many structures from the 1980s already in redevelopment, they warned against short-term construction thinking. Architecture must be viewed as a responsibility—how we build, what we build with, and how long it lasts.
They advocated for a return to craftsmanship, valuing manual skills, local materials, and regenerative processes. Architecture must balance technology with tradition, and address the growing challenge of urban waste through smart, sustainable solutions.
The panel concluded that legacy is not just about iconic buildings. It is about values, intent, and impact. Architecture must respond to the needs of today while anticipating the challenges of tomorrow. It must be inclusive, ecological, and ethical.
Legacy lies in what we build and what we leave behind, but also in how we build. The people involved, the materials chosen, the communities served, and the environments protected. At its core, architecture is about building a better way of life—one thoughtful space at a time.
Rooted in a newer extension of the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, this abode represents a fine tune of modern design sensibility with timeless material expression and spatial volumetric connections. A home for a family of 4 which balances openness with privacy, functionality with aesthetics and luxury with warmth. The physical orientation of the east facing […]
Perched gracefully along the edge of a manicured golf course, this C-shaped weekend retreat blends the spirit of Balinese home design architecture with a clean, modern palette. Designed as a sanctuary for rest and reconnection, the home opens inward and outward simultaneously—embracing a central courtyard while framing uninterrupted views of the fairway. This Balinese Home […]
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 […]
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
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 […]
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 […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
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 […]