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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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 […]