Welcome to a discussion on the innovative reinterpretation of building materials, presented by Deepa Suriyaprakash at the Indian Interior Design and Architecture Summit (IIDA) 2023. This event, featured a panel of distinguished architects and designers from across India. The theme of the summit was “Architecture and Beyond: Building Community by the People, for the People.”
Deepa Suriyaprakash is a prominent architect and founding partner of Between Lines, Bangalore. She holds a degree in architecture from the National Institute of Technology. Furthermore, she pursued studies in the theory of architecture and design at Ohio State University. With extensive experience from working with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Chicago, she has been at the forefront of innovative architectural practices since her return to India in 2008. Her interests span travel, teaching, critical theory, graphic design, and material studies.
Suriyaprakash’s journey as an architect has been deeply influenced by her fascination with materials. Starting as a student, her continuous exploration led her to fully immerse herself in waste management around 2015. She founded a company to help manage and segregate waste, which heightened her awareness about the lifecycle of materials.
At the summit, Suriyaprakash discussed her approach to using materials in architecture. Additionally, emphasizing the need to return to methods where communities can build with their own hands. Historically, building materials were local, reusable, and accessible, a practice that has diminished with industrialization. Her philosophy advocates for a “cradle to cradle” model, promoting sustainable practices that minimize waste and maximize material reuse.
Deepa shared several examples demonstrating innovative use of materials:
In one notable project, Suriyaprakash built a house for her aunt in Chennai using predominantly secondhand materials. From bricks to grills and tiles, all elements were sourced from the seconds market. This project exemplifies how architects can create cost-effective, aesthetically unique homes by repurposing materials.
Suriyaprakash emphasized the importance of community involvement in construction. By empowering people to participate in building their own homes, architects can foster a sense of ownership and sustainability. She cited examples from a small village, Tanur, where locals reuse materials from historical structures for their own building needs, embodying the principle of adaptive reuse.
Deepa Suriyaprakash’s presentation at the IDAS 2023 Summit highlighted the potential of reinterpreting building materials through sustainable practices and community involvement. Her work challenges contemporary architects to rethink the lifecycle of materials, advocate for eco-friendly construction methods, and empower individuals to participate in the building process. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, such innovative approaches to architecture are not just relevant but necessary for a sustainable future.
As soon as you enter a space, walls define its boundary, volume, style, and experience. Interior wall designs are crucial in determining the mood and aesthetic appeal of an interior space. To create a one-of-a-kind space for occupants and guests, the interplay of interior wall designs and their volume is key. To evoke a feeling […]
Marble house designs in the Indian context constantly change and upgrade with time but never go out of style. Marble a timeless and versatile material, finds its application in various settings ranging from flooring to ornamentation. If you are looking for marble house ideas to add a touch of quality and luxury to your home, […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Do you enjoy keeping games, books, and ornaments in your hallway? This carefully chosen collection of living room storage ideas will complement your interior decor and be suitable for Indian homes. These are chosen from a shortlist of different product designers’ living room storage designs on Archioo. The following living room storage concepts have been […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
Are you worried about the small space left in your kitchen? In parallel kitchen design, the layout divides the kitchen into two parallel counters. Including the parallel kitchen design, the work sequence includes store, wash, prepare, cook, serve, eat, and be followed by clear and wash up. From the sequences, we learn that three appliances […]
The living room is the heart of the home, a space where conversations flow, memories are made, and comfort takes center stage. But what anchors this space, creating balance and style? The tables you choose—whether a sleek console table by the wall, a statement-making centerpiece, or a charming side table—have the power to elevate your […]
When it comes to improving the look and feel of a home, the choices we make about interior décor can have a profound impact. While furniture, lighting, and fabrics all play a significant role, one often overlooked yet incredibly powerful tool for sprucing up your home’s interior is art—specifically paintings or prints. Not only do […]
Grout is a fundamental element in any surface that has a tile; over time, grout tends to build up dirt and stains. If not cleaned well, dirty grouting tends to develop unappealing, unpleasant areas. This is most true in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This guide covers steps on how one can clean […]
With ongoing design trends, modern master bedroom design ideas are gaining attraction among Indian homeowners. What are modern master bedroom design ideas? Focusing on the largest bedroom of the house, this trend exudes luxury, comfort, and relaxation in distinctive materials, smooth finishes, attractive decors, and more. Additionally, modern master bedroom design ideas have also been […]