Wednesday, March 30, 2016

MODERN ARCHITECTURE


“Architecture should be based on current demand which may inspire architects to think ideas that meet the demand and make it into reality. Demand is the most important thing which triggers innovation from architects." 

Modern Architecture is not simply anti-vernacular but also architecture that can have a number of influences but still tries to be aspirational, visionary and risky and uses new materials in an innovative way. Contemporary Architects attempt to push at the boundaries of materials and technology and especially in recent decades, geometry. ‘Modern Architecture’ refers only to the architecture of the Modern Movement where ‘form follows function’ and the ‘house is a machine for living in’. But Modernism was such a significant movement (and such a change in thinking at that time) and influenced all architects since, that it is not simply an architectural style like ‘Arts and Crafts’ or ‘High Tec’.
Almost every contemporary architect has been influenced by the Modern Movement. The architect Le Corbusier was for many the principal influence with his modern architecture of white walls, fenetre longuer, pilotis and architectural promenade. He described not only a vision of future cities with masterplanning sketches and models, but a form of ‘programme’ and ‘narrative’ for all buildings, but especially modern houses. He had a series of wealthy Clients and was successful in pushing boundaries in almost every building he worked on. Modern Architecture belonged to those who decided to begin afresh and to rid themselves of a preoccupation with style or ornament were it old or new. Architects place more emphasis on energy efficiency and use sustainable, natural, and recycled materials to create eco-friendly houses. It's not unusual for builders to thoughtfully integrate these homes into their natural surroundings. People sometimes refer to this practice as organic architecture.
 
Modern architecture is typically free of clutter and unnecessary elements.  The goals of the project are clarified at the start, and only the features that are required are included in the design.  Residential homes are often stripped down to showcase the architectural design of the home - the focus will be on the space itself, rather than on any decor or details not relevant to the overall design. Homeowners following a Modern aesthetic believe strongly in the idea of “Less is more”!  Modern tastes enjoy simplicity and clarity.  Homes will be clean, functional, and simple.  There are varying degrees of Modernism - some will opt for the strict design sense of true Minimalism, while others prefer to incorporate the minimalist aesthetics of Modernism in conjunction with their own personal style.  Choosing your own design elements in the way of colours, textures, and interesting furnishings will help create a more unique Modern style.

                                                              “Design has no limitations!”

Thursday, December 25, 2014


Riba to open chapter in India



The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced that they will open a chapter in  in 2015 in order to offer “enhanced membership support, networking opportunities and a forum for local activities and CPD.” It will also allow the RIBA to work “collaboratively with the Indian Institute for Architects () for the enhancement of the profession.” The launch of this branch of the institute follows the opening of chapters in the USA, Hong Kong and the Gulf in recent years. According to Chloe Sadler, RIBA Head of International Chapters, the RIBA currently has “just under 100 members in India who are working tirelessly to uphold the principles of the [institute] and share the importance of good design.” “This new Chapter will cement the RIBA’s commitment to support our members in India through knowledge exchange and the celebration of architecture.”

Sunday, November 30, 2014

out of box design

I m always confused why designers run these parametric scripts to generate unique and interesting forms and then just cut them out of a box... why is it always a BOX there is nothing visually restricting the sides or top of this from which just makes the space read as an unimaginative box which I feel is not what the designer was going for with this process.



EXPO-2015-German-Pavillon

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

design thoughts


“Design is more about observing the world around you, then about personal creativity.”
Cam Shaw


“Design shapes the way we live. So it ought to serve everyone.”
Eva Maddox, Interior Architect and Designer, Co-founder, Archeworks

Friday, June 14, 2013

Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication

                                                                                



Mahim is a full service architectural firm offering each client a combination of imaginative design, expertise, and intense involvement. The firm's reputation is based on providing the highest quality of professional services to every client. We strive to produce work that is creative, practical and economical, while keeping in mind the social, economic, environmental and aesthetic issues relevant to each project. Our combined skills in architecture and interior design, together with our resources in engineering services enable us to ensure that high quality, functional solutions are delivered on time and within budget. We see architecture and interior design as overlapping and symbiotic areas of activity and continue to maintain the delicate balance of innovation and professionalism that is our hallmark. 

We have prime office located in one of thecentrally business areas of Mumbai and having branch offices in pan-India. Due to modern electronic systems, this enables us to work and monitor projects in all parts of our vast country. We thus have a pan-Indian presence. We have a stable and technically competent workforce, many of whom have been part of our organization from the beginning of our growth period. There is a strong sense of community within the organization. The offices are equipped with state of the art infrastructure in hardware and software. Fast broadband lines facilitate communication and transfer of data, facilitating rapid and easy communications globally.

In today's global expanse the ability to work in different parts of the world with international architects is essential. And we understand this very well. There must be very few countries in the world where architects have such varied challenges as we have in South Asia today. Our involvement ranges from up gradation of slums to large corporate and public buildings, from low income housing to the restoration of magnificent vernacular and colonial buildings. Wonderful, exciting and fulfilling tasks that span our careers take us from being hi-tech professionals to barefoot architects.

Living and working as an architect in the India of the eighties, nineties and now the twenty-first century has involved challenges much more varied in nature than conventional architectural projects in most parts of the world. In the olden days we thought of man when cities were being built. Today we think of floor space index, building codes, budgets and so on but often leave out the protagonist of the space- Man.

As Architects our practice tells the world who we are and what we value. It is not a single building we designed which may have won awards, it is not something that only the stars in our profession have, it is something all of us Architects have, our practice. Through our practice of almost five years I believe that an inclusive practice that spans our diverse population, be it economic or cultural, provides us with great satisfaction. The Architect’s role is that of guardian- he or she is the conscience of the built and un-built environment.


mahim@mahimarchitect.com