The Better Architecture Project

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 30: A Publisher's PathAriadna argues that books remain vital amid short-form digital media because they are curated, researched, and irreversible once printed. She describes an organic shift from architectural practice, writing, and urban criticism in Barcelona to publishing a book on her late father and then building a catalog-led program focused on architectural travel guides, Indian architecture and cities, monographs, and new mini-books planned years in advance. She outlines the bookmaking workflow: manuscript and material collection, peer review, design/layout, copyediting, drawing and image preparation, print-proofing, and production, followed by the harder work of sales via distributors, bookshops, launches, word of mouth, and social media. She stresses balancing text with drawings/images, calls for stronger writing and reading cultivation in architecture education, sees AI as a useful tool for editing/summarizing but not for generating ideas, and identifies independent publishing’s main constraints as economics, distribution dominance, and weak institutional support, advocating more open forums around architectural media and publishing.Guest: Ariadna A. GarretaDesignation: Architect & Director, Altrim PublishersBio: Ariadna A. Garreta is an architect, editor, and adviser. She has completed her Master’s degree from the Barcelona Technical School of Architecture (ETSAB, Spain). She has been a member of the College of Architects of Catalonia (COAC) assembly, where she has developed various positions for the COAC Barcelona delegation. She has been advising the Barcelona City Council and has been a member of the Barcelona Fundació Mies van der Rohe Board of Trustees. In India, she has been Director at CEPT University Press.She has been practising architecture with her father, Dr. Miquel Alvarez Trincado, at Altrim Studio since 1999, and she has been the Director since 2008. She has taught at the School of Architecture (EsArq) at the International University of Catalonia (UIC). She used to write for several Catalan and Spanish newspapers and Design and Architecture magazines. In 2010, she founded the Barcelona-based publishing company Altrim Publishers to provide a new platform for the promotion of architecture and city planning focused on India and Southeast Asia. In 2012, she settled in Chandigarh (India), where she is developing a series of book guides under the title of Southeast Asia & Indian Architectural Travel Guides. She has been the Director of CEPT University Press (Ahmedabad) and Coordinator at The Aditya Prakash Foundation (Chandigarh). She is currently a member of the Advisory Board of Poornima University (Jaipur, India), School of Planning & Architecture, Research & Consultancy Cell.⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn (P) | Instagram (P)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2026 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 29: The Listening Frame, Soumya DasguptaPart two of the continuing conversation shifts from architectural media’s narratives to how criticality is (and isn’t) cultivated through academia, especially in India. The episode argues that professional architectural education prioritizes technical and problem-solving skills while sidelining critical thinking. Critique is inherently marginal, political, and often mistaken for complaining. Critical thinkers need critical listeners, and professional architectural education must provide the pedagogical infrastructure to support this. Soumya contends this is a global issue, but more intense in India because institutions and the profession are structured to keep architecture technocratic, apolitical, and aligned with capital and state power, making the “visionary architect” largely a marketing myth and most graduates “architectural workers”. The episode also discusses building critical listening through sustained conversation and exposure to humanities beyond architecture, discussing how access barriers may be overcome by multilingualism and translation, and cautioning that formal organizations for discourse can quickly become bureaucratic and uncritical.Guest: Soumya DasguptaDesignation: Architectural ScholarBio: Soumya is a Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture (History and Theory) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. He is a recipient of the Humanities Research Institute Graduate Fellowship and the Illinois Distinguished Fellowship. He holds a certificate from the School of Criticism and Theory, Cornell University. He holds a Master's in Urban Design from SPA Delhi and a B.Arch. from IIEST Shibpur (Erstwhile BESU Shibpur). His scholarly interests include neoliberal developmentalism, digital technocracy, the Global South, and South Asia, and his Ph.D. dissertation broadly explores the contested systems of architectural production in the rapidly transforming context of  21st-century urban India.⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2026 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 28: Beyond Laudatory Texts, Soumya DasguptaThis episode features a candid, critical conversation with Soumya Dasgupta on the intersection of architecture, media, and political economy in India and the West. The episode exposes the dominance of architects’ narratives, the absence of criticality, and the systemic inequalities within the profession. Soumya challenges the status quo, urging for uncomfortable but necessary dialogues about power, capital, and the future of architectural practice.Guest: Soumya DasguptaDesignation: Architectural ScholarBio: Soumya is a Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture (History and Theory) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. He is a recipient of the Humanities Research Institute Graduate Fellowship and the Illinois Distinguished Fellowship. He holds a certificate from the School of Criticism and Theory, Cornell University. He holds a Master's in Urban Design from SPA Delhi and a B.Arch. from IIEST Shibpur (Erstwhile BESU Shibpur). His scholarly interests include neoliberal developmentalism, digital technocracy, the Global South, and South Asia, and his Ph.D. dissertation broadly explores the contested systems of architectural production in the rapidly transforming context of  21st-century urban India.Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 27: Politics of Representation, Fahad ZuberiFahad Zuberi delivers a sharp, historically grounded critique of how architecture is represented in India, tracing its journey from the ancient glorification of rulers to the colonial manipulation of meaning and the current dominance of PR-driven narratives. He argues that all representation is inherently political, shaped by the values and goals of those in power, and warns against the dilution of meaning when criticality is replaced by commercialism. Fahad distinguishes genuine critique—rooted in hope, ethical responsibility, and the aspiration for a better future—from cynicism and empty praise, emphasizing the need for rigorous theory, public engagement, and investment in the humanities. He calls for a clear separation between PR and criticism, urges architectural media to reclaim meaning and judgment, and insists that building a thoughtful, critical discourse is essential for shaping the worlds we want to inhabit.Guest: Fahad ZuberiDesignation: Academic & Columnist, Doctoral Scholar (Architectural History, Theory & Criticism)—Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USABio: Fahad is an academic and columnist, currently pursuing a PhD at MIT's Department of Architecture HTC. His work focuses on the intersection of architecture and violence, particularly in South Asian contexts. Fahad studied B. Arch at Aligarh Muslim University, an M. Arch HTC at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and then pursued an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Oxford as the Indira Gandhi Radhakrishnan Scholar with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, where he was awarded the Archibald Jackson Prize 2024 and Scholars Development Award 2024 for his work on Domicide.Fahad has taught Architecture and Design Philosophy at CEPT University and at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad as visiting faculty and is a columnist and political commentator with several Indian platforms, such as The Indian Express, The Hindu, The Wire, and The Hindustan Times. Fahad has also worked as a comics journalist and in electoral politics, and seldom composes music. He is the Producer of Mutant: The Democracy Podcast—conceived as a contemporary dictionary of politics—with the Institute of New Global Politics, Cal Poly Pomona, and his first feature-length film as a Music Director - Kayo Kayo Colour?—premiered at IFF, Rotterdam 2023.LinkedIn | Facebook | X/Twitter | MIT Portal- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 26: Ground Up, Nipun PrabhakarIn episode 26, Nipun Prabhakar shares how his path as a photojournalist, writer, and community architect has been shaped by a deep curiosity and a commitment to authentic storytelling. He discusses the interconnectedness of architecture and media, emphasizing that meaningful work comes from focusing on process, ethics, and real engagement rather than instant gratification. Drawing on his experiences working with grassroots communities and documenting real-life stories, Nipun highlights the importance of listening, learning on the ground, and building genuine relationships. He encourages young professionals to diversify their skills, seek out mentors, and immerse themselves in different fields to discover their passions. For Nipun, credibility and impact are built over time through thoughtful, experience-driven work that prioritizes substance over superficiality.Guest: Nipun PrabhakarDesignation: Independent photographer, journalist, and architect, Founder - Dhammada CollectiveBio: Nipun Prabhakar is an independent photographer, journalist, and architect based in Delhi and Bhopal. He works closely with South Asian indigenous communities, documenting stories where ideas, folklore, and the built environment meet.His photographs probe the poetics and politics of everyday life. Training in architecture shapes how he reads space and climate, which in turn guides how he photographs and designs. This dual practice lets him both observe and participate, moving between fieldwork, images, and drawings with ease.His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rest of World, Wallpaper Magazine, People’s Archive of Rural India, The Hindu, The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and Google Arts & Culture. He has collaborated on research and documentation with MIT, Cornell University, IDS (UK), and the University of Michigan.Nipun received the Berkeley Essay Prize in 2014 and was the Cornell South Asia Fellow in 2019–20 for documentary work in Nepal. In 2023, he was invited to the Royal Institute of British Architects in London to present his work and join a roundtable at their first Architecture Photography Festival.He is the founder of Dhammada Collective, an architecture and design practice focused on community architecture, participatory design, natural building, and circular construction.LinkedIn | Instagram | Muck Rack | Dhammada Collective - Website | Instagram- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 25: Instruments of Advocacy, Rahul MehrotraIn episode 25, Rahul Mehrotra offers a sharp critique of the current state of architectural media in India, arguing that it is plagued by self-indulgence, the tyranny of images, and a lack of criticality, often serving as an echo chamber for architects rather than engaging society at large. He insists that media should function as an “instrument of advocacy,” enabling architects to fulfill their societal mandate by fostering critical discourse, curatorial practice, and feedback loops that bridge the gap between professional insularity and public engagement. Drawing from his own experience, Mehrotra distinguishes between scholarship and advocacy, emphasizing the need for generosity, reflection, and the willingness to let ideas permeate culture. He calls for a pedagogical shift toward writing, reflection, and the study of broader contexts - social, political, and economic; arguing that critical thinking is not merely about criticism but about synthesizing multiple perspectives to generate robust, contextually responsive solutions. Ultimately, Mehrotra envisions media as both an archive and a catalyst, urging practitioners to situate themselves critically in the world, embrace evolving frameworks, and leverage media’s potential to mobilize collective action and shape more equitable futures.Guest: Rahul MehrotraDesignation: Founder Principal, RMA Architects. Professor of Urban Design and Planning, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.Bio: Rahul Mehrotra (b.1959) is an architect, urbanist and educator who is the Founder Principal of RMA Architects and is Professor of Urban Design and Planning at the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Mehrotra has designed projects that range from recycling urban land and master planning in Mumbai to the design of art spaces, boutiques, weekend houses, factories, social institutes, and office buildings across India – thereby engaging diverse issues, multiple constituencies and varying scales: from interior design and architecture to urban design, conservation and planning.He studied at the School of Architecture, Ahmedabad graduated with a Master’s Degree in Urban Design with distinction from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard (1987). Apart from his engagement with the design of buildings, Mehrotra has been actively involved in civic and urban affairs in Mumbai, having served on commissions for historic preservation and environmental issues, with various neighborhood groups. He was the Executive Director (1994–2004) of the Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI), where he is now a Trustee and has taught at the University of Michigan (2003–2007) and at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at MIT (2007–2010). Mehrotra has written and lectured extensively on issues to do with architecture, conservation and urban planning in Mumbai and India. Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | RMA Architects | Architecture Foundation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 24: Narratives in Transition, Srivathsan AIn episode 24, Srivathsan A offers a sweeping, first-hand account of the transformation of architectural media in India, beginning with the era of a few authoritative print journals and magazines, where rigorous editorial gatekeeping ensured credibility and depth. He charts the shift brought by liberalization, the proliferation of new media platforms, and the subsequent explosion of voices, highlighting both the opportunities for broader engagement and the challenges of maintaining reliability in a landscape where self-publishing and social media dominate. Srivathsan delves into the nuanced divide between commercial, descriptive content and critical, reflective writing, arguing that both have a place and serve different needs. He stresses the growing responsibility of both content creators and audiences to exercise discernment, self-regulation, and support for quality work, while cautioning against the rush to form new collectives. Instead, he advocates for nimble, ongoing dialogue and a commitment to communication excellence within the profession.Guest: A. SrivathsanDesignation: Head, Centre for Research on Architecture & Urbanism, CEPT UniversityBio: A. Srivathsan has about three decades of experience as a practitioner, researcher, and writer in architecture, urban design, and urban development. He is currently a Professor and Head of the Centre for Research on Architecture and Urbanism at CEPT University. Previously, he served as the Academic Director of the University and before that worked in The Hindu, a national newspaper. His current projects include reviewing development regulations, conducting land value and density studies, and providing land pooling advisory services. Srivathsan has published many research papers and contributed to professional magazines and newspapers.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 23: Journalism: Hopes & Practice, Kaiwan MehtaIn episode 23, Kaiwan Mehta offers a nuanced exploration of the state of architectural journalism and media in India. He traces the historical gaps in critical, thoughtful writing within the field, highlighting the sporadic nature of quality publications and the unique role Domus India played in fostering a culture of intellectual discourse. Mehta delves into the ethical responsibilities of editors, the delicate balance between commercial viability and maintaining high editorial standards, and the importance of resisting the dilution of content in the age of social media. He further emphasizes the value of formal education, ongoing learning, and collaboration for those aspiring to contribute meaningfully to architecture media, advocating for a commitment to quality, integrity, and the creation of work that stands the test of time.Guest: Kaiwan MehtaDesignation: Architect, Academic, and Researcher, Managing Editor - DOMUS India (Spenta Multimedia) and Dean, Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, SVKM's NMIMS (deemed to be) UniversityBio: Kaiwan Mehta is a theorist and critic in the fields of visual culture, architecture, and city studies. Mehta has studied Architecture, Literature, Indian Aesthetics and Cultural Studies. In 2017 he completed his doctoral studies at the Centre for the Study of Culture and Society, Bengaluru, under the aegis of Manipal University. In April 2022 he was appointed as the Dean at Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, at SVKM's NMIMS University. He was recently elected to the coveted International Committee of Architectural Critics (CICA). From March 2012 to December 2022 he was the Managing Editor of Domus India (Spenta Multimedia). He has curated various exhibitions and delivered lectures across institutions in India and abroad including Centre Pompidou, Paris, Cornell University, Parsons New School, New York, as well as conferences in Portugal, Hungary, China, and Italy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠X/Twitter | Website⁠⁠- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 22: Research in Practice, Ruturaj ParikhIn episode 22, Ruturaj discusses the fragmented nature of design and architectural media in India, distinguishing between popular/lifestyle media, professional (business-to-business) media, and academic publications. He highlights the confusion between critical and commercial content, the decline of professional publications post-pandemic, and the need for more platforms that foster critical discourse within the architectural community. He emphasizes the distinction between pure and applied research in architecture, noting that most practitioners engage in applied, practice-based research due to resource constraints. Ruturaj advocates for a culture where architectural practices actively reflect, articulate, and disseminate their ideas, not just through writing, but also through other mediums, arguing that content and critical thinking are more important than the medium itself.Guest: Ruturaj ParikhDesignation: Founder & Director - Matter, Ex-director - Charles Correa FoundationBio: Ruturaj Parikh is the founder and director at Matter, an interdisciplinary Architecture, Design and Curatorial practice. Ruturaj served as director of the Charles Correa Foundation from 2014 - 2016. In 2014, he established MATTER – a firm with design and editorial verticals in partnership with Maanasi Hattangadi. His Goa-based practice works on architecture and urban design projects, research initiatives, and curatorial projects. Matter’s work lies in the interface between architecture and content, consistently experimenting with new ways of engaging with the built environment.The firm was awarded the Lexus Design Award for architecture in 2020 and the JK Cement Architect of the Year Award (regional category) in 2024 and the IIA National Award for the project of Produce Market at Narindrapur, Bihar in 2025. Since 2021, Ruturaj Parikh and Maanasi Hattangadi serve as programme curators for Arthshila Ahmedabad and Arthshila Goa, multi-arts spaces led by the Arthshila Trust. Ruturaj is curator and editor of thinkmatter – a digital media platform for contemporary Indian architecture, and [IN]SIDE, a bi-annual professional design journal. Ruturaj has taught as a visiting lecturer at KRVIA (Mumbai), CEPT (Ahmedabad) and Goa College of Architecture.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | Matter- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media StudiesEp. 21: Collective Actions, Gita BalakrishnanIn episode 21 of the talks, Gita Balakrishnan discusses her journey with Ethos and related initiatives, focusing on filling gaps in architectural education, community engagement, and visibility for architects, especially through innovative events, walking projects, and efforts to connect architects with broader communities. She advocates for collective action, resilience, and the importance of building supportive networks within the profession, encouraging young architects to carve out alternative career paths, embrace social responsibility, and foster collaboration to drive positive change in the field. Listen on as Gita advocates the need for discerning, meaningful content that bridges the gap between professional practice and public understanding in this episode!Guest: Gita BalakrishnanDesignation: Founder - Ethos, Founding Trustee - Ethos FoundationBio: Ar. Gita Balakrishnan, the founder of Ethos and the founding trustee of Ethos Foundation, is committed to making design socially responsive and inclusive. A graduate of SPA New Delhi and trustee of AVAS, she has actively promoted Universal Design and Accessibility through her initiative, Walk for Arcause. Across six editions, including recent 100 km walks in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Kerala, she has walked over 2500 km across 13+ states, engaging communities and raising awareness. Her first journey is chronicled in 1700 in 70, published by Rupa Publishers. Gita has been a speaker at over 200 events, including TEDx, and is known for her advocacy of thoughtful, empathetic, and sustainable design. Her contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including the Woman of the Year Award 2023 by D-arc Build. Through her work, Gita continues to bridge the gap between design and social responsibility, inspiring a generation of architects and changemakers.⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram | Facebook | Website- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: www.betterarch.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.