On 31st June 2024, we had the opportunity to attend the release of the book State of India’s Environment in Figures by Down to Earth, presented by Sunita Narain. This event marked the annual release of their detailed state-wise analysis of various environmental issues.

The book's highlight is its numeric representation of facts and figures concerning climate change and related issues in India. The event involved the book's flow and a glimpse of its contents.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including:

Stories from Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to groundwater management, forest fires, plastic pollution, State of waste, transport, Greenhouse gases, Agriculture, Employment, farmers' protests, environmental crimes, and much more.

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• 2023 Marked the second hottest year on record with warm winters up to 1.71°C as the minimum temperature, the first time in the last 122 years. Extreme weather events were marked on 318 out of 365 days in 2023.

• 7 out of 9 analyzed cities showed 90% of their geographical areas under extreme heat and humidity making it worse as high humidity slows down the human body’s natural cooling process.

• Forestland diversion increased by 3.5% with half of it occurring in just five states. Elephant deaths surged by 63% due to electrocutions and the leopard population grew but over half resides outside the reserves.

• The most notable aspect of the book was the environmental crimes. Even though there is a decrease in registration of crimes by 18% in 2021-22. The Courts are disposing of cases at a rate significantly lower than new cases recorded, leading to cases piling up. This pile-up of new and old at the end of 2022 was a total of 1,39,246 cases.

Going through such an in-depth climate analysis was truly eye-opening. The timing of this release, just before the results of new elections in India, makes it even more relevant. We believe that sharing this information with you is crucial because awareness is the key to addressing these issues. So join us as we continue to share such updates on climate change in our broadcast channel on social media: Climate Woes

It is such a joy to see our project House with Three Pavilions find beautiful space in print and on the cover of Livingetc Magazine’s June 2022 issue. Aptly titled - ‘A Home with A Verandah’, the article draws attention to our countryside Goan house’s tangible connection to nature. It throws light on our tropical modern design approach and celebrates our efforts to create seamless indoor-outdoor spaces that allow our clients to take everyday life outdoors.

Read the published story here.

If you are considering buying a house in Goa, read our blogpost: What to Look For While Buying A House in Goa

To know more about our design process, take a look at: Designing A House in Goa

Geoffrey Bawa is an unforgettable and continuous inspiration to most architects. There is an intangible relationship with nature that is so beautifully established. To see our inspiration translate into our work - in design, in spatial character, in connection and reverence towards nature - finding new meaning in every site we build on, feels wonderful and magical.

As we look back on our projects, it feels great to see many of our spaces carrying the sensibilities and sensitivites that Bawa inspired throughout his practice. The following set of images puts our project photos alongside some expertly crafted spaces by the tropical wizard. It is our ode to the master architect, a reflection of the small but diverse ways in which he has touched our design thinking and building values.

Building with nature

Watching these two pictures side by side leaves us with a sense of achievement and happiness. The first picture is from our project, The House with Three Pavilions in Goa. The second picture is from Ena De Silva's house, built by the master Geoffrey Bawa.

Verandahs celebrating the trees of the land
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The first picture is from our project Navovado, looking at the old mango tree preserved during construction on site for this vacation house in Goa. The second photograph is from Bawa's Lunuganga estate, framing the magnificent tree by the lake.⠀⠀

Making greenery part of the building elevation
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The first picture is from our project Navovado, as boundaries are blurred between the house and its landscape. The second photograph is from Bawa's Lunuganga country estate, picturing the house among the greenery perceived from the lawn.

A Place in The Shade⠀
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The first picture is from our project The House With Three Pavilions, as the semi open corridor faces the internal courtyard on one side, touching it with an in situ seat and transitioning into different rooms on the other sides, each celebrating different views. The second photograph is from Bawa's estate, as the corridor behaves like a verandah even as it connects the indoor spaces from side to side. ⠀

A Welcoming Wilderness⠀
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The first picture frames the entrance to a pavilion at The House With Three Pavilions, brought alive with the growth of native plant species. The second photograph is from Bawa's Lunuganga garden, with the entrance pathway bordered by the lush wildscape on one side. ⠀

Read Part II of Finding Bawa here.

Goa is beautiful and rich in its diversity. It has something to offer to every visitor. In this blogpost, we have created a quick map with some of Goa’s best - your very own printable checklist of what to see, where to go and what to do over your next Goa trip. The map has a mix of old houses in Goa, its most popular beaches, the best natural and wildlife sanctuaries in Goa among other popular destinations. For a detailed breakdown of the differences and similarities between North Goa and South Goa, click on the map to read our analysis comparing the two districts.

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Unlike the other colonial powers in India, the Portuguese managed to leave a much more visible mark on the residential architecture of the area they ruled. The British and the French left their mark on the architecture of huge buildings such as assemblies and railway stations which have since become landmarks of the period.

The Portuguese in Goa built residential houses reflecting a style which is hardly found elsewhere on the Indian subcontinent. These magnificent palatial houses inspired by European architectural style are still found in Goa today, although they are confined to the rural areas such as Chandrapura, Chandor and Loutolim. These mansions were built in an era when the Portuguese had handsome profits from their trading colonies in Africa and South America.

This blogpost looks at some of the old heritage houses of South Goa which were inspired by European architectural styles and stand tall even today.

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Braganza House

The Braganza House is 350 years old and occupies one entire side of the village square in Chandor. This elaborate mansion is spread over 10,000 sqm and is divided into two wings that are occupied by the Braganza family. The palatial house has a stunning ballroom, massive Belgian crystal chandeliers, exquisite antiques collected over centuries and the oldest private library in Goa with over 5000 books.

Palacio do Deao

Palacio do Deao, a 213 years old mansion, was built by a Portuguese noble man, who was the Dean of the Church, and founder of Quepem town. The house faces the Church he built and is on the banks of the wildly beautiful Kushavati River. Here’s a video about the lovely house.

Figueirido House

The magnificent Figueirido House in Loutolim took shape as early as 1590, at a time when the Taj Mahal was yet to be conceived. The Figueiredo family had a prominent presence in Goa as lawyers, diplomats and ambassadors. Today, the family has converted part of this palatial home into a historic museum with yet another section opened out as a breathtaking heritage homestay for visitors. Take a virtual tour through this palatial estate here.

Casa Araujo Alvares

This 250-year-old mansion belongs to the Alvares family and forms part of the Ancestral Goa tourist complex, set up to recreate Goan village life under Portuguese rule. The house has a spacious courtyard, a quaint chapel at its centre, old European furniture like most of its contemporaries and eclectic seashell windows that bring the beach inside.

To know more about the hidden gems of South Goa, read The Charms of South Goa - Part I

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South Goa is paradise on earth with its lush paddy fields, old Portuguese mansions, numerous forests and sanctuaries, pristine beaches and rivers, quaint churches and magnificent forts. The streets of South Goa speak to a different era with a distinctive old world charm. In the first part of this two part blog post, we have selected a few of the quintessential South Goan charms from a long list of abundant natural and man-made wonders.

Cabo de Rama

Cabo de Rama is a relic left from times bygone. Once a magnificent fort that housed an entire community, it remains one of the oldest and largest forts of South Goa and offers a fantastic view of the Canacona Beach below.

Chandor & Loutolim

The villages of Chandor and Loutolim give you the giddy feeling of opening an old book. The Portuguese style sweeps elegantly across the villagescape, evident in the beautiful old world architecture and the laid back lifestyle. Both villages are famous for their centuries old colonial mansions that stand tall even today. We will be looking at these beautiful palatial homes in Part II of our blog post.

Netravali Lake

The Netravali Bubbling Lake in the Sanguem district is one of the lesser known beauties of South Goa. This one of a kind natural lake is known for its mysterious and continuous bubbling water surface throughout the year.

Galgibaga

The Galgibaga Beach is home to silver sands, endless rows of coconut trees and the charming Olive Ridley turtles which come onto the shores every year between November and February to nest and hatch. A ferry ride crossing the picturesque Galgibaga river is the best way to get to the beach.

Naval Aviation Museum

Established in 1947, Naval Aviation Museum offers a glimpse into military history. The museum is designed to look like the interior of a naval aircraft carrier with galleries displaying naval equipment and prominent battles, including a simulation room. It also has an outdoor aircraft park with an exhibition of old aircrafts and engines.The museum is set on a plateau and overlooks the scenic Bogmalo beach.

Mollem National Park

The Mollem National Park is set in a humble 240 sqkm belt nestled in the Western Ghats and houses a wide array of tropical flora and fauna with over 200 unique Indian species. Recognised as one of 36 most crucial biodiversity hotspots in the world, the sanctuary is now threatened by 3 infrastructure projects, announced by the state government. The alarming proposal resulted in widespread dissent with thousands of people coming together for the ‘Save Mollem’ campaign.

To know more about the hidden gems of South Goa, read The Charms of South Goa - Part II

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Goa Map by Sarah Martin

Goa brings to mind images of earthly paradise with its golden coast, tropical greenery, a kaleidoscope like cityscape, and endless cultural experiences of various kinds. The idea of tourism in this state started off with local villagers opening their homes and kitchens, offering to show visitors around.

Goa officially became a state in May 1987. For easy management, it was then divided into two districts - North Goa and South Goa with Panjim and Margao as their respective headquarters. While both North Goa and South Goa embody the unique Goan ‘Sussegado’ spirit and have a plethora of options to choose from, there are some key differences in what they have to offer.

In a nutshell, North Goa has been the main magnet for tourists in the state. That has its positives, as North Goa now offers an amazing range of wonderful restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping boutiques. But some have begun to view North Goa as being a little ‘too-crowded’ and commercial with frequent traffic jams. South Goa on the contrary has retained its slow old Goa vibe. The beaches in South Goa are uncluttered and mostly occupied by high-end starred hotels that maintain them in relative pristine glory. South Goa is dotted with old Portuguese mansions and has fewer new concrete apartment buildings that dot North Goa. South Goa is known for its hidden gems such as the Cabo de Rama fort, Agonda beach and the Olive Ridley hatching sites at Galgibag beach.

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A Comparison of North Goa vs. South Goa

South Goa

The beaches of South Goa on the other hand are quieter with a close connection to nature. Palolem beach, Colva beach, Butterfly beach and Benaulim beach are well known for their scenic views and the pristine surroundings.

Exploring South Goa is largely oriented around experiences in nature with places like Cabo De Gama, Rivona caves, the Rachol Fort as well as its own share of bird and wildlife sanctuaries.

The houses in South Goa speak to a different era and have a certain old world charm. The areas close to Chandor and Loutolim are known for their lavish colonial bungalows built many years ago by the Portuguese nobility. The buildings here are spaced out and far apart, with a focus on stepping out into the quiet of nature undisturbed.

In South Goa, the buzz and activity of a streetside market is found in the town of Margao, in the markets of Colem, Palolem and Caculo as well as along parts of the Colva beach. The town of Arossim in South Goa offers some of the best Goan cuisine and is known for its occasional vintage furniture markets.

The Codigo and Mollem Wildlife Sanctuaries are known for their bird-rich forest and varied flora. Several nesting sites of Olive Ridley marine turtles are also to be found in the region including Galjibag in the far south.

North Goa

Beaches

The beaches of North Goa are generally favoured by short term tourists and water sport enthusiasts.

places of interest

North Goa is home to many captivating churches, the world heritage churches at old Goa, famous forts such as Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort, the Latin Quarter in Panjim, as well as gorgeous wildlife parks and stretches for dolphin spotting.

Cityscape

North Goa is a hub of activity and urban density but it also houses beautiful Portuguese settlements and numerous quaint Portuguese churches that have stood strong for centuries. The Portuguese influence is evident in areas like Fontainhas in Panjim with narrow lanes and bright colors.

Local Markets

North Goa brims with colourful flea markets that sell everything from clothes and accessories to souvenirs, handicrafts, pottery and local products at very low prices. The Saturday Night Market in Arpora, the Anjuna Market on Wednesday, and the Mapusa Market on Friday are visited by both tourists and visitors.

Wildlife

The Salim Ali Sanctuary, near Old Goa, is heaven for ornithologists. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary are famous reserves in North Goa

'The Sovereign Forest' by Amar Kanwar

'The Sovereign Forest' by Amar Kanwar

‘Stopover’ by Sheela Gowda

‘Stopover’ by Sheela Gowda

‘Three Simple Steps’ by Anant Joshi

‘Cloud of Kochi’ by Alfredo Jaar

'Untitled' by Subodh Gupta

Use of old crumbling docks for site-specific art

Old derelict warehouses as galleries for world-class contemporary art

Old derelict warehouses as galleries for world-class contemporary art

Old derelict warehouses as galleries for world-class contemporary art

Pepper House, another forgotten building in Fort Kochi, now a vibrant art space

I am due to attend the second Kochi-Muziris Biennale this coming weekend and thought that it was a great opportunity to go back to my notes on the first Biennale held in 2012:

"I loved the show (in 2012), thought it was very well curated, excellently sited in old historic buildings in the historic core of Kochi and was all about celebrating art. I loved the intertwining of art with the historic past of Kochi and its forgotten old buildings. I loved that the art was truly contemporary and site specific. I loved the juxtaposition of history and crumbling infrastructure with new age art employing multimedia technology.

Siting the biennale in old crumbling buildings in the historic core of a city was a masterstroke. I loved how the buildings (exhibition space) were left in their original state. Even when the first instinct would have been to patch them up and to quickly hide away the flaws behind several coats of paint.

The heat and humidity, the sound of the generator, and mosquitoes, all made the experience much more Indian. How wonderful (and democratic) that there was no attempt to air-condition the space, make it shine, make it comfortable for the elite patrons of art. The authenticity of the experience made the biennale specifically Indian with a strong focus on India's plurality of social structure, issues of development vs. displacement, the perception of heritage and other vestiges of the past.

It felt great to walk from one building to next, one space to next, even as one was sweating like crazy, while there was little or no breeze and strong relentless sun overhead.. all because you could not get enough of the ART.

It was interesting to note that many artworks reflected the theme of displacement, conflict and human rights violation due to development or over-development in India. It was wonderful to find contemporary art that was truly a reflection of the most pressing issues in our country today."

More updates soon on the Biennale this year...

Remembering a gorgeous Goan day spent at Nivim, our first project, with the sunlight filtered through trees, the chirping of birds, cool blue water of the pool and moonlight and stars at night...

Rass hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic center of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The new hotel is built within three existing heritage buildings that have been carefully restored. The real beauty of the place is to be found in the 3 new buildings have been added to the complex. The new addition has been done with such finesse that if one looks at the photos, it is hard to see where old ends and the new begins. The planning of the new complex is a great example of adaptive reuse and historic preservation. The new buildings are carefully sited and sized such that they become a part of the historic buildings and landscape. 

Existing Site plan with three original heritage buildings.

New site plan for Raas hotel with new buildings added into heritage compound.

In order to blend the old with the new, the designers have used local red sandstone as the dominant exterior material. The real nuance in design lies in the manipulation of the material into screens that evoke the traditional 'jaali' but are fiercely contemporary in pattern and the way they fold out of the way to enhance transparency, frame views and create indoor-outdoor spaces. 

We love everything about this space and architecture, and want more of the same !

Designed by Lotus Praxis Initiative. Watch architect Ambrish Arora’s presentation on the design for Raas.

Link to Raas Hotel Website.

Raas Hotel won the award for Best Holiday Building at the World Architecture Festival 2011.

Most images courtesy of Designboom.