Fashion and architecture come together to give the National Institute of Fashion Technology building an identity of its own through a proposed perforated metal screen which drapes the building and reduces the energy load on the building. It is closely tied to the underlying body, although it is also an independent entity in its own right. It acts as an embellishment and protection to the building beneath.

The campus was inspired by contemporary vocabulary with extensive landscaping elements that would stimulate the creative minds studying here. Natural light and ventilation added to the spatial experience especially within the studios and classrooms which was an integral part of the design philosophy. The Atrium space with the stairs moving along its edge act as a hub of student activity and multi-level interaction. Display and exhibition halls were planned to bring in design discussions while creating an opportunity to simulate real fashion galleries. Landscaped courtyards and gardens create casual hangouts for the young users. Gathering areas like amphitheatres have been planned for students’ performances and festivals. Each elevation of the academic block has been designed to have an interesting scale and proportion while one of the elevations is an extension of its roof which is a green terrain accessible to students

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Rupali Gupte

Rupali Gupte is an architect and urbanist based in Mumbai, Professor at the School of Environment and Architecture (SEA) and a partner at BARDStudio. Her work often crosses disciplinary boundaries and takes different forms – writings, drawings, mixed-media works, story telling, teaching, curation, walks and spatial interventions.

Her works include extensive research on contemporary Indian urbanism with a focus on architecture and built environment; tactical practices; housing; and urban form. In 2013, she co-founded the School of Environment and Architecture (sea.edu.in). SEA is envisaged as an experimental academic space for research and education in architecture and urbanism. She has a wide range of publications, has delivered lectures and been on juries across the world. Her works in collaboration with her partner Prasad Shetty, have been shown in several exhibitions including the 56th Venice Biennale, X Sao Paolo Architecture Biennale, Seoul Biennale of Art and Architecture, at Manifesta 7 in Bolzano, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona and at galleries such as Project 88, Devi Art Foundation and the Mumbai Art Room. She has recently curated an exhibition involving artists and architects titled ‘When is Space? Conversations in Contemporary Architecture’ at the Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Rupali Gupte