

Set in Barcelona, this housing proposal uses the ladder as the main idea behind everyday living. A series of interconnected homes are linked by cascading staircases that act not only as paths between spaces, but also as places to meet, relax, and connect. By turning changes in level into shared experiences and blending indoor and outdoor life, the project offers a more social and human approach to co-living.

Designed by Anama Studio, the Brickwall Refuge rethinks shelter across Spain’s diverse landscapes. Inspired by termite mounds, it uses thick ceramic walls and carefully placed openings to naturally regulate temperature, creating a refuge that feels both protective and closely connected to its surroundings.

Anubhav Stambh Complex, designed by Samvad Studio, commemorates 75 years of independent India through a 30-metre rammed earth tower that brings together the nation’s diverse soils, cultures, and histories. Conceived as a sustainable public space and cultural complex, the project combines layered pathways, exhibition spaces, galleries, and an amphitheatre to create a monumental yet inclusive landmark rooted in India’s architectural heritage.

In 1921, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe proposed the Friedrichstrasse Skyscraper, a radical glass-and-steel tower that was never built. Its bold geometry and transparent structure went on to influence modern skyscraper design for decades.

Gelephu ‘Mindfulness City’ by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), Arup, and Cistri, envisions a new economic hub in southern Bhutan, rooted in nature and culture. Shaped by rivers, forests, paddy fields, and mountains, the masterplan brings together neighbourhoods, public spaces, sustainable infrastructure, and Bhutanese architectural traditions to create a city where development and the natural landscape can grow together.

In the 1960s, Archigram imagined Plug-In City — a city where homes could be added, removed, and changed as people’s lives evolved. Never built, the idea remains a fascinating vision of a city designed to grow and adapt with its people.

Set in Barcelona, this housing proposal uses the ladder as the main idea behind everyday living. A series of interconnected homes are linked by cascading staircases that act not only as paths between spaces, but also as places to meet, relax, and connect. By turning changes in level into shared experiences and blending indoor and outdoor life, the project offers a more social and human approach to co-living.
The book features 54 inspiring yet unbuilt architecture ideas by Indian architects, and nine intriguing essays on the theme contributed by professionals and academicians. The first ever book to celebrate the value of unbuilt Indian architecture.












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.