A.01 Research Informed Practices: Architects of Interest

Focus Subjects:

• Biome Environmental Solutions: Chitra Vishwanath

• Social Design Collaborative: Swati Janu

• Elemental: Alejandro Aravena

• Kunle Adeyemi

• Oshinowo Studio: Tosin Oshinowo

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Biome Environmental Solutions: Chitra Vishwanath

Chitra Vishwanath and her firm Biome Environmental Solutions really caught my attention because of their strong focus on sustainability, water systems, and natural materials. I was especially drawn to the Waghoba Ecolodge, not just for its design, but for the way it restores the surrounding ecosystem and uses strategies like rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment. That kind of care for both the built and natural environments is something I hope to reflect in my own work.

I also found Govardhan Eco Village and Densewoods really inspiring. Both projects take sustainability seriously, not just through materials, but also in how they manage water and energy on site. These aren’t just “green” buildings; they’re integrated into their environment in a really thoughtful way. I admire how Biome centers ecological balance, and it reminds me to think beyond the building itself and consider the systems around it.

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Social Design Collaborative: Swati Janu

Swati Janu’s work with Social Design Collaborative really stood out to me for its grassroots, community-first approach to architecture. I was especially drawn to ModSkool, a school designed for children of displaced farming communities. The project is simple, low-cost, and modular, but it’s also incredibly responsive in the way it can be quickly dismantled and reassembled in response to land eviction threats. That level of adaptability, rooted in social justice and education access, really resonated with me as a reminder of how architecture can be empowering and flexible at the same time.

Another project I found interesting was the firm’s work on Anganwadis (rural childcare centers), where they focused on creating safe, playful, and dignified spaces for children and caretakers in underserved areas. I admire how the design solutions stay grounded in the needs of the people using them. The design uses local materials, engaging with communities directly, and really making the most of limited resources. This kind of architecture is humble but deeply impactful, and that’s something I aspire to in my own work.

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Elemental: Alejandro Aravena

I find Alejandro Aravena and Elemental really interesting because of how their projects put people and community needs first. The Quinta Monroy Housing Project stood out to me since it shows how “half of a good house” can be more impactful than a full but limited one. I like how it gives families a base to build on and make their own over time. That idea of flexibility and letting people shape their own spaces is something I connect with in my own design thinking.

I also liked the Constitución Seawall and Masterplan. Instead of just making a wall for protection, they turned it into something that also adds parks, gathering spaces, and green buffers. It’s not just about safety, it’s about creating a better place to live. To me, that balance between resilience and livability is really important, and it’s the kind of approach I want to bring into my own projects.

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Kunlé Adeyemi

Kunlé Adeyemi’s work stands out to me because of the way he combines innovation with real-world environmental and social challenges. His Makoko Floating System is especially interesting as it's a creative response to flooding and rising water levels, and I’m drawn to how it reimagines architecture as something that can float, adapt, and serve people in vulnerable communities. That project reflects a lot of my own interest in floating and water-based architecture, especially when thinking about how to make buildings more resilient in the face of climate change.

I’m also really inspired by the Nairobi Apartment Hotel. The way it uses greenery, solar panels, sunshading louvers, and rainwater collection ties directly into how I approach sustainable design. There’s a softness to the way nature is brought into the space, but also a clear focus on energy efficiency and thoughtful environmental systems. I see a lot of overlap between Adeyemi’s values and my own, especially in using architecture to respond to both people and planet.

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Oshinowo Studio: Tosin Oshinowo

Tosin Oshinowo and her work with Oshinowo Studio stand out to me because of the way she blends contemporary design with local culture and sustainability. I was especially interested in the Maryland Mall in Lagos, which uses a bold, simple form but also takes into account the tropical climate with shading and ventilation strategies. I like how it’s not just a commercial project, but also creates a public space that people can gather in and identify with.

I’m also drawn to how she approaches residential projects, like Beach House 004, where modern design is mixed with natural materials and openness to the landscape. The focus on light, airflow, and a strong connection to the environment really connects with my own interest in designing spaces that feel both modern and rooted in their surroundings. Her work feels fresh, but at the same time very responsive to place and community, which is something I want to bring into my own design approach.