The partial collapse of a commercial building, a girder falling at a construction site, a plaster peeling from the ceiling of a house, a crashing façade, and a falling brick are all signs of poor construction or lack of maintenance. Disasters do not happen in a single day! What often starts as a small crack can amplify into significant issues over time. While structures may be aesthetically pleasing when constructed, it is also important that they stand strong for decades. Preservation of structural integrity goes beyond the construction phase. Whether it is our homes, business centres, or heritage structures, proactive maintenance is crucial. However, can proactive maintenance be achieved solely through the visual examination of the structure? Let's discuss it!
Cover Story
Net-Zero Airports
Airports are an integral part of the modern world, playing a significant role in offering faster transportation and shaping economies. But how many of us realise these large-scale, sophisticated transit hubs are mammoth energy consumers and significant contributors to carbon emissions? With the world grappling with the undesirable consequences of climate change, airports are in the spotlight, and there is a pressing need to transform them into greener, more sustainable options. Sustainability in design has become a crucial goal for airports worldwide. But can cutting emissions alone help meet this objective? Can airports truly go green and net zero? Let’s discuss it!
Conserving the future of the past through retrofitting
While India’s construction sector is recording skyrocketing growth, the residential building segment is the most prone to wear and tear, followed by the commercial and industrial segments. So, what is the way out? Is demolishing and rebuilding the only available option? How else can the issue be fixed? Let’s discuss!
PEBs rise across India
Although the construction industry in India is progressing exponentially, generating growth and opportunities for improved living, the undesirable implications of environmental degradation and climate change cannot be overlooked.
A call for Energy efficiency & Net zero
While the unprecedented boom in the construction sector has brought economic opportunities and improved living standards, it has also resulted in significant environmental challenges.
Pride Projects 2024
“This story explores the pride projects of 2024 and how these architectural masterpieces are reshaping India’s skyline. It discusses how architects push their limits to address challenges like space constraints, labour shortages, and environmental impact associated with creating energy-efficient, sustainable, low-carbon footprint, and future-proof structures. The story also delves into the design philosophy, technology, and strategies that make these projects unique and aesthetically appealing.”
On Killing a Tree
Gieve Patel's famous poem starkly reflects the brutality of human actions toward nature and the urgent need to reconsider our relationship with the environment. It serves as a call for sustainability and respect for the Earth’s resources. The construction industry is one of the most active industries worldwide and a major consumer of energy, natural resources, and minerals. The stakeholders must urgently reduce their environmental impact and move towards sustainable construction methods.
Building envelopes mitigating urban heat island effect
The growing demand for energy due to rapid urbanisation has pushed architects, building professionals, and manufacturers to develop innovative strategies to design energy-efficient buildings and building envelopes. Energy efficiency of buildings encompasses several issues related to energy, water, land, and material conservation, addressing environmental pollution, and enhancing occupant comfort.
Building safe, energy-efficient high-rise structures
Rapid urban population growth and the attempt to curb urban sprawl are pushing policymakers and decision-makers to become increasingly interested in vertical urbanism. Architects, structural engineers, and the various other stakeholders involved in the creation of high-rise structures are constantly striving to develop energy-efficient, sustainable designs without compromising on aesthetics and functionality. Energy conservation is an evolutionary process, and design priorities for tall and supertall buildings have recently shifted to achieving more energy efficiency to address the energy needs of the increasing global population.
Designing Wellness
Today, wellness and health are given primary importance by almost everyone. With life becoming more mechanical and cities turning into concrete jungles, everyone constantly needs to seek mental and physical wellness beyond their homes.