Third Place Winner
Weave with Water: the story of Vypin
Design by
Riya Georgi
Riya Georgi
Riya, a graduate of Brick School of Architecture, continues to learn daily in her professional field. She believes in designing more than just buildings, but also a voice for untold stories. She emphasizes the importance of architecture being accessible to all, not just the privileged few.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your educational background?
Hello, my name is Riya.
I did my Bachelor of Architecture at Brick School of Architecture.
Today, working in the professional field, I would say I’m still learning every day. Learning how to design not just buildings, but a voice for stories that need to be heard. How good architecture needs to be for not just those who can afford it but for everyone.
Could you provide an overview of your thesis project? What was the main concept or idea behind it?
Since 2018 tidal flooding has become a silent disaster that’s been eating into the Vypin communities and their livelihood,
“A disaster that only affects the poor vulnerable section of society, and no one is willing to pause or stop their life for a disaster they can just run away from. “
-Sreeja, Research Director at Equinoct
The heart of my thesis lies wholly with fishermen communities in Vypin. So, for once I had decided to be silent and to listen, to listen to the stories of many that went unheard, and that became my key inspiration.
These stories guided me to find answers for the community.
What aspects of your thesis project do you believe demonstrate innovation or creativity in architecture?
My thesis particularly was a challenge, as I was designing for a community that almost completely felt they had no answer or way to change or to improve the quality of their life, partly because of their economic background but also authorities and the general public turning a blind eye to problems faced by them.
And so, I wanted to build with them a new way of life, where step by step starting with ecology then economy and finally living, they need to be completely independent and self-sufficient at any instance in the future.
What impact do you hope your thesis project will have on the field of architecture or the built environment?
To think and design without any hidden motives, to design humanly. Design with care. Create not just buildings but spaces that nurture kindness and the solidarity of communal living.
Looking back, what were the most valuable lessons you learned from undertaking your architecture thesis?
My thesis was the first step to a new realisation for myself that architecture of the future needs to be selfless.
What are your aspirations and plans for the future as an architect?
Many architects that practise, see architecture as art, me being one of them. I would say initially, this was one of the reasons I chose to be an architect.
But all forms of creative art have the power to inspire and move people. And so, now I am learning how my art can give back to the context, the community.
What advice would you give to students who are currently embarking on their architecture thesis projects?
Take a step back, ask yourself, why am I designing? For whom am I designing?
Take it as an opportunity to make change, create impact. Stay true to your design intentions and always, always have fun doing it.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or your vision for the future of architecture?
Each building we as architects give form to, forms the cities and communities we live in tomorrow. As designers, our buildings need to look less like ‘money and profit’ or like ‘regulations and codes’. Buildings should be the true reflection of the community. At the end of the day, we are all humans. Design from that perspective: for the humans of the world.
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