FIRST PRIZE WINNER!
Nikitha Madhavan & Preksha Udupa
India
The duo’s journey began as classmates and friends navigating the trials of architecture school. United by curiosity and a shared passion for expressing ideas, their conversations often unfolded over cups of tea, weaving through arts, architecture, and culture. Bonded by a love for reading and writing, they found common ground in exploring architectural journalism. They have made a continuous effort to share their ideas and perspectives through academic essays, blogs, and research work. Alongside finding joy in writing, they aspire to spark meaningful dialogues that highlight the intersections of design, heritage, and cultural narratives.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
Our journey began as classmates and friends navigating the trials of architecture school. United by curiosity and a shared passion for expressing ideas, our conversations often unfolded over cups of tea, weaving through arts, architecture and culture. Bonded by a love for reading and writing, we found a common ground in exploring architectural journalism. We have made a continuous attempt in sharing our ideas and perspectives through academic essays, blogs and research work. Alongside finding joy in writing, we aspire to spark meaningful dialogues that highlight the intersections of design, heritage, and cultural narratives.
We believe materiality in architecture holds immense power—not only in shaping spaces but also in influencing communities. The introduction of new materials can drive paradigm shifts in architectural thinking, and this idea inspired us throughout the essay. We were drawn to explore how materials transcend their physical properties, becoming catalysts for cultural, social, and environmental change. It felt like a calling, as if the universe was handing us the perfect script to explore the unspoken voice of the materials around us. This competition felt like the perfect platform to delve deeper into these narratives.
Essay Concept
The essay is a cinematic journey through time, where materials play the protagonists. It begins with ancient stones whispering tales of forgotten kingdoms, moves to the elegance of marble shaping renaissance beauty, and crescendos into futuristic innovations like self-healing concrete and solar glass. The essay explores the deep connection between materials and architecture, highlighting how materials shape not only the physical form of spaces but also our sensory and emotional experiences. It traces the evolution of materials from ancient stone and wood to modern innovations like metal and glass, illustrating their influence on architectural design and cultural narratives. The essay emphasises material alchemy, where combining materials creates new possibilities, and examines the growing focus on sustainability in architecture. Ultimately, it underscores how materials impact both architecture and human experience through their sensory qualities and environmental significance.
The decision to explore materials in architecture stemmed from the belief that materials do more than just construct spaces; they shape our experiences, evoke emotions, and carry cultural significance. We were particularly drawn to the idea of how materials are intertwined with human interaction, going beyond their technical properties to influence the way we feel and engage with the built environment. This perspective led us to examine the sensory impact of materials and how they tell stories, connect with history, and evolve with time, ultimately guiding architectural design and cultural narratives.
Architectural Insights
Our essay addresses the role of materials in shaping the future of architectural design by highlighting how materials are central to innovation and sustainability in architecture. It explores the evolution of materials from ancient times to modern innovations like nanomaterials and self-healing concrete, showcasing how these advances push the boundaries of design. The essay also emphasizes how materials are not just about form and function but are key to creating responsive, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable buildings. By listening to the "whispers" of materials, architects can create spaces that adapt to human needs while minimizing their impact on the planet, paving the way for a more resilient and harmonious built environment.
several projects and material innovations influenced the direction of our essay. The use of iron and steel in iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower and colonial-era buildings in India, such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, was a key example of how materials revolutionized architectural forms in the 19th century. The introduction of glass, particularly in the Crystal Palace in London, inspired my exploration of transparency and light in modern design. Additionally, contemporary innovations like self-healing concrete and the use of bamboo in sustainable architecture, such as in Bijoy Jain’s work, provided insight into how materials are being reimagined for the future. These examples highlight the constant evolution of materials and their transformative role in architectural design.
Sustainability and Technology
Our essay contributes to the discourse on sustainable design by highlighting how materials not only shape architectural forms but also play a crucial role in promoting environmental responsibility. We explore how traditional materials like mud and bamboo, which have long been used in sustainable architecture, are being reimagined in modern contexts. These materials offer eco-friendly alternatives to concrete and steel, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. Additionally, we discuss cutting-edge innovations such as self-healing concrete, nanomaterials, and transparent solar panels, which promise to revolutionize the way we think about sustainability in architecture. By addressing both traditional and contemporary material practices, the essay underscores the importance of integrating sustainability and technology in shaping the future of the built environment.
, the materials we discussed have significant potential to transform architectural practices. Traditional materials like bamboo, mud, and stone, when reimagined and integrated with modern techniques, offer sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact. At the same time, innovations like self-healing concrete, nanomaterials, and transparent solar panels provide opportunities for smarter, more responsive buildings that adapt to their environments and needs. These materials not only promise greater sustainability but also enable architects to explore new forms, structures, and design possibilities. By embracing these materials, architectural practices can evolve towards more eco-conscious, adaptive, and innovative solutions, ultimately reshaping how we build and inhabit spaces.
Cultural and Social Perspectives
Cultural, historical, and social factors deeply influence the use of materials in architecture, shaping both their practical and symbolic roles. Early materials like stone and clay were chosen for their durability and spiritual significance, reflecting the power and permanence desired by ancient civilizations. Cultural beliefs, such as Japan's respect for nature in wooden Minka homes or India's intricate artistry in stone and wood havelis, further imbue materials with meaning. Socially, modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete symbolize progress and strength, as seen in colonial-era structures and contemporary Indian skyscrapers. Ultimately, materials are not just functional; they reflect societal values, identity, and aspirations, shaping both the built environment and the experiences within it.
the essay emphasizes how materials profoundly influence our sensory experiences within built environments. It explores how materials such as stone, wood, and concrete contribute not only to the physical structure of buildings but also shape our emotional and sensory connections to these spaces. For instance, the coolness of marble in the Taj Mahal, the acoustics of stone in the Gol Gumbaz, and the tactile warmth of wood in Japanese Minka homes all engage multiple senses, transforming architectural spaces into immersive experiences. The essay highlights that materials go beyond their technical properties, becoming integral to how we perceive, interact with, and remember the spaces we inhabit.
Creative Process
Our writing process began with brainstorming ideas, which ultimately led us to explore materials beyond their technical aspects. We aimed to understand how materials integrate with architecture and the narratives that emerge as a result. From the dawn of civilization, where materials were simple assemblages, to the present day with innovations like nanomaterials, we traced this journey briefly yet profoundly, using the lens of time to explore how materials and architecture have evolved together. We examined how human interactions with materials shape both the built environment and daily life. The preliminary draft was more of a technical outline, mapping out the direction we wanted to take. However, the final draft took a complete turn, adopting a storytelling approach to convey the idea that materials are far more than just technical details—they are integral to the narratives of our built world.
The primary challenge was narrowing down the narrative, as the scope of materials is incredibly vast. However, the breakthrough we encountered while developing the essay was understanding how vital materials are in shaping sensory experiences. Viewing this relationship through the lens of time revealed how human evolution has been intertwined with material innovations. It also highlighted an interesting insight: by altering materials, we can subtly influence human experiences and evoke desired responses, requiring only minor changes in architecture. Materials, it turns out, are the true markers of paradigm shifts, while our focus has traditionally been on design ideologies.
Inspirations and Challenges
What inspired us the most was the idea of materials as storytellers. They are like the protagonists of a drama, shaped by time and place but evolving to meet the demands of the future. Researching their stories felt like peeling back the layers of a classic love tale; every revelation was a spark of wonder. The idea that materials do more than just create spaces—they craft experiences, form memories, and stay with us as stories—was the primary inspiration. As architects, we often focus on the technical aspects of materials—such as their length, width, and area—yet we rarely consider how these physical dimensions transcend their material properties. They become part of our memories, shaping our daily experiences in ways that go beyond mere functionality. Exploring this ethereal connection with materials became the foundation of our essay.
The major challenge was to narrow down the narration. The world of materials is a rabbit hole but we had only so many words at disposal, so we had to focus our exploration through the lens of ‘time.’ This approach allowed us to examine how materials have shaped architectural narratives across different eras and how each new material has subtly driven paradigm shifts in design. It also helped us understand how life unfolds around these shifts, influencing the way spaces are experienced and used.
Reflections on Winning
This platform allowed us to refine our raw ideas and transform them into a piece of writing that is truly meaningful to us. We thoroughly enjoy the process of channelling scattered thoughts into a cohesive narrative, and winning the Material Matters Essay Competition feels like an important milestone in that journey. Having our work recognized and shared with an audience that appreciates and values similar ideas is incredibly rewarding. Moreover, this recognition is not just an award, it is the start of a new chapter. It is the promise of more stories, more challenges, and, above all, more dreams to turn into reality. We cannot wait to see what the next scene holds.
This recognition charged our aspiration to spark meaningful dialogues at the intersection of design, heritage, and cultural narratives. It encourages us to continue exploring untold stories and amplifying voices that shape and enrich the architectural discourse.
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