SECOND PRIZE WINNER!
Tawisha Dixit, Satyali Singh & Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh
India
They are a team of three architecture students—Tawisha Dixit, Satyali Singh, and Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh—currently in their third year, sixth semester of the Bachelor of Architecture program at Amity School of Architecture and Planning. Throughout their academic journey, they have developed a strong foundation in architectural design, sustainability, and material exploration. Each member brings a unique perspective to the team: Tawisha Dixit focuses on sustainable material practices, Satyali Singh specializes in architectural storytelling, and Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh is passionate about integrating technology into design. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to rethinking materiality in architecture.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
We are a team of three architecture students—Tawisha Dixit, Satyali Singh and Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh— currently in our third year, sixth semester of the Bachelor of Architecture program at Amity School of Architecture and Planning. Throughout our academic journey, we have developed a strong foundation in architectural design, sustainability, and material exploration. Each of us brings a unique perspective—Tawisha Dixit focuses on sustainable material practices, Satyali Singh specializes in architectural storytelling, and Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh is passionate about integrating technology into design. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to rethinking materiality in architecture.
The competition’s emphasis on exploring materials as pivotal to architectural design resonated with our ongoing academic and personal interests. We saw this as a chance to delve deeper into the critical role materials play in shaping sustainable and culturally meaningful spaces.
Essay Concept
Our essay, titled The Dynamic Evolution of Materials in Architecture, examines how materials are more than just technical elements—they are cultural, historical, and technological bridges. We explored the evolution of materials from ancient practices to modern innovations like self-healing concrete and 3D printing, while highlighting their sustainability and role in shaping human experiences within spaces.
We were inspired by the potential of materials to address both environmental concerns and cultural relevance. Our research revealed its versatility, aligning with our goal to highlight materials that are not only functional but also contextually significant.
Architectural Insights
Our essay underscores that materials influence not just the structural and aesthetic aspects of architecture but also the functionality and sustainability of designs. By adopting innovations like self-healing concrete and advanced recycling techniques, architects can create spaces that are resilient, environmentally friendly, and culturally meaningful.
Yes, projects like the use of cross-laminated timber in high-rise buildings and advancements in nanotechnology-inspired materials were pivotal. These examples demonstrated how traditional materials can be reimagined through modern innovation to meet current architectural needs.
Sustainability and Technology
We explored how technologies like nanotechnology, smart materials, and 3D printing redefine material properties and applications, making them more sustainable and efficient. The essay advocates for a conscious approach to material selection, emphasizing lifecycle impacts and energy efficiency.
Absolutely. Innovations like self-healing concrete and 3D printing not only enhance durability and reduce waste but also open up new design possibilities. These materials represent the future of adaptive and sustainable architecture.
Materials carry cultural and historical significance, reflecting the identity of a place. For example, ancient builders used locally available materials, a practice that today inspires us to value sustainability and community-based architecture.
we emphasized how materials influence sensory and emotional responses—textures, colors, and even their thermal properties affect how people experience a space. These aspects underscore the importance of materiality in creating comfortable and engaging environments.
Creative Process
We began with a brainstorming session to identify key themes, focusing on the evolution of materials and their role in sustainability and innovation. Extensive research followed, exploring examples and case studies. We divided the writing among the team, then iterated through drafts to ensure cohesion and depth.
The challenge was balancing technical details with broader cultural and environmental themes. A breakthrough came when we identified self-healing concrete as a unifying example of innovation, sustainability, and practicality, which anchored much of our discussion.
Inspirations and Challenges
The realization that materials are not just building blocks but narratives inspired us. They tell stories of innovation, sustainability, and culture, and exploring this connection was deeply rewarding.
Synthesizing the vast amount of information into a concise and engaging narrative was challenging. Regular team discussions and feedback helped us focus on the most impactful aspects.
Reflections on Winning
It’s an incredible honor to have our ideas acknowledged. This recognition validates our efforts and reinforces our commitment to exploring the intersections of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in architecture.
This achievement motivates us to delve deeper into material research and sustainable practices. It’s a stepping stone toward contributing meaningfully to the architectural field, both academically and professionally.
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