Summary

In this episode, architect Rajeev Kathpalia of Vastu Shilpa Sangath shares timeless wisdom on designing with empathy, slowness, and stewardship. From public space to net-zero campuses, we explore what young architects must unlearn to create meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable environments. A must-listen for architecture students and urban thinkers. Presented in partnership with The Drawing Board 2025 and Rohan Builders. Submission deadline: 6th Sept. More at thedrawingboard.in.

Topics discussed in this episode

* What does stewardship mean to you, and how can public spaces be designed for shared benefit in a country like India?

* How can sites like Sadahalli Quarry be opened to the public while still attracting private investment?

* What does “net zero” mean beyond metrics, and how can young architects start thinking in that direction?

* What’s the least that needs to be built in a public space to make it meaningful and adaptable over time?

* How do you observe how people use space, and how does that influence your design process?

* What does building “slow” mean to you, and how can young architects balance slowness with the urgency of development?

Reference links

* Rajeev Kathpalia – LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeev-kathpalia-35418099

* Vastu Shilpa Sangath – Rajeev Kathpalia bio: https://www.sangath.org/rajeev-kathpalia/

* Beyond Smritivan – Architectural Legacy (Elev8 2025): https://thearchitectsdiary.com/beyond-smritivan-rajeev-kathpalia-on-architectural-legacy-elev8-2025/

* Community-Centric Architecture | Rajeev Kathpalia | TADPod: https://thearchitectsdiary.com/community-centric-architecture-ar-rajeev-kathpalia-vastushilpa-sangath-tadpod/

* Designing Humane Cities – Sangath Interview: https://www.sangath.org/news/architect-rajeev-kathpalia-talks-about-the-need-to-create-humane-cities/

* The Drawing Board – Official Website: https://thedrawingboard.in/

* The Drawing Board 2025 Announcement (World Architecture): https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/fpzhe/the-drawing-board-2025-–-10th-edition.html

* Instagram – The Drawing Board: https://www.instagram.com/thedrawingboard.in/

* Instagram – Rajeev Kathpalia: https://www.instagram.com/kathpalia_r/

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