Sustainability is defined as the ability to exist constantly irrespective of available resources. It can also be defined as the capacity for the biosphere and environment to support human civilization ably. In order to be sustainable in all aspects of life, one must be sensitive to the systems and processes of nature and architecture.
Architecture and design has always been an attribute of primary concern due to the vast consumption of natural resources since the inception of construction. This sensitivity provides us with conscious knowledge of maintaining balance with nature and harmonious coexistence. Sustainability, in terms of architecture, implies and deems it necessary to conduct construction activities and thereafter occupancy activities to be designed in a manner such that the new development does not harm the ecological landscape, with firm conviction on the fact that “there is only one Earth.”
Sumit Dhawan, principal architect and ounder at Cityspace’ 82 Architects, believes in practicing architecture to support the ecosystem and its provisions. The objective of his firm Cityspace’ 82 Architects is to make sustainability and luxury design accessible without commercial barriers.
Commencing his journey in an architectural household, Sumit had a prolonged affinity for architecture since childhood. Starting with architecture in the year 2000, Sumit did his internship from Auroville, Pondicherry, and formulated a strong connection with nature. He got his first project immediately after the completion of internship in the last year of college. The project was 500 sq. yd. residence in Gurugram assigned by a friend’s father. In the very first project, the architect started incorporating a sustainable approach using earth blocks, solar passive strategies, and cavity walls, and hence, the residence got overwhelming appreciation. The longevity and durability factors of the project inspired Sumit to focus on sustainable practices to the core, and there & then he decided to incorporate a sustainable approach in all the projects.
Today, when Sumit has completed about two decades in the industry, he feels like giving back to society by building innovative projects that integrate numerous design styles fusing one into another. He tends to deliver projects with a profuse emphasis on green architecture and sustainability. The architect has always believed that a building must speak for itself with its concept, rather than having theoretical philosophy to it.
Most of the projects designed by Cityspace’ 82 Architects include passive strategies introduced through the use of cavity walls with insulation material like vermiculite, thermal break fenestrations with monolithic spray puff on the terrace for insulation purposes, high-performance double glazed unit glass, horizontal & vertical shading devices, and on-grid solar panels at terrace level.
For instance, a fusion of modernity & sustainability, Netsmartz India, situated in Mohali is spread over a sprawling 2.09 acres. The building amalgamates two plots comprising two basements, ground, and twelve floors. The office complex consists of terrace landscaping interspersed with a restaurant for the users to rejuvenate. Carbon footprint emission is extremely low because of the smart and sustainable features the building has. Starting from double glazing glass, cooling tower system, rooftop garden, all these design considerations helped the building get decorated by a 5-star GRIHA rating (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment).
Another sustainable building by Sumit Dhawan is the IT Office Building for MPH Networks Pvt. Ltd. Spread across an 8000 sq.m area, it is a 2-sided corner plot that is adept with a double-height entrance. Green wall, reflective glass, zinc jaali, and stackable parking resulting in platinum LEED rating has been proposed here. The Green wall has been used in the southwest corner to cut down on heat gain. A rooftop garden and restaurant further accentuate the functionality of this project.
The Bestech Building follows the sustainable modern theme. The zoning of spaces in this project has been done smartly to enhance the energy efficiency of both the space and the user. A green terrace on 80% of the floorplate of the terrace has been included to give back to nature and decrease the carbon footprint of the area. The barrier-free design is a highlight of this building that gives a unique clutter-free experience to the user. The built form highlights the perfect balance between design and nature.
Sumit prefers the materials used in façades designed by him to be zero maintenance. Even toilets in each project are ensured to include private greens to allow abundant natural light and ventilation. The team tries to incorporate sunken gardens in the basements for most of the residential projects in order to confer onto lighting and ventilation for the amenities including Gymnasium, spa, etc. which are usually planned in the basements. Sumit also prefers the stilt floor to assimilate enormous landscaping instead of typical car parking throughout. All these amenities are incorporated in the residential project “The Centaurus,” located in New Delhi, designed by the firm.
Another residential project called Golf Links House, located in New Delhi is a biological beauty. The project constitutes numerous dwellings encompassing vibrant and lush landscaped garden views and commodious planning. Based on the fundamentals of horizontal and vertical interaction between indoors with outdoors, an open plan concept has been introduced in this residence. With enormous openings in the front and rear along with few cutouts at the terrace level, the house acquires an abundance of natural and ventilation. The agenda behind assimilating a sustainable design concept here is to curb the jeopardy of the hot and dry climate while taking advantage of the exuberant landscaped gardens of Lutyens Delhi.
To achieve a successful design based on the challenges, the project was introduced to the solarium and other passive design strategies like the use of cavity walls, double glazed & high-performance slim aluminium profile fenestrations. Vertical and horizontal shading devices like privacy wooden louvre, rotatable, sliding and stack louvre blades, pergola with rotatable blades, integrated light & sound system, retractable skylight with a waterproof and sun blocked screen on top are also included in the project.
The architect’s agenda is that whatever he does should be meaningful and must make sense to the society. The designs outlined at Cityspace’ 82 Architects ought to interact with the users as well as patrons. Sumit expects all his projects to be a piece of architecture rather than art. Believing in perpetual designs, he wants the world to relish and appreciate his work. The goal is to continue designing veritable projects and be known for the quality of work in the fraternity and outside.