As architects, we shape more than just buildings—we shape environments that influence lives. The future of design lies in spaces that endure and enrich the world around them.
Amit Singhal - Director, GPM Architects and Planners
Architecture has a lasting footprint on the environment and how people experience and interact with spaces. Every design decision - from form and orientation to materials and systems - shapes a project’s sustainability factor. Sustainability is about creating spaces that naturally adapt, endure, and enhance their surroundings. We can reduce dependence on mechanical cooling and heating by incorporating thoughtful site planning and optimising natural light, wind flow, and thermal mass.
Passive strategies like deep overhangs, shaded courtyards, and high-performance façades create comfortable, low-energy environments. The materials we choose—locally sourced, durable, and low-carbon—shape a building’s ecological footprint, longevity, and adaptability.
Sustainability also lies in how buildings manage energy, water, and waste. Integrating renewable energy, efficient cooling systems, and smart water management significantly reduces environmental impact. Green roofs, shaded public spaces, and water bodies help regulate microclimates, enhancing comfort while lowering energy demand. The goal is to create buildings that don’t just consume resources but actively contribute to a more balanced urban ecosystem. By designing with nature, choosing responsible materials, and integrating smart systems, we can create efficient, adaptive, regenerative spaces.
A strong example of this approach is Mahagun Marina Walk, Noida, a pre-certified IGBC green building that demonstrates how sustainability and commercial viability can go hand in hand. The project embraces biophilic design and incorporates vegetation and water bodies to regulate temperature, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) for wastewater treatment. Features like Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) façades, rooftop solar panels, and mist-cooled piazzas blend sustainability with user experience.
