Creative Act by Ar. Praveen Alva, Co-Founder of IN-Habitat Projects and Founder of ALVA KUUTO, the first independent Tulu band | NIA

Sep 18, 2025

As part of the NIA Conversation series, Nitte Institute of Architecture hosted a special guest lecture on 18th September 2025 by Ar. Praveen Alva, Co-Founder of IN-Habitat Projects and Founder of ALVA KUUTO, the first independent Tulu band. The session offered students an opportunity to explore architecture and culture from a broader perspective, highlighting how creativity can extend beyond design into other forms of expression. Ar. Alva shared his journey in sustainable practice, emphasizing the use of local materials, crafts and labor to create responsible architecture. He also spoke about his passion for music, where ALVA KUUTO celebrates the coastal identity of Karnataka through Tulu storytelling and song. His dual engagement in architecture and music encouraged students to view creativity as interdisciplinary and deeply connected to cultural identity. The session offered students an opportunity to explore architecture and culture from a broader perspective, highlighting how creativity can extend beyond design into other forms of expression.