NIA Conversations

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.

As part of the NIA Conversations series, this edition featured acclaimed Kannada actress and co-founder of Nrityaniketana Kodavoor, Manasi Sudhir, widely known for her exceptional performance in Kantara. She engaged with students of Nitte Institute of Architecture (NIA) and Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO), sharing her journey, experiences and passion for the arts in an insightful dialogue that emphasized the value of dedication and respect for one’s craft. The session also included a screening of Ekam, offering a glimpse into her versatile talent and creative work.

The Nitte Institute of Architecture hosted an engaging conversation with the screening and discussion of Samudrada Motte (Ocean’s Egg), a documentary exploring the relationship between coastal communities and marine conservation. Alumnus, architect and filmmaker Mr. Sathvik P S introduced the film and shared his experiences of documenting environmental challenges through creative practices. The session included an interactive discussion on filmmaking and sustainability, with Prof (Dr) B Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice-President (Institutional Social Responsibility) highlighting the role of social responsibility in education and practice. Concluding with a discussion and presentation of mementos, the event left the audience inspired to align their work with global goals such as Climate Action and Life Below Water.

Nitte Institute of Architecture hosted Ar. Ragul Ravichandran, founder of Vaayil_A doorway, for a lecture on “Scan the Sacred: Photogrammetry as a Tool for Heritage Preservation.” He shared his journey into heritage documentation and presented case studies from over 190 heritage structures documented across India using hybrid methods that combine traditional techniques with advanced digital tools. Showcasing 3D models, scaled prototypes and drone-based surveys, he demonstrated how technologies like photogrammetry and digital modelling are transforming conservation practices. His work, including contributions to the UNESCO World Heritage nomination of the Hoysala temples, inspired students and faculty to explore innovative approaches to preserving cultural heritage.

Dr. Priya Joseph’s book, Brick Architecture Craft in 19th Century South India, sparked interest in traditional construction techniques and regional architectural heritage. The book talk offered an in-depth exploration of traditional brick construction techniques and architectural craftsmanship in South India, providing valuable historical and cultural context for students interested in regional building practices.

The Nitte Institute of Architecture hosted the launch of Lucknow Queerscapes, a compelling and thought-provoking work that explores the intersections of identity, history and architecture through a queer lens. The event brought together students, faculty and invited guests for an enriching discourse on inclusive spatial narratives. The authors, Prof. Sonal Mithal and Ar. Arul Paul, presented their journey in developing the book, offering deep insights into Nawabi architecture and colonial archives as reinterpreted through queer perspectives. Their discussion emphasized the importance of uncovering hidden narratives and broadening the scope of architectural historiography. Faculty, students and external guests contributed to the vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment.

Mr. Shivakumar shared valuable insights from his professional journey, including his experience working with renowned architect Ar. B V Doshi. He spoke in detail about his involvement in the construction of IIM Bangalore, offering students a deeper understanding of large-scale institutional projects and the collaborative process behind iconic architectural works. Mr. Shivakumar provided an insightful session for the final year students on the tendering process, explaining tender procedures, bidding methods and the various types of tenders. He also covered key aspects of the pre-construction stage, including site monitoring, billing, quality control and site supervision.

3Architect Sathya Prakash Varanashi captivated students with an insightful presentation of his projects, showcasing material explorations and innovative design approaches. Emphasizing lateral thinking, he engaged in an interactive dialogue, inspiring students to challenge conventions and rethink architecture beyond the ordinary.

As part of the NIA Conversations series, Nitte Institute of Architecture (NIA) had the privilege of hosting eminent experts from the engineering field to guide students on the techniques and significance of suspension bridges. These remarkable structures not only serve as vital infrastructural links but also play a crucial role in empowering communities.

NIA was honored to welcome Shri Girish Bharadwaj, Padma Shri awardee and The Bridge Man of India, whose extraordinary contributions include the construction of 142 suspension bridges, transforming connectivity in remote villages across India. His inspiring journey of bridging physical and social gaps left a lasting impact on our students. Enriching the discussion, Prof. Babu Narayan, an eminent structural engineer from NITK Surathkal, introduced students to iconic bridges across the world, providing valuable insights into their design and construction fundamentals. Further, Engineer Pathanjali Bharadwaj encouraged students to explore the field of suspension bridge design, shedding light on the technical challenges and innovations that define this engineering marvel.

Nitte Institute of Architecture had the privilege of hosting Mr. Vinod Pinto, President, CREDAI Mangalore and Mr. D B Mehta, Former President of CREDAI, for an insightful session with the final-year students. The discussion delved into key aspects of the real estate industry, providing students with valuable exposure to:

• Trends in real estate development in Mangalore and beyond.
• Policies, land use regulations and contractual frameworks in both public & private projects.
• The evolving role of architects in shaping the real estate sector.

Through this engaging interaction, students gained a practical understanding of industry dynamics, equipping them with critical perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the built environment. The session encouraged thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of architecture, urban planning and real estate development.

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.

An insightful presentation on the Mangalore waterfront proposal was delivered to Semester 7 students by Ar. Anup Naik, as part of their Urban Studio course. The session provided valuable perspectives on rediscovering Mangalore's waterfront. Emphasizing inclusivity, ecological balance, and economic viability, the speaker introduced key regulatory aspects, enriching the students' understanding of responsible urban design. The presentation arranged by studio tutors Ar. Nikita Makhasana and Ar. Ashwini Mani, left a lasting impact on the students, highlighting the importance of this project. The engaging session was further enhanced by the speaker's thoughtful responses to student queries, drawing from real-world examples and experience in the field.

In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges and rapid technological advancements, designers are increasingly recognized as pivotal agents of change. From the products we use daily to the cities we inhabit, designers shape our experiences, behaviours and perceptions. We have an influence on what people wear, how they live, how they move, even on how they think. We have power that can be used or abused. But what does "designing for the future" truly mean? How does change happen? Where can it go wrong? How can we leverage this knowledge to our advantage? Together, we examine a handful of striking examples to understand the transdisciplinary nature of designing the future. An engaging session with Wouter Haspeslagh, Chief Mobility Designer at Granstudio, Italy was held with NIA students. Centered around the theme “Designers as Agents of Change: You are responsible for shaping Tomorrow’s World!”, the discussion explored context-driven, user-centred design ideologies to inspire responsible design decisions. Mr. Sugat Das, Country Manager (India), IED interacted with the students. Wouter shared innovative approaches to understanding change, envisioning futures and navigating design challenges.

During a presentation at the Nitte Institute of Architecture, Duncan Denley, alongside his colleagues, Ullas and Giorgio from Desert Ink Design, revealed the narratives behind their iconic projects. They delved into the innovative concepts, providing an insightful glimpse into the creative methodologies that define their work. The event was a captivating experience, offering aspiring architecture students a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the thought processes driving contemporary architectural practice. It served as an inspiring platform for the future leaders of architecture, igniting their passion and their aspirations to shape the built environment of tomorrow.

As part of Ekȃyana, the academic and cultural festival of Nitte Institute of Architecture, a thought-provoking panel discussion was held under the Samvȃda series. The session featured leading architects from across India - Ar. Dean D’Cruz, Ar. Jeet Iype, Ar. Kanwarjit Nagi, Ar. Shashi Bhooshan, and Ar. Pankaj Modi, who shared insights from their diverse practices. Each speaker reflected on how their architectural journeys intertwine traditional wisdom with emerging technologies to respond to contemporary challenges. From climate-responsive design and local materiality to conserving heritage through innovation, the conversation was rich with experiences rooted in context, sustainability and community engagement. The panel offered students and attendees a deep understanding of how values, culture and technology can come together meaningfully in architectural practice.

World Architecture Day was celebrated with a guest lecture by Ar. (Dr) Paola Sanguinetti, Director, School of Design at Arizona State University accompanied by Daniel Salvador, Senior Coordinator at the Design School at ASU and Tabita Chettri, Recruitment Advisor, International Admissions at ASU. The guest lecture was on Braiding knowledge and intelligence, AI's impact on Design for a sustainable and inclusive future.

The keynote speech by Prof. K T Ravindran highlighted the importance of dialogue in architecture and urbanism. He stressed that architecture should be more than just a building, and it should reflect the culture, tradition and needs of the people. In addition, Ar. Chitra Viswanath spoke about sustainable architecture and green buildings, sharing her experiences in designing sustainable buildings in India.

The event concluded with a panel discussion, where Prof. K T Ravindran and Ar. Chitra Viswanath shared their thoughts on various topics related to architecture and urbanism. The panel discussion was moderated by the Director of NIA, and it was followed by a networking session. The event provided a platform for architects, urban planners and students to exchange ideas and learn from each other.