What role does steel play in achieving architectural versatility in your projects?
We are a computational design and architectural practice working at the intersection of architecture, spatial design, and urbanism. We are influenced and driven by inspirations from nature, context and history. Steel plays a crucial role in our work, particularly when designing large-span structures or creating expressive structural forms. Our approach celebrates structure, emphasising its inherent beauty rather than relying solely on geometric or facade-based design. We like to express the structure itself and have used steel in various ways, especially to achieve our parametric and computational designs. It is an essential material for architectural and structural expression.
How do you balance aesthetics and functionality when designing with steel?
Steel is inherently beautiful. For example, the I-section is a stunning structural detail. One of my architectural heroes, Mies van der Rohe, designed the Sears Tower in Chicago — one of the first glass skyscrapers in the world, which is truly remarkable. In the Barcelona Pavilion, he also celebrated the I-section, cladding it in chrome and deliberately showcasing it at the centre of the space.
While all materials have their beauty, steel stands out for its slenderness. When we aim for a lighter, more elegant design, we strategically use steel in our buildings. However, we must also balance cost and economics, especially in India, where RCC structures are predominant. As a result, we carefully consider the balance between RCC and steel in our projects.
How does designing with steel support your approach to sustainability and green building practices?
Steel is a reusable material, making it a valuable choice for sustainable building design. We are mindful of how and where we source our steel, prioritising plants closer to the project site. For instance, if a project is in Hyderabad, we source steel from nearby suppliers like Vizag Steel to reduce transportation costs.
Moreover, for spaces that need to be reconfigured or have a shorter lifespan; such as 10 to 15 years, we prefer using steel. Unlike concrete, which is more permanent and requires significant energy for demolition, steel can be easily reused rather than discarded.
What are some misconceptions about designing with steel that you have encountered?
I think the major concern, though not necessarily a misconception, when considering steel as a substitute material is cost. People are often apprehensive about its expense.
However, we always conduct a cost-based analysis to design a structure that remains economical. For instance, we sometimes use light-gauge steel structures. When we needed to complete a project quickly, such as building an office for a real estate developer’s marketing and sales space on-site, we opted for light-gauge steel instead of using standard shipping containers, which lacked character.
By designing a structure tailored to the project and using light-gauge steel, we kept costs down while creating a unique architectural form. The entire structure was erected in just 40 days.
In your opinion, how does steel compare to other materials when addressing modern architectural challenges?
Steel is the ideal choice when we aim for slenderness, gracefulness, and a sense of floating or extended cantilevers. In contrast, using concrete as a substitute often results in heavier, bulkier structures that may not achieve the desired aesthetic or structural expression unless heavily reinforced. Instead of relying on excessive reinforcement, we sometimes use steel alone to create the intended architectural form.
What is the most creative or unconventional use of steel you have implemented or admired?
Toyo Ito’s Serpentine Gallery Pavilion comes to mind. It appeared to be an extremely complex random pattern that proved to derive from an algorithm of a cube that expanded as it rotated. The numerous triangles and trapezoids formed by this system of intersecting lines were clad to be either transparent or translucent, giving a sense of infinitely repeated motion.
How do you approach collaborations with engineers and fabricators when working on steel-intensive projects?
The main quality we seek in engineers is enthusiasm for tackling unconventional designs. Often, we find that many professionals are comfortable working with standard RCC structures and typical spans. However, when we propose non-traditional forms, we need engineers who see these challenges as exciting opportunities rather than obstacles.
A building’s success is directly tied to the strength and creativity of its structural support. That is why we seek out engineers who enjoy pushing boundaries and finding innovative solutions.
What advice would you give to upcoming architects exploring the potential of steel in their designs?
Steel has immense potential, and it is valuable to become familiar with its versatility. It is also fascinating to explore projects that have successfully utilised steel in innovative ways.
For example, Santiago Calatrava has created stunning projects primarily using steel. One notable example is the Science Park in Valencia, which features elegant steel structures. One of its gardens consists of a simple arched steel framework with louvres, forming a container for tropical plants to grow beneath. The structure itself is both beautiful and organic, relying on design to achieve its impact. There are countless other examples, and this is just one that highlights the incredible possibilities of steel in architecture.
Are there any advancements in steel technology or fabrication that you are particularly excited about?
I would love to see a wider adoption in India of the ability to execute non-conventional and non-standard forms more seamlessly. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right partners who have access to advanced industrial robots capable of precise fabrication.
For example, if a design requires steel columns or structures to branch out like a tree, achieving this level of complexity demands both innovative design and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. Collaboration between designers and manufacturers is crucial to bringing such ideas to life.
This is an area I find particularly interesting and exciting. We have worked with various specialists, including those who design internal structural frameworks for large statues. Optimising these structures is a fascinating challenge, and I look forward to seeing further advancements in this field.
What role do you think steel will play in redefining urban landscapes and infrastructure in India?
One example is our reliance on concrete because it is cost-effective. While concrete is commonly reinforced with steel, the way steel is utilised significantly influences a structure’s elegance and slenderness.
Take, for instance, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu; it is primarily a steel bridge, making it both graceful and slender. In contrast, many flyovers and bridges that rely heavily on concrete tend to dominate the urban landscape visually. Steel, on the other hand, offers a sense of elegance that is essential for infrastructure like bridges.
The same applies to airports. Comparing Chennai and Hyderabad airports, the Hyderabad airport appears far more graceful due to its extensive use of steel. The elegant trusses running across its structure create a light and airy feel. In contrast, Chennai airport’s concrete elements appear bulky and overwhelming, especially when taking off or landing, as the large columns are immediately noticeable. Steel plays a crucial role in enhancing urban aesthetics, making cities feel more open and refined.
