Mumbai-based architects Shriya Parasrampuria, Prashant Dupare blurring the boundaries between built and unbuilt spaces

When Mumbai-based architects Shriya Parasrampuria and Prashant Dupare decided to initiate their own practice in 2019, both having graduated in 2007 from JJ School of Architecture, the chief factor that brought them together was their joint passion and vision of blurring the boundaries between built and unbuilt spaces. “It is about fluidity, aesthetics, how you use local materials, adapt simple local techniques to let design flow with the context, keeping the style unique so as to meet the site-specific challenges as well as opportunities”, points out Shriya, adding, “Sustainability is the starting point of our design, not the end goal.” In tune with this approach, the duo’s projects feature as an apt response to site conditions where the locational sensitivities manifest strongly. “We replaced these sections with random rubble walls.” Hiring and training local labour The construction was executed by using local labour familiar with mud construction techniques. “But we still had to train and assist in the construction as the design came with a significant amount of curves, slants and sweeps, combined with large openings, thus posing a challenge”, adds Prashant.