As An Architect & Urban Designer, Why I Vouch For 'Net-Zero' In Architecture

In this ever-evolving and dynamic architectural industry, where every year you have to keep up with new fads, updates, versions and renditions of designs, my zeal for designing sustainable yet highly functional while acing the colour dexterity and keeping the “Indigenous spirit”  of a place intact has always been the priority and inspiration. I observed early how most of the architectural industry categorizes women to put out aesthetically pleasing designs without giving them the due credit nor the opportunity to run the show to the top or take the final call.

My Journey In Design

I, however, channelled my energy and focus towards always keeping an edge over the other competitors with my work. This helped my work stand out and hence noticed and recognized. From being just a student from a different cultural background in the New York Institute of Technology, to now a voice member of the American Institute of Architects, the New York Chapter has not been easy, but it's been one full of learning and change.

I started by not letting society's stereotypical noise hold me back at the age of 25. I then followed my ambition which guided me to the States to pursue my master's degree in architecture and urban design.

Stepping into the real professional world in one of the most competitive countries of the world, came with its challenges like encountering gender bias roles and sometimes fighting for opportunities for leadership roles while also breaking the cultural barrier and pushing through fresh designs.

While addressing such challenges, it is essential to proactively voice out for change where it is needed, putting up a strong front and seeking opportunities to shine through. In the early crucial days of a professional career, juggling community perspectives of two different cultures was also an obstacle, which can often easily derail you and hinder your enthusiasm. Often people try to wither your image or pull you down due to competition or jealousy. But, I had the gumption to keep going without getting distracted. It should not still stagger people that an increasing percentage of women are taking over all professional fields.

After tackling the bigger hurdles, the everyday work stress, deadlines and responsibility were also something I got accustomed to. Having said that, right from leading projects and carving a niche would not have been possible without the emotional support of my parents and senior women in leading roles who let me foster.

Even though I was a complete outsider, still having to design spaces for pop culture artists to affordable community row-housing was the unique aspect of my path as an architectural designer. That's also where the needs, emotional sensitivity and use were so directly opposed. However, I worked to the best of my ability and variations of basic needs and abundant splurge were the gaps I tried to fill. 

It made me stronger as a designer to really focus on the “genius loci” of the space. The responsibility of how to make the user feel, irrespective of which social and economic strata they belonged to, in their space with my design in terms of elements, lighting, circulation, materials, aesthetics, function, ventilation and scale was completely unbiased and parallel. 

Why I Vouch For 'Net-Zero' In Architecture

For the coming years, I have envisioned continuing the Net Zero and Energy Efficient Practices along with designing timeless spaces. And now to advance and normalize the “Net - Zero” term for the future is an extremely important practice which is slowly adopted, regulated and imposed by the government as well. It should be the goal for all economic sectors of the community, not only just the architectural industry.

As an Urban Designer / Architect, pushing towards carbon-neutral practices and also educating the unaware user should be the social responsibility of a designer. Eco concrete blocks, carbon-absorbing concrete, carbon sequestration construction processes and bio-based glass are some efforts by the construction industry aimed at sustainability leading to carbon-neutral practices.

Also, the ever-evolving digital technology also plays an important role in advancing architectural practices. AI (artificial intelligence) and VR (virtual reality) can always be strong tools to ease the work of a designer. However, keeping the future modularity and emotional sensitivity of a place is inevitable for the human brain. 

Taking into account all these factors and tools, the design strategy should be socially environmentally sensitive and responsible which most designers overlook on the way to please/fulfil the user’s desires while just trying to achieve the aesthetic goals. That's certainly what I aim to do with my vision as one.

Authored by Rudrika Rathore, Architect/ Urban Designer