Chitra Vishwanath Architects
Chitra Vishwanath Architects is a firm based in Bangalore, India, focusing on ecology and architecture. The practice started in 1991 and along the way, various architects have joined and contributed in projects throughout India and Africa. The philosophy followed is to employ local resources in an optimized way, to plan considering the natural elements, passively and actively, and to render the social impact of construction positive, improving lifestyle quality of both, the doers and the users. As part of the range of resources used, “mud” is a major component since it is well suited for local conditions, is relatively labor intensive and locally available.
Earth in the form of compressed stabilized blocks and stabilized rammed earth is used for load bearing structure, arches, vaults and domes. Through the years various players have contributed to the achievements of the numerous buildings forming a large team capable of delivering a high quality construction within the respected budget and timeframe. Beside the use of stabilized earth, such alternative systems and energies are used: wastewater treatment system, grey water recycling system, rainwater harvesting, solar and wind energy generation system. They are designed and integrated to complete buildings as sustainable systems – economically, socially and ecologically. These buildings can attract local plants and birds, so as to create unique and comfortable spaces.
