ELIZABETH HOUSE 2018 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Elizabeth Kurian Year: 2018 Location: Auroville Built Up Area: Typology: Resistance Team: Melina, Pratha, Ines, Roshita, Mona Contractor: Suresh, Permual, Sundar & Bhaskar This project was recieved as renovation of an existing old keeth house in a dilapidated state for our client Elizabeth residing in the green belt of Auroville. Rains, animals and security were major concerns of the client and the key criterion was to find low cost building solutions due to minimal budget . The intervention includes what is existing , keeping the columns and its base intact, and renovating only the plinth. The client's demand to shift the entrance for aesthetics and vastu concerns; was catered to by converting the existing entry into an attached bathroom. A small kitchenette was artistically incorporated in the Ground floor . A new internal staircase helped connect directly with the first floor maintaining utmost security , also offering an open air balcony. Whole ground floor is mosquito proofed and protected by red colour MS grill , which stands out as a unique (at an angle allows for more space) low cost design element . Continuing the same language the new (octagonal with wind exhaust) roof is designed with MS rafter structure with GI sheets . To see full Elizabeth House process documentaton, click the PDF link... BACK TO PROJECTS

STUDIO NAQSHBANDI EXTENSION 2018 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Mona Doctor-Pingel Year: 2008 (Extension 2019) Location: Auroville Built Up Area: approx. 100m2 Typology: Architecture Studio Team: Mona, Nancy Agarwal Contractor: Mohan Constructions Photo Credits: Ridho Cairns This small-scale project is an extension to the existing architecture studio based in Auroville. Completed a decade after the first phase was constructed, by the same architect. It imbues the same refined architectural qualities from the interiors to the landscaping. It is a space for art , discussion , wonder , as well as work . This is felt as one brushes their feet against the rough Cuddapah stone, or admires the calligraphy pinned to the sliding panels next to the wooden desk. Numerous textures, from the low concrete ceiling made from mango wood formwork, to the achakali brick cladding the vault’s underside, to the smooth shell-lime plaster of the walls, give the user a constant tactile experience of the space . Located at the Yantra Community within the industrial zone of Auroville, surrounded by residences and indigenous vegetation that is drought-resistant. The project is in a hot-humid coastal climate and makes use of cross-ventilation . The original architecture studio was built in 2008 by the same architect, integrating interior design and landscaping. The extension was squeezed into a tight space between the road and the original studio. To read more about the project, see article . BACK TO PROJECTS

SAIL 2023 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: HP Rama – Auro University, Surat Year: 2023 Location: Surat Site Area: 9200 m² Built Up Area: 2800 m² Landscaped Area: 2950 m² Typology: Public / Institution Team: Mona Doctor-Pingel, Ojas Vyas , Suraj Dwiwedi, Alma Anna, Nehaa Bhawaraju, Prakash Raj, Roshita Sudhir, Nancy Agarwal, Ralph Sequeira, Renuka Gupta, Mihir R. Desai. Structure: NPC Builders, Pondicherry Contractor: Bhoomi Constructions, Ahmedabad + M/S DH Patel, Surat MEPF: Artech Engineering, Ahmedabad Waste water treatment: Aqua Engineers, Auroville Acoustics: Sound Wizards, Auroville Lighting: Light-Fish, Auroville Interiors & Landscaping: Studio Naqshbandi, Interior design - Tushita Gandhi, Shrishti Art Studio Click here to view the BROCHURE . This project has recevied national and international recognition through publication on multiple digital and print media June 2024 Spiritual hub in India provides a source of wisdom and inspiration, By Ar Apurva Bose Dutta RIBA See article ( Digital , Print Publication ) The Sri Aurobindo Integral Learning Centre (SAILC) in Surat dedicated to Sri Aurobindo – his vision and thought – aspires to be a global hub for the youth to study and research on his philosophy and work. The building invites one on a journey of discovery with its beguiling simplicity and layered experience. The built form surrounded by 2300sq.m of carefully designed ‘natural’ water bodies is ideated to give its users a sensorially rich spatial experience. The interplay between indoors and outdoors is pivotal in the design of SAILC. The landscape interweaving the built form in the form of courtyards, harvesting lakes, planted trees, green roofs and bio-ponds help create a surreal world within. The simple material palette of the building consists of exposed load bearing brickwork and RCC roof, with kota stone flooring. Most of the spaces inside the building are naturally ventilated making use of passive solar techniques and bioclimatic design strategies for thermal comfort and cooling. BACK TO PROJECTS

ELIEVIDU 1997 PROJECT INFORMATION Elievidu is one of the first projects done independantly by Studio Naqshbandi and the first 'dome without ring forces ' constructued in Auroville as per the method of architect Gernot Minke of Kassel University, Germany. It is also the first building for Yantra community along with Samarpan residence. We were asked to present the density and layout for the whole Yantra site to the planning groups at that time. Along with this vision, we also set out the basic guidelines which stipulated that all buildings including those that would eventually be built as and when new clients came, would - adhere to building with domes and vaults as a common language. - use compressed earth blocks / locally available fired bricks for load bearing construction with minimum use of concrete . - aim to incorporate principles of Building Biology with ecological building technologies . - all buildings to be naturally ventilated and use of DC current (12V) via rooftop solar panels for all electricity in the residences - use of natural materials which ensure well being of the resident, for example natural rough cuddapah stone flooring , lime wash for internal walls, etc. - keep as far as possible all indigenous trees already existing on the site. - reuse of recycled waste water for fruit trees or fragrant bushes near the soak pits / biological waste water treatment - ensure minimum rain water run off from the entire site to the canyon side. In those days, we were fortunate to also calculate and design the structural system for the buildings. All infrastrucutre and landscape design was done by the studio and excution was done by a single contractor. BACK TO PROJECTS

SUNDARANAND: Co-Living 2025 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Bandish and Niyanta Soparkar Year: 2022-2025 Location: Ahmedabad Site Area: 350 sq mt Built Up Area: 700 sq mt ( approx.) Type: Residential Team: Mona Doctor-Pingel, Ridho Cairns, Mihir Desai, Soundarya Arumugam, Drashti Nadoda, Structure: Vinod Shah Consulting Engineers Contractor: Maitri Constructions (Vinay Borikar) Compressed Earth Blocks: Kesarjan ( Keyur Sarda) Lime works: Thumbimpression (Manu Narendran) Plumbing consultant: Chetan Vyas Ferrocement & Metal Fabrication: Sculptcraft ( Hitendra Solanki) Electrical consultant: Cosmo Engineers ( Prashantbhai) Glass and Aluminum works: Numaex (Haresh kacheria) Interiors, Lighting & acoustic design: Studio Naqshbandi Landscaping: Studio Naqshbandi with Nareshbhai Sundaranand is a Co-living shelter near the university area in Ahmedabad, It is designed for a young lawyer-architect couple who approached our studio just after Covid in 2022. From the outset they were very open-minded clients, curious about everything and wanted to be a part of the process of design and execution to the last detail. This suited our firm’s philosophy well since we believe that Process is as important as the Product. However, this did mean many hours of discussion and research on every aspect. DESIGN BRIEF: to Their Brief was to create a home for themselves which would also include the concept of Co-living: bringing together people from different walks of life and providing them with short term accommodation in the UNESCO Heritage city of Ahmedabad. The Co-living offers space for living , working and entertainment creating a social milieu for conversation across topics. In short, a modern and modified version of a Dharamshala ! DESIGN PROCESS: The design process itself was very interesting because we proposed from the outset that a local Ahmedabad architecture firm should be involved to make it easier to execute. When the clients proposed SEALAB, a young firm led by Anand Sonecha and Marianna P., we proposed a Dreamweaving exercise with them for the concept stage. The client was also on board as a part of the process. They agreed to pay both the firms for this phase equally and then see how to proceed with the working drawings stage. This phase took a couple of months and we had about 6-7 iterations from each firm with discussions on Zoom which were fun and enriching. Finally, the clients felt that it is best to move forward with one firm for the working drawings and they chose Studio Naqshbandi. DESIGN PHILOS0PHY : In this project we attempted to create built mass with appropriate materials in urban context which responds to the local climatic conditions and is energy efficient . Spatial organization was done in response to the harsh sun of the tropical climate by locating bedrooms in the center opening up to north for daylight, bathrooms on east and west as buffer from low sun, circulation spaces on south as a protective layer from the direct sun and rain. The extended split level mass on south-west also helps in self shading of the building during the peak hours of sun in the evening. A sunken courtyard on the south is used to introduce light and ventilation into the basement level. Structural system of brick Jack Arches with a combination of exposed RCC slabs is used to enhance the flow and add unique character to the spaces. Composite walls with a combination of AAC (Autoclaved aerated concrete) and unstabilised Mud blocks for adequate thermal insulation . The material palette consists of green kota flooring, mild steel sections, glass and recycled teak wood doors (lot of it from the old building that existed on site). Features like sunken courtyard as a gathering space, bio-pond and green spaces that seamlessly integrate nature with the living spaces enrich the living experience . Conscious use of certain proportions and dimensions helped us achieve a harmony in terms of physical ergonomics and enhance the spatial quality. BACK TO PROJECTS

STUDIO NAQSHBANDI 2008 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Mona Doctor-Pingel Year: 2008 Location: Auroville Typology: Commercial Site Area: 485 square meter Built Up Area: 110 square meter Principal Architect: Mona Doctor-Pingel The studio is located within the community of ‘Yantra’ (4,500 square meter plot area), a project designed and built by Studio Naqshbandi (1995-2008). A glimpse of the workspace is enough to justify it as a Temple for Working. The studio rooted in the essence and philosophy of Auroville; offers Architecture , Interior design and Landscaping services for each project, designing a building or a space in its entirety. The studio respects the existing contours and indigenous trees on the site. Being situated in the industrial zone of the city, Yantra was started in 1996 as a pilot project integrating small non-polluting workshops, residences and offices , setting an example that “industrial zone” does not necessarily imply cold, gray, flat structures which are dead after 5:00 pm. To read more about the project, see article . BACK TO PROJECTS

SAMARPAN 1996 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Natasha & Emanuelle Year: 1996-1998 Location: Yantra Community, Industrial Zone, Auroville Built Up Area: 102m² Type: Residence Principal Architect: Mona Doctor-Pingel Structure: Mona Doctor-Pingel Contractor: A.K. Das Samarpan is one of the first projects done independantly by Studio Naqshbandi and the first 'dome without ring forces ' constructued in Auroville as per the method of architect Gernot Minke of Kassel University, Germany. It is also the first building for Yantra community along with Elievidu residence. We were asked to present the density and layout for the whole Yantra site to the planning groups at that time. Along with this vision, we also set out the basic guidelines which stipulated that all buildings including those that would eventually be built as and when new clients came, would - adhere to building with domes and vaults as a common language. - use compressed earth blocks / locally available fired bricks for load bearing construction with minimum use of concrete . - aim to incorporate principles of Building Biology with ecological building technologies . - all buildings to be naturally ventilated and use of DC current (12V) via rooftop solar panels for all electricity in the residences - use of natural materials which ensure well being of the resident, for example natural rough cuddapah stone flooring , lime wash for internal walls, etc. - keep as far as possible all indigenous trees already existing on the site. - reuse of recycled waste water for fruit trees or fragrant bushes near the soak pits / biological waste water treatment - ensure minimum rain water run off from the entire site to the canyon side. In those days, we were fortunate to also calculate and design the structural system for the buildings. All infrastructure and landscape design was done by the studio and execution was done by a single contractor. BACK TO PROJECTS

PROJECT INFORMATION BACK TO PROJECTS

MORNING STAR BIRTHING CENTER 2026 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Paula, Murphy Typology: Birthing Center Location: Near Sante, Auroville Site Area: 1440 m2 Built Up Area: 507 m2 Costing: 2.14 Cr. (Estimated) _ 42000 / m2 Architecture: Mona Doctor- Pingel, Keerthana A., Foram Jani, Shrey Narigara, Divy Jajodia, Timeline: Design Beginning: Nov 2022 | Start of Construction : Oct 2024 | Ongoing: (as of 09.12.25) KEY Features: Vaults and Domes in brick | Womblike Domes | Central & Personal Courtyards PROJECT DESCRIPTION Morning star is a center for training, education and research on Birthing, maternity and women wellbeing. It is a place for Women and girls, pregnant women during their period of pregnancy, birthing and post pregnancy. To us the main design consideration was on how to create a space with utmost feeling of privacy (visual and acoustic), security and a sense of wellbeing for women. The birth center is perceived with intimate spaces for women along with multiple courtyards. The underlined concept of designing with arches and flat domes in exposed brick is to create a cocoon like space which is warm and inviting. Multiple private court yards are introduced in order to give access to open spaces. There is easy accessibility to all the rooms through the central courtyard. The design approach was to delineate the building into three parts - the private, semi private and public. The toilets, utility and other services were used to create buffers between the private and public zone. The design does not only focus on the act of birthing but also celebrates the entire process of pregnancy, child birth, women care, education and research programs. The birth center is conceived with the needs of Auroville resident population in mind. The average number of births is between 10 and 15 per year. The main functional spaces include: 1) Two birthing rooms with private courtyards and one with a birthing pool; 2) A onsultation/ gynecology room and a mid- wife office; 3) A spacious multipurpose hall on the first floor for prenatal classes, yoga etc; 4) A family waiting area with kitchenette placed near the entrance. BACK TO PROJECTS

REDDY HOUSE 2008 PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Mr. Laxman Reddy Year: 2008 Location: Kovalam, ECR Road Typology: Residence Team: Arusha Shridhar, Mona Doctor-Pingel Contractor: Mohan Constructions Photo Credits: Jones The house is designed to respond to and engage with the garden , the ocean view and the sky . The coastal location on Bay of Bengal dictates most features of the house - raised plinth to capitalize on the beautiful view of the sea, courtyard to help regulate the indoor climate with main openings towards the east, large roof cantilevers to keep out the sun and the heavy monsoon rains , and open floor plan (kitchen - living – dining). The client an ex-pilot (Indian Air Force) wanted the kitchen to be heart of the house as he loves to cook. The 'A'-frame saddle tile roof uses precast concrete rafters cast on the site to create a termite-proof shelter , reducing the use of tropical timber while providing good thermal insulation ensures that the sun does not heat up the room. Flooring throughout the house is in natural stone (rough green cuddapah ). The large bio-pond towards the living, dining and kitchen areas is a naturally maintained ecosystem with plants, snails and fish. To read more about the project, see article. BACK TO PROJECTS