In-Ch Lab

The exhibition concept was developed by Saina Nicolet from Bern University of Applied Sciences and IN:CH architects and planners. The space has been renovated by IN:CH architects in collaboration with swissnex india. The exhibition of selected work from Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bangalore phases of the studio was displayed on 3rd June at swissnex india. The atmosphere and quality of the exhibition enhanced the display of exhibits too. The IN:CH studio 2013 will be exhibited in Switzerland also.

19 June 2014 | Waste Garden-IN:CH Studio 2014 | What can you create out of waste? Can it be transformed into something beautiful and of value? The groups of 3 students have just done this. Transformed waste glass bottles to a functional space that is spectacular to look at. As a task for the IN:CH Studio 2014, the students built 3m cubes out of different waste materials like milk cans, glass bottles, packaging wood etc available in Bangalore.

The main theme for the studio for the year is campus. After the excursion and learning in Auroville, the phase Ahmedabad has started. The overriding goal of this studio is to give an understanding of sustainability in India. At Ahmedabad the students work with Yatin Pandya, Bettina and Gionatan to review campuses such as CEPT, IIM and NID. In total they studied seven campuses. They understand and analyse the seven campuses and have inputs from the architects who actually designed some of these campuses. They made an analysis, typology and synopsis from their learning at the end of this phase, which would be used in the Bangalore phase. The programme was so intense that they have emerged in the project completely.

As an indo-swiss group of architects we celebrate with respect Indian and Swiss birthdays.

We are excited! First prototype execution begins.

The house was covered with sheets from plastic waste before the rainy season started. Now eight windows, three doors, one solar panel, the surface for the water tank, the garden for their own vegetables and a tree are on the site. The family that built the house can occupy the house now. Again one month? Four weeks still to completion? It’s up to the house owners how fast they work for themselves.

IN:CH is invited to the world architecture congress to exhibit and explain the studio and other academic activities taken up by us. The 5 days would include exhibition of films and a presentation to a conference of about 5000 architects from world over.

What is the influence of climate on architecture? Is there any influence on architecture visible because of various foreign seafarers? How do the people live in this part of the world? How do they earn a livelihood? What are their needs? What religions are followed in Cochin? Through many questions the Swiss students found some answers and ideas. The understanding that India is different compared to Switzerland is present now. The comparison of diversity and learning from both cultures has started. The students realized that the people they meet have a rich and deep thinking. They laugh, have fun and are open and cooperative with foreigners.

The excursion was the one-week trip around the south of India. This time was mainly to absorb the culture, history and architecture in this part of the country. The students also had a minitask during this time to interview one Indian person on their excursion and understand their life and work. They enjoyed this immensely and felt this was the changing point where they became more involved than being just tourists in a country. Juerg Grunder led the week long excursion.

The studio started in India at Auroville in February 2013. There are 20 Swiss, 3 Indian and 1 Spainsh student. This phase was in collaboration with Tency Battens from CSR. Juerg Grunder and Priya Joseph also supported the students in this phase. At Auroville they learn about sustainable building material, techniques and various aspects of water, energy and planning. It has been a good beginning for students who are first time in India to absorb the culture, sustainable living and an ever reforming community. The entrance to India was calm in Auroville as they were away from an urban settlement for this week. The temperature difference of 40 degrees celsius in less than 24 hours made it a different experience for everyone.