In this interview with WFM Media, Ar. Qutub Mandviwala, the Founder and Principal Architect of Mandviwala Qutub & Associates (MQA), reflects on his firm’s journey spanning over three decades, discusses key projects that blend innovation with sustainability, and shares insights on the future of façades, fenestration, and urban design. Here are the excerpts…
Q. In The Context Of Sustainable Building Design, How Does MQA Approach The Integration Of Façades And Fenestration To Optimise Energy Efficiency And Occupant Comfort?
At my firm, Mandviwala Qutub & Associates (MQA), an architectural practice with over three decades of experience, we integrate façades and fenestration in our designs to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. At MQA, sustainability isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of every design decision. Nowhere is this more evident than in our workspace’s innovative integration of façades and fenestration systems, which balance energy performance with occupant well-being. With this philosophy at the core, we design façades that respond intelligently to climate, orientation, and programme.
- Climate-Responsive Façade Design: We emphasise the importance of building orientation and façade design to optimise natural light and heat gain. For instance, in our Terra Office project, the design ensures that the north-facing façade has large windows to maximise northern light intake, while the south-facing façade benefits from shading provided by a significant tree on the site. Vertical fins made of concrete and wood were incorporated to reduce direct sunlight, drawing inspiration from the surrounding trees.
- Integration of Central Courtyards and Skylights: To enhance natural ventilation and daylighting, we incorporate central courtyards and skylights. In the Terra Office, workspaces are organised around an interior courtyard with a skylight, promoting airflow and visual connectivity with the outdoors. This design maximises shaded light and contributes to a light and airy ambience within the office.
- Use of Sustainable and Locally Sourced Materials: We prioritise the use of sustainable materials to reduce the environmental footprint of our buildings. In the Bungalow at Ahmedabad, we used locally sourced materials such as teak from India and Ita Gold stones for external cladding, while Italian marble in warm tones was used internally. This approach supports local industries and ensures that materials are contextually appropriate.
- Implementation of Passive Design Strategies: We implement passive design techniques to enhance thermal comfort and reduce reliance on mechanical systems. In our ECGC Bhawan project, features such as a central courtyard, water bodies, and a skylight were incorporated to facilitate natural light and ventilation. The intelligent façade glass used in the design minimizes internal heat gain, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment.
- Focus on Sustainability in Urban Renewal Projects: In large-scale urban projects like the Bhendi Bazaar Upliftment Project, we integrate environmentally friendly strategies such as recycled construction materials, solar-powered lighting, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, terrace gardens, double-wall façades, and waste management systems. These initiatives aim to create a green and sustainable urban environment without overburdening existing infrastructure.
Through these thoughtful design strategies, we demonstrate our commitment to creating buildings that are both energy-efficient and comfortable for occupants, aligning with our mission to uplift society through responsive and timeless architecture.
Q. With Advancements In Design Tools And Materials, What Innovative Strategies Does MQA Employ To Minimise Heat Ingress, Enhance Natural Lighting, And Improve Indoor Air Quality Through Façade And Fenestration Design?
At MQA, we are committed to integrating innovative design strategies that minimise heat ingress, enhance natural lighting, and improve indoor air quality through thoughtful façade and fenestration design. Our approach combines advanced design tools, material selection, and a deep understanding of environmental context to create spaces that are both sustainable and comfortable.
- Minimising Heat Ingress: In our ECGC Commercial Office project in Mumbai, we addressed the challenge of heat ingress by incorporating intelligent façade solutions. The building features a dynamic façade with high-performance glazing that effectively reduces internal heat gain while allowing ample natural light. This design choice not only minimises the reliance on artificial lighting but also enhances thermal comfort for occupants.
- Enhancing Natural Lighting: Our design philosophy emphasises the importance of natural light in creating vibrant and healthy spaces. In our Private Bungalow in Ahmedabad, we utilised a central courtyard to introduce natural light deep into the interior. The courtyard is kept free from construction, allowing a pre-existing tree to flourish, and features a skylight that connects all levels of the house. This design ensures that natural light permeates the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and fostering a connection with nature.
- Improving Indoor Air Quality: Indoor air quality is a priority in our designs. In the Terra Office, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, we created central courtyards with skylights that bring the outdoors inside. The workspaces are organised around these courtyards, facilitating airflow and enhancing the overall work experience. The interplay of horizontal and vertical elements contributes to the office’s light and airy ambience, promoting a healthy indoor environment.
- Integrated Design Approach: Our projects exemplify an integrated design approach where façade and fenestration strategies are aligned with the building’s function and context. For instance, at the Wockhardt Global School in Mumbai, we designed a façade that responds to the tropical climate, incorporating shading devices and materials that reduce heat gain while providing optimal daylighting for educational spaces. At the Meadows township in Ahmedabad, we designed residential units with thoughtful fenestration that maximises cross-ventilation and daylight penetration, enhancing occupant comfort and reducing energy consumption.
At MQA, we believe that innovative façade and fenestration design are crucial in creating buildings that are energy-efficient, comfortable, and responsive to their environment. Our projects reflect our commitment to integrating advanced design strategies with a deep respect for context and user experience.
Q. Considering The Importance Of Acoustics In Building Interiors, How Do You Incorporate Façade And Fenestration Elements To Achieve Optimal Sound Insulation Without Compromising On Sustainability Goals?
Acoustic performance is an integral part of creating comfortable, high-performance buildings. In urban projects like the ECGC Commercial Office, I use double-glazed insulated glass and layered façades to block external noise while maintaining energy efficiency.
In residential developments like Shantigram Meadows, acoustic glazing and thoughtful window placement ensure quiet, well-ventilated interiors. Materials such as brick screens, vegetated buffers, and recessed openings serve dual roles – absorbing sound while also regulating heat.
For naturally ventilated homes, I use design elements like courtyards and buffer zones to reduce noise while allowing airflow.
Q. You Have Been A Key Player In Shaping Indian Architecture. Looking Back, How Would You Define Your Firm’s Journey, And What Pivotal Moments Shaped Its Legacy?
Over the years, my firm, Mandviwala Qutub and Associates (MQA), has quietly but powerfully carved a unique space in the evolving story of Indian architecture. Our journey began with a clear design philosophy — to create architecture that goes beyond the physical structure, responding to its climate, culture, and community. Known for our rootedness in contextual design, climate sensitivity, and material honesty, our journey is a testament to the power of balance between tradition and innovation, boldness and restraint, structure and soul.
Our early portfolio, largely comprised of residential and boutique-scale projects, revealed a distinct sensitivity to space, light, and materiality. Each project, regardless of scale, reflected a refined sense of proportion, intuitive spatial flow, and a commitment to natural ventilation and daylight. Our use of passive design techniques – like orientation-based planning, shaded openings, and breathable façades – demonstrated a deep-rooted understanding of thermal comfort and environmental sustainability, long before these principles became mainstream.
These formative works laid the groundwork for what would become our hallmark: architecture that is contextually grounded, technically sound, and emotionally resonant.
Q. Your Designs Seamlessly Blend Innovation With Functionality. How Would You Describe Your Firm’s Signature Design Approach, And What Sets It Apart From Other Firms Globally?
In a design landscape that often swings between extremes — hyper-minimalism and over-stylisation — my firm has carved out a thoughtful middle ground. We have cultivated a distinct architectural language defined by clarity, climate responsiveness, material honesty, and human experience.
What sets us apart globally is our ability to blend innovation with functionality, while staying deeply rooted in context. In every project, there’s a seamless integration of technology and tradition, where smart systems and passive strategies coexist naturally. Whether designing a commercial office in the heart of Mumbai or a villa nestled on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, we ensure each design responds to its environment and serves its users intelligently.
Our strength lies in our ability to think globally while designing locally. In an increasingly homogenised architectural world, our projects celebrate regional identity and cultural context while incorporating universal design principles like environmental sustainability, acoustic comfort, spatial adaptability, and wellness.
Q. Your Portfolio Includes Diverse And Iconic Projects. Could You Highlight One Or Two Projects That Hold Special Significance For You, Either Due To Their Design Complexity Or Impact?
Over the years, my firm has built a diverse portfolio spanning private residences, educational institutions, cultural spaces, and high-performance commercial buildings. Each project has played a distinct role in shaping our design evolution. However, a select few stand out – not only for their architectural complexity, but for the enduring impact they’ve had on users, communities, and the built environment.
- ECGC Commercial Office, Mumbai – A Study in Urban Complexity: One project that holds particular significance is the ECGC Commercial Office in Mumbai. Located in a dense urban fabric, the project was both a technical and contextual challenge. The brief demanded a sustainable, high-performance workspace that could reflect the organisation’s forward-thinking ethos, while also dealing with acoustic insulation, thermal comfort, and tight spatial constraints.
We approached the design with layered façade systems, double-glazed units, and precision-oriented fenestration to manage sound and heat ingress in a high-noise, high-traffic zone. It became an exercise in integrating aesthetics with performance, where every design decision was driven by data, yet still resulted in a space that feels light, open, and connected to its environment.
This project is significant not just for its execution complexity, but because it sets a benchmark for sustainable commercial architecture in a high-density urban setting.
- Wockhardt Global School – Architecture that Inspires Learning: Another project that resonates deeply with our studio is the Wockhardt Global School in Maharashtra. Unlike many institutional projects, this one gave us an opportunity to design a campus from the ground up, with a focus on holistic learning environments, biophilic design, and child-centric planning.
Here, we designed spaces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor, using natural light, shaded courtyards, and cross-ventilation to create an atmosphere that is as nurturing as it is functional. The layout encourages exploration, play, and mindfulness, aligning the built environment with the school’s progressive educational vision.
What makes this project particularly meaningful is its long-term social impact – it’s a place where architecture genuinely contributes to shaping young minds, proving that design can be a silent educator.
These two projects – one defined by urban complexity, the other by emotional resonance – illustrate the breadth and depth of our practice. They reflect our ability to navigate challenges with clarity, while consistently staying true to our core values of contextuality, functionality, and timeless design.
Q. With Sustainability No Longer A Choice But A Necessity, How Does MQA Integrate Environmental Consciousness Into Large-Scale Projects While Maintaining Aesthetic And Functional Excellence?
For my firm, sustainability starts with site-sensitive planning. Each project begins with an understanding of the local climate, topography, wind patterns, and solar orientation.
In projects like Shantigram Meadows – a large residential development in Ahmedabad – we implement strategies such as optimised wind flow corridors, water-sensitive landscaping, and staggered building masses to reduce heat gain, promote cross-ventilation, and enhance the microclimate across the site.
- Passive Design as the First Line of Defence: Rather than relying heavily on mechanical systems, we choose to emphasise passive design techniques. In Wockhardt Global School, we used courtyards, shaded verandahs, verhangs, and breathable façades to reduce dependency on artificial cooling while creating naturally lit, ventilated spaces that improve both energy efficiency and user wellbeing.
- Material Intelligence Meets Aesthetic Clarity: Material selection plays a crucial role in maintaining both environmental performance and visual elegance. We curate locally sourced, low-embodied – energy materials such as terracotta, fly ash bricks, natural stone, and reclaimed wood—not just for sustainability, but for their tactile and visual richness.
Q. Urbanisation Is Rapidly Evolving, And Cities Face Unique Architectural Challenges. How Do You See The Role Of Architects Changing In Shaping The Cities Of Tomorrow?
The cities of tomorrow demand architects who can collaborate across disciplines – working alongside urban planners, environmental scientists, sociologists, and policymakers. The future of architecture lies not just in the buildings we create, but in the systems, we influence, the voices we include, and the value we place on inclusivity, resilience, and long- term thinking.
As urban challenges become more complex, ranging from climate change to social inequality, we are being called to the forefront as visionaries and changemakers, tasked with imagining cities that are smarter, greener, and more humane.
Q. MQA Has Worked On Diverse Projects Across Different Regions. How Does Global Architectural Influence Shape Your Design Ethos While Maintaining A Regional Identity?
My firm’s approach is rooted in the belief that architecture should be a creative extension of the architect, characterised by clarity of thought, minimalism, and functionality. We emphasise that designs should not adhere to a specific style but should be governed by the location and context of the surrounding environment. This ensures adaptability to the environment and prioritises the functionality of the structure.
While we draw inspiration from global architectural trends, we remain deeply committed to regional identity. For instance, the design of a private bungalow in Ahmedabad reflects elements of traditional ‘Pol’ houses, incorporating materials, colour palettes, and artworks that honour the city’s rich historical heritage. The inclusion of a central courtyard, or ‘Brahmastan,’ and adherence to Vastu principles further root the design in local cultural practices.
The Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment is a large-scale urban renewal project that aims to transform a congested area into a sustainable, green neighbourhood, integrating modern infrastructure with the preservation of cultural and religious structures. The Sage University Extension (Indore) is an academic campus designed to foster interactive learning, with structures oriented to maximise natural light and ventilation, and the integration of traditional elements like wooden canopies.
Q. The Façade Is The Identity Of Any Building. What’s Your Perspective On Evolving Façade Design Trends, And How Does MQA Innovate In This Domain?
The façade is a critical interface between a building and its surroundings, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. My firm’s design ethos focuses on creating façades that are contextually relevant, visually engaging, and environmentally responsive. This approach ensures that each façade not only enhances the building’s identity but also contributes to its sustainability and user comfort.
We innovate in façade designs by incorporating traditional elements reinterpreted through modern lenses. For instance, in the Wockhardt Commercial Office in Dubai, traditional Indian copper and Arabic jali were fused to create a façade that resonates with both Indian grace and Islamic style, while reflecting the desert landscape of Dubai.
Similarly, the Raipur Training Institute in Chhattisgarh features a chiselled monolithic façade inspired by mining landscapes. The design includes semi-permeable façades with angular fins that control light and ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency and user comfort.
We integrate passive design strategies into our façades to enhance sustainability. Techniques such as optimising building orientation, using shading devices, and incorporating natural ventilation reduce reliance on artificial cooling and heating systems. The use of materials like fly-ash bricks and terracotta tiles further contributes to the buildings’ environmental performance.
Q. As A Thought Leader In The Field, How Do You Mentor The Next Generation Of Architects Within MQA? What Core Values Do You Emphasise In Design Education And Practice?
I see architecture as a powerful expression of human behaviour and spatial interaction. For me, mentorship is a way to help young architects grasp the responsibility their designs carry in shaping how people live and connect with spaces.
I cultivate a studio culture grounded in clarity of thought, simplicity, and purposeful design, guiding emerging architects to create work that is both timeless and deeply meaningful.
