Dhammada Collective on contextual, sustainable and participatory design

Dhammada’s approach is deeply contextual, integrating local traditions with modern tools, fostering long-term relationships with artisans, and championing the reuse of materials. In this interview, Nipun describes how their research, documentation, and hands-on involvement is redefining architecture not as a detached discipline but as an evolving, people-driven process that values heritage while embracing the needs of the present and future. Edited Excerpts:

Beautiful Homes: How did your journey in architecture lead you to this philosophy?

Nipun Prabhakar: My perspective on architecture shifted when I interned at Hunnarshala in 2015. I was supposed to attend an experimental studio in Spain, but I ended up working on post-riot rehabilitation in Muzaffarnagar instead. We collaborated with displaced families, allowing them to make key decisions about their own homes. Unlike what we were taught in architecture school—that architects dictate design—this experience showed me the power of community-led architecture.

BH: Natural building techniques are often passed down orally or through practice. How does Dhammada Collective document and safeguard these methods for future generations?

NP: Preserving and passing down traditional building techniques is a key focus for us. We conduct field research across multiple regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh. By engaging with artisans, recording their methods, and documenting materials and cultural contexts, we create an extensive knowledge base. Beyond documentation, wider dissemination is crucial. My photography and writing for both local and international publications help bring visibility to these traditions, ensuring they reach audiences beyond just architects. We also share artisans’ contacts on our platforms, directly promoting their work.

Another way we safeguard these skills is by integrating them into contemporary projects. By collaborating with artisans to develop new applications—such as furniture and product design—we keep their craft relevant and adaptable to modern needs. Additionally, we host workshops for students and professionals, allowing master artisans to teach hands-on skills and inspire a deeper respect for traditional techniques.

We take inspiration from vernacular techniques, ensuring that reclaimed materials are incorporated seamlessly into the architectural language of the space, rather than as an afterthought. This helps preserve the cultural authenticity of the structures while promoting sustainability.

Among our completed projects, Kuklah Primary School in Himachal Pradesh was rebuilt after a devastating flood in collaboration with SEEDS, reflecting the community’s vision through student-led design inputs. We also designed 'Kund Under the Mahua Tree,' a stepwell-inspired plunge pool built with local materials, blending tradition with functionality. Water from a nearby pond fills the kund through a spout. Excess water flows into a neighbouring well, completing the cycle. We engaged with local grinding stone makers to contribute to the project.