A large number of projects of an architectural firm often remain unbuilt due to various reasons. While the architectural discourse is assessed through what is built, unbuilt explorations are not merely forgotten endeavours. They are sources of inspiration that shape an architect’s design ideas, philosophy and professional trajectory.  At VK:a architecture, we approach every project by asking questions. Guided by these questions, the projects attempt to demonstrate various paths to arrive at an answer – sometimes, more questions. Unbuilt.01 is the first of its series, published on the occasion of the 50th year of foundation of VK:a, containing some of these design queries and unrealized concepts.

The book features forewords written by Michael W. Bischoff, Partner at Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, New York and Ar. David Rhodes, Managing Partner at Rhodes Architects LLP, UK.  Working with VK:u over the past two years,  Michael makes a case for the unbuilt with the fact that “an idea that fails to be realized within one context has the potential to reemerge elsewhere in a new form”. With years of collaborative work between VK:a and Ar. David Rhodes, some of which are exhibited in the book as well, he comments that “this collection of ideas and thoughts offer insight into what is possible when minds and circumstances converge.”  

Though unbuilt, none of the projects are hypothetical – they were all designed based on given requirements of the client or competition for a specific site and function. And so the cover features a triangular grid – the most stable form –set against a clean white background, a blank canvas of potential that these projects offer. As David aptly put it, “the ideas within it await a suitable client, brief and circumstances to move them forward.”

The book ends on a special note, with a Manogat of Ar. Vishwas Kulkarni, the founder. “Though unbuilt, the designing of each one has given me a lot of pleasure”, he says. He stresses on the importance of the unbuilt as “they represent an architect’s or designer’s philosophies and ideas more than their built structures.” Unbuilt.01 is the tangible manifestation of the energy and excitement that went into exploring these unrealised concepts.  

Unbuilt.01 is an enlightening compilation for architects, designers, students and enthusiasts seeking inspiration, insights into the creative process, and a deeper understanding of the architectural discourse. The inclusion of forewords by industry professionals and the founder’s personal reflections adds further value to the book’s content, highlighting the potential of unbuilt ideas and their impact on the field. Unbuilt.01 is a tangible manifestation of the energy and excitement invested into exploring these unrealised concepts, making it a valuable resource for the architectural community.

Book Details

Cover Design, Book Design and Layout: CuMiLab
Editors: Bhairumal Sutar
Editorial team: Vishwas Kulkarni, Poojal Jagad
Written by: Athulya Aby
Published by: CuMiLab
Publication Date: 6th May 2023
Price: INR 1200
Link for purchasing the book: Click Here
Foreword by Michael W. Bischoff: Click Here
Introduction by Dwaipayan Chakravarty: Click Here