Look ma, we got published!
Published in The Architectural Review's Online and Print edition. Written by Prasad Shetty.
In India’s drive to house low‑income rural residents, housing models designed by Dhammada Collective make a case for regional design intelligence
So happy to finally share the news that the Primary School at Kuklah has received the Ammodo Architecture award 2025 in the Local Scale category.
The award is nomination-based, and it gives us (Dhammada Collective) the support to move into the next stage of the project. None of this would have happened without @seeds_india , who brought us in to design the school and was also the implementation agency. And a BIG thanks to Manu Gupta for his steady guidance and mentorship throughout.
It also feels good to be in the company of practices we admire, whose projects were awarded this year.
Big thanks to Ambassador Geeta Mehta and the advisory committee: Joumana El Zein Khoury, Andrés Jaque , Anupama Kundoo , Floris Alkemade, Mariam Issoufou, and Loreta Castro Reguera
In episode 26, Nipun Prabhakar (@nipun_prabhakar) of Dhammada Collective shares how his path as a photojournalist, writer, and community architect has been shaped by a deep curiosity and a commitment to authentic storytelling. He discusses the interconnectedness of architecture and media, emphasising that meaningful work comes from focusing on process, ethics, and real engagement rather than instant gratification. Drawing on his experiences working with grassroots communities and documenting real-life stories, Nipun highlights the importance of listening, learning on the ground, and building genuine relationships. He encourages young professionals to diversify their skills, seek out mentors, and explore various fields to discover their passions. For Nipun, credibility and impact are built over time through thoughtful, experience-driven work that prioritises substance over superficiality.
Wallpaper* speaks to architect Nipun Prabhakar of Dhammada Collective about the studio’s latest project, ‘Paper Tube, an open-source chair made from discarded cardboard tubes and rope. Team: Simran Channa, Nipun Prabhakar, Joy.
Delighted and honoured to receive the ID Honours in the Vernacular Design category! It was inspiring to share the stage with people and practices we’ve always admired.
ID Honours is an endeavour to celebrate 50 cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind homes, and the architects/designers behind them.
Interview with Beautiful Homes about the practice and rethinking design through community participation, cultural heritage, and sustainability
Interview with Abir Pothi about the vision for sustainable alternatives that challenge conventional development paradigms.
Wallpaper Magazine (Print edition) - December 2024
Featured in Wallpaper Magazine (Print edition) as on of the 9 forward thinking studios on a mission to transform their country - December 2024
Copperpod Podcast - Rupali Gupte with Nipun Prabhakar
Text from the Podcast -
Ar. Nipun Prabhakar exploring “innovative ways to design. In this podcast, he talks about photojournalism as a profession and how photo frames become a strong expression in architecture and design. Nipun also shares his passionate work through the collective initiative "Dhammada", an impeccable foundation of his Architectural journey.
Six page feature in LA Journal's 77th edition
Interview with StirWorld about designing Hunnarshala's Pavillion in Sharjah Architecture Triennial
Interview with Kalpa, the Annual magazine of RV College of Architecture
Kalpa, the annual magazine of RVCA recently conducted an interview where Nipun Prabhakar talked about the idea of the Dhammada collective and how important it is to collaborate with like-minded people.
Jury Citation:
“कार्य प्रगति पर है” (A Work in Progress) adeptly confronts a significant issue plaguing our country – construction waste, a formidable obstacle to our development. Its approach is subtle, never overtly forceful, delicately unfolding the narrative against the backdrop of Bhopal, where the city itself becomes a character in this compelling story. A striking irony unfolds as houses are dismantled only to give rise to new ones.
The film’s cyclical nature highlights the resilience of often-overlooked women builders reclaiming urban waste. While urging immediate action, the film instils hope through the endeavours of these citizens, transforming adversity into opportunity. The portrayal of people navigating a challenging situation and creating something meaningful resonates powerfully, ensuring that both the film and its theme have a lasting impact on the viewers.
Round Table and Panel Discussion on ‘Refuge City: Towards a New Urban Perspective in Global South’
Lecture on Dhammada's work in Coventry University, UK
Nipun Was invited by the University to present his journey as a designer and Dhammada Collective's work at Coventry University, U.K.
Thanks to Professor Ahmed Al-Mallak and Professor Araz Agha for extending the invitation.
