The Better Architecture Project – Details, episodes & analysis

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 28: Beyond Laudatory Texts, Soumya Dasgupta

This episode features a candid, critical conversation with Soumya Dasgupta on the intersection of architecture, media, and political economy in India and the West. The episode exposes the dominance of architects’ narratives, the absence of criticality, and the systemic inequalities within the profession. Soumya challenges the status quo, urging for uncomfortable but necessary dialogues about power, capital, and the future of architectural practice.

Guest: Soumya Dasgupta

Designation: Architectural Scholar

Bio: Soumya is a Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture (History and Theory) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. He is a recipient of the Humanities Research Institute Graduate Fellowship and the Illinois Distinguished Fellowship. He holds a certificate from the School of Criticism and Theory, Cornell University. He holds a Master's in Urban Design from SPA Delhi and a B.Arch. from IIEST Shibpur (Erstwhile BESU Shibpur).

His scholarly interests include neoliberal developmentalism, digital technocracy, the Global South, and South Asia, and his Ph.D. dissertation broadly explores the contested systems of architectural production in the rapidly transforming context of  21st-century urban India.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 27: Politics of Representation, Fahad Zuberi

Fahad Zuberi delivers a sharp, historically grounded critique of how architecture is represented in India, tracing its journey from the ancient glorification of rulers to the colonial manipulation of meaning and the current dominance of PR-driven narratives. He argues that all representation is inherently political, shaped by the values and goals of those in power, and warns against the dilution of meaning when criticality is replaced by commercialism. Fahad distinguishes genuine critique—rooted in hope, ethical responsibility, and the aspiration for a better future—from cynicism and empty praise, emphasizing the need for rigorous theory, public engagement, and investment in the humanities. He calls for a clear separation between PR and criticism, urges architectural media to reclaim meaning and judgment, and insists that building a thoughtful, critical discourse is essential for shaping the worlds we want to inhabit.

Guest: Fahad Zuberi

Designation: Academic & Columnist, Doctoral Scholar (Architectural History, Theory & Criticism)—Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Bio: Fahad is an academic and columnist, currently pursuing a PhD at MIT's Department of Architecture HTC. His work focuses on the intersection of architecture and violence, particularly in South Asian contexts. Fahad studied B. Arch at Aligarh Muslim University, an M. Arch HTC at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and then pursued an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Oxford as the Indira Gandhi Radhakrishnan Scholar with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, where he was awarded the Archibald Jackson Prize 2024 and Scholars Development Award 2024 for his work on Domicide.

Fahad has taught Architecture and Design Philosophy at CEPT University and at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad as visiting faculty and is a columnist and political commentator with several Indian platforms, such as The Indian Express, The Hindu, The Wire, and The Hindustan Times. Fahad has also worked as a comics journalist and in electoral politics, and seldom composes music. He is the Producer of Mutant: The Democracy Podcast—conceived as a contemporary dictionary of politics—with the Institute of New Global Politics, Cal Poly Pomona, and his first feature-length film as a Music Director - Kayo Kayo Colour?—premiered at IFF, Rotterdam 2023.

LinkedIn | Facebook | X/Twitter | MIT Portal

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Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 18: Design Influencing, Sagar Saoji

In episode 18 of the talks, our friendly neighborhood design influencer Sagar Saoji takes us on his content journey! He goes in-depth into the metrics of modern-day content creation, and amalgamating it into an architectural practice. Listen on to know his views on influencing and practicing architecture in today's world, the challenges, and the financials that come with it!

Guest: Sagar Saoji

Designation: Architect, Founder - f.y.i.arch

Bio: Ar. Sagar Saoji is an architect turned content creator and the visionary behind the popular brand f.y.i.arch. A graduate of Sinhgad College of Architecture in 2016, Sagar hails from Nagpur, Maharashtra, and has become a prominent voice in the architecture community.

In March 2020, Sagar launched f.y.i.arch, a dynamic social media platform on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, dedicated to exploring and celebrating the world of architecture. His platform is renowned for its unique and engaging content, offering updates on the latest developments in architectural design, projects, materials, and innovations from around the globe. Additionally, f.y.i.arch features exclusive design podcasts, making it a comprehensive resource for both budding and seasoned architects, as well as architecture enthusiasts.

With over 200K+ followers on Instagram, Sagar has built a thriving community that shares his passion for architecture. His mission through f.y.i.arch is to make architecture accessible and exciting for everyone. He aims to help architects, designers, and non-designers alike understand the nuances of architecture, stay informed about new projects, materials, and advancements in the field, and navigate the evolving landscape of architectural practice.

In 2023, Sagar was honoured with the 'Best Architectural Reviewer' award by Lokmat, a testament to his expertise and influence in the field.

Through f.y.i.arch, Sagar continues to bridge the gap between clients and architects, sharing knowledge, and making architecture a more engaging and enjoyable experience for all.

⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Threads | ⁠Facebook⁠

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Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 17: Find Your Tribe, Kedar Nimkar

In episode 17 of the talks, Kedar decodes podcasting in today's world. He talks of finding one's tribe and on the importance of consistency and routine! He discusses the avenues of monetizing a knowledge podcast, and he places focus on prioritizing the joy of content creation over immediate financial goals. Listen on to know his important take on what he calls infotainment, stimulating both mind and senses!

Guest: Kedar Nimkar

Designation: Host, The Gyan Project (formerly Audiogyaan)

Bio: Kedar serves as the Director of Design at ⁠PropertyGuru⁠, an online property marketplace headquartered in Singapore. Having contributed significantly to notable companies such as Webchtuney, Cleartrip, Jupiter, and BookMyShow as head of Design, Kedar has established a reputation for crafting remarkable experiences, leading teams, and crafting digital products.

Apart from design, Kedar is also known for Audiogyan Podcast. He is a curator, producer, and host of Audiogyan. He has documented more than 300 conversations with luminaries from the Indian creative world.

Kedar’s passion for print and physical products led him to create Legends of India. This is a work-in-progress project.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2025 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 16: Public Scholarship, Gauri Bharat

In episode 16 of the talks, Gauri Bharat dwells on the spectrum of knowledge dissemination, from high academia to public scholarship. Listen on to know her thoughts on how media has brought in changes in the prevalent architectural practices in the country; India's only architectural history & theory course at CEPT (where she instructs) and much more!

Guest: Gauri Bharat

Designation: Senior Associate Professor, CEPT University

Bio: Gauri Bharat specializes in architectural history in South Asia, with particular interests in indigenous built environments and architectural production in the late 19th and 20th centuries. She has developed and leads India’s only specialist postgraduate program in architectural history and research at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, while also engaging with undergraduate and doctoral students. She has authored books on Adivasi [indigenous] architectural built environments and the social life of streets in India and is currently working on a monograph on the history of reinforced concrete construction in South Asia.

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2024 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 15: Multiple Perspectives, Mrinalini Ghadiok

In episode 15 of the talks, Mrinalini Ghadiok shares with us, points from her journey in the world of curation. Listen on to know her thoughts on how magazines run in the country, the importance of thinking from multiple angles and much more!

Guest: Mrinalini Ghadiok

Designation: Architect, writer, curator

Bio: Mrinalini Ghadiok is an architect by training, visualizer by heart and writer by passion. Intrigued by the purpose of process and intention of action, she has spent nearly two decades blurring the boundaries between practice and discipline—as an architect, educator, writer, magazine editor, and curator. Her personal research persists as a Design Culturist to question authorship and identity, the mechanisms that make architecture, design and culture relevant today, and those which serve to carve future histories.

Combining her architecture and editorial experiences, Mrinalini has curated and developed writings for eminent architects, designers, and artists. She is currently working on a series of monographs, as well as editing studio publications for internationally acclaimed practices situated in India. Her curatorial practice includes conferences, symposia, and masterclasses, often in collaboration with various design-led organisations to facilitate community engagements and interdisciplinary exchange. In this regard, her self-initiated interview series, Unplugged Talks, garnered much appreciation as a unique and reputed open-source archive of conversations with creatives from across the world. To further bridge the gap between designers and the industry, Mrinalini works with design-led brands to formulate interactive educational and outreach programs.

Having previously taught architectural design studio at university, and conducted independent workshops and lectures, her expertise continues to be sought across national and global forums for presentations and talks, serving as juror for awards and competitions, as well as collaborating with media and curatorial agencies. Acknowledged for her contribution to the field of architecture in India, Mrinalini was recently listed as one of 80 women architects ‘Shaping the Built’ at the first ever Indian Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (New Delhi, 2023).

⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2024 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 14: Negotiating Flux, Nisha Nair Gupta

Nisha Nair Gupta discusses about her innovative publishing initiative, People Places Project in the episode 14 of the season. Listen on to know her take on running bootstrapped initiatives, how to manage projects, managing opportunities and grants for independent projects and much more!

Guest: Nisha Nair Gupta

Designation: Urban researcher and publisher, Founder - People Places Project

Bio: Nisha Nair-Gupta is an architect, urban researcher and writer, and is currently a PhD research scholar at IIT Bombay. She spearheads the publishing initiative, People Place Project, which has been invested in urban research, pedagogy and publication since its inception. As part of a publication initiative looking at creating literature, books, writing and media on urban consciousness, her responsibilities are editorial, creative and growth strategies. She has published five books as a curator and editor. Her current research works look at social spaces and urban mobilities, within the context of Southern urbanism.

LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠

Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2024 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 13: Get Trained, Mridula Sharma

In episode 13, Mridula Sharma gets candid about the state of flux of the media industry in architecture and design in India. Listen on to know her views on the changing media landscapes, the importance of getting trained in journalism, and much more!

Guest: Mridula Sharma

Designation: Design Futurist, Founder: StyleCaviar by Mridula Sharma

Bio: Mridula Sharma is one of the distinguished design writers of India. She has been writing, compiling, and curating design content for over 27 years. Having started her journey with the iconic Indian design magazine, INSIDE OUTSIDE, Mridula has been the Founding Editor of UK’s best-selling homes magazine LIVINGETC in India. She has also worked on launching Better Homes & Gardens (US) in India and DESIGN TODAY, a design magazine from the INDIA TODAY stable. As one of India’s leading and long-standing design journalists, she has tracked the industry and developed a keen understanding of how design continues to mirror the aspirations of our fast-changing economy.

Mridula’s unwavering allegiance to design and its impact on our daily lives has led her to establish StyleCaviar by Mridula Sharma as a premier platform for fostering connections and nurturing growth synergies within the design community.

She has four books to her credit and a design handbook for middle school children: done in collaboration with a design educationist. Mridula travels around the world exploring design nuggets and their cultural anthropology. She works and lives between Goa and New Delhi.

Website | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter

Note: This episode was recorded while Mridula Sharma was working for Livingetc India.

Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2024 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 12: Architecture Films, Dhwaj Shah

Dhwaj Shah renders depth to the ongoing conversation by bringing his knowledge of architectural filmmaking to the house. Listen on as we discuss making films out of buildings, and making and sustaining a business out of this sacred act.

Guest: Dhwaj Shah

Designation: Co-Founder, Buildofy

Bio: Dhwaj Shah is the co-founder of Buildofy, an independent media firm that broadcasts architecture films and eBooks of amazing houses in India.

⁠LinkedIn⁠

Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2024 @ The Better Architecture Project.

Season 2: Architecture X Media Studies

Ep. 11: The Metaverse, Abhishek "ABVERSE" Bhaskar

ABVERSE Abhishek is the guest for episode eleven of the series - one on a different note and flavor as we dive deep into the virtual world! This episode discusses architecture in the virtual world, the 'loss of soul', and chilling at Mars!! Well, almost!

Guest: Abhishek "ABVERSE" Bhaskar

Designation: Beatboxer, MC, Architect, Public Speaker, Entrepreneur.

Bio: Abhishek Bhaskar is one of India's leading Beatboxer and MCs, Public Speaker & an Entrepreneur. He is often referred to as a high-functioning generalist. He is the 1st Asian Beatboxer to work on a project for the United Nations. He has also conducted 2 of India's biggest Beatboxing workshops alongside Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle & Bollywood star - Ranveer Singh. He has been the ex-brand ambassador for Adidas Originals & JBL and performed for Artists like Sean Paul, AKCENT & other International Artists. He was also the ex-founder of DERT Lab, an award-winning design & research firm. He is building his new company in Stealth Mode, to be revealed soon.

LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Twitter | Facebook

Website: www.betterarch.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterarch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterarch_org/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/betterarch_org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterarch.org/

Copyright 2024 @ The Better Architecture Project.