Avani Institute of Design

Avani faculty members, friends of Avani and Alums met at Ahmedabad on 03rd December 2025.

International Studio – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Semester 05 – Monsoon 2025

Bones, Skin and Flesh – Towards an Identity in South Asia

As part of the Semester 05 Monsoon Architectural Design Studio, students and faculty undertook a week-long academic visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The visit included an urban study of Colombo, where their project site was located. The exposure trip featured discussions and lectures by Prof. Jagath Munasinghe, Prof. Malani Herath, and Ar. Palinda Kannangara at University of Moratuwa.

Students also visited several of Geoffrey Bawa’s works, including House 11, Kandalama Hotel, and the Gallery Café. This was followed by a visit to the ancient town of Sigiriya. The students gained insights into the vernacular, colonial, and post-modern architectural layers of the region, enabling a critical inquiry into the nature and identity of the built environment in one of South Asia’s most significant cities.

Studio Team
Abhirami A.( ), Ambili S.( ), Fathima Nidha( ), Radhika Krishnan( ), Soumini Raja( ), Sreejith Unnikrishnan( ), William George Kennedy( ).

Batch 2023-(.iivee )

We extend our gratitude to all our collaborators - UoM( ), Palinda Kannangara Architects( ), the Geoffrey Bawa Trust( ), and Al-Hind Tours and Travels( ).

Poster Credits -Remin ._.peter

Photo Credits: Irfan( ), Gayathri( ), Shahad(._ ), Mishel( ), Ashly(.gireesh )

.india

Glimpses of Disha 2025

The first-year students took part in a Creative Weaving exercise, gathering materials from around the campus and combining them with their own craft elements. By weaving together leaves, grass, and threads, they experimented with pattern, texture, and form. The activity encouraged them to observe their surroundings closely and transform everyday materials into meaningful compositions through making.

Poster Credits :
Mehrin

Photography Credits :
Fadal
Haneen

Glimpses of Disha 2025

Scavenger Hunt by Ar. Sebastian
jo.pal

The first year students were led through the city of Calicut, tasked with exploring its most significant landmarks and cultural touchpoints. Guided by clues, they navigated through historic buildings, iconic markets, and local food spots, immersing themselves in the rich architectural and culinary heritage. As they uncovered hidden details of the city’s streets and structures, they gained a deeper understanding of its urban fabric, while engaging with its vibrant local culture and tradition.

Poster Credits :
Shaheen Ali

Photography Credits :
Isha
Adnan

Glimpse of Disha 2025

‘Our Environment’ by Ar. Shyam Kumar and Dr. N Sasidharan

"Our Environment” was conceived as an introduction to the biodiversity of Kerala, especially the Western Ghats where Avani is located. Led by Ar. Shyam Kumar Puravankara, an avid birdwatcher and conservation activist, and Dr. N. Sasidharan, a renowned Indian botanist, the session familiarized students with the feathered and botanical life around them. From spotting early-morning birds on campus to observing the colours, textures, moths, butterflies, and native plant species at Vanaparvam Biodiversity Park, students experienced the environment through close observation and sketching. The session closed with a reminder that CARE must guide every act we do as architects.

Poster Credits
Aysha Neeya (Batch 2023)

Photogrpah Credits:
Adnan (Batch 2023)
Irfan (Batch 2023)

The Disha Puppet Making Workshop introduced students to crafting movement-based characters, experimenting with anatomy, assembly, and expression. By the end, every puppet carried its own personality, proving how storytelling can begin with just materials and motion.

Poster Credits -
Nuha Maryam 2023
Neha Rajesh 2023 .neh4._

Photo Credits -
Advait .adv
Nadeem
Shaheen Ali

DISHA 2025 at Avani wrapped up a month-long, immersive Foundation Studio for first-year students of architecture and design. Through memory mapping, city explorations, craft interactions, embodied workshops, and sessions with artists and naturalists, the cohort engaged with design through movement, making, and direct experience, an approach that reflects Avani’s commitment to learning through direct engagement with the world.

Poster credits:
Aysha P V (Batch 2023)
Mishel Kurian (Batch 2023)

krishnamachari

Ms. Dhanya Babu, Adjunct Lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, gave us an insightful session on “Living Against the Grain: Gender Identity and Inclusive Justice.”
The talk focused on gender-based violence through the perspectives of the thirunangai (transwomen) community in Chennai, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive approaches to justice and provided valuable insights into the intersections of gender identity, systemic injustice, and the role of inclusive frameworks in advancing social equity.

Poster Credits:
Sharanya Anoop ( )
Neha Rajesh (.neh4._ )