Khirki Village, a small "urbanized village" to the south of New Delhi, conceals Khirki Mosque, one of the city's most famous archaeological monuments. Notable for its unusual architectural style, the mosque's roof has four large openings, creating courtyards for light to penetrate into the monumental, red, sandstone building. The most dramatic views are from the roof — where a vast landscape of domes creates a forbidden playground for local children and breathtaking views of the surrounding village. The village takes its name from the mosque — khirki means "lattice windows." There are over 40 of these intricate stone screens on the exterior of the building. — Published 2005.0119
A new building in Hyderabad, India is the first structure outside the United States to receive the prestigious "platinum" LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The building is special also because its construction combined ancient practices with modern architecture, reaffirming the applicability of traditional architectural knowledge to today's notions of sustainability. — Published 2004.0922
In Gurgaon, India, a fast-growing suburb of Delhi, an unusual house has just been erected. Designed by architect Ganesh Ganapathy, the building is a glass cube seemingly balanced on one vertex. Its uniqueness is admired by neighbors and passers-by, but working out the details of fitting a functional, stable house into such a form proved a formidable challenge. — Published 2004.0728
The recently completed Parliament Library in New Delhi, India is a response to its monumental context and yet is ingenious in its originality. Designed by architect Raj Rewal, the library is a fine example of postcolonial Indian architecture. It displays high technology with a regional expression, it is modern yet rooted in precolonial history, and it responds thoughtfully to its challenging colonial and political context. — Published 2003.1022
At more than 500,000 square feet (46,000 square meters), Chesterton High School is a state-of-the-art facility that accommodates nearly 2,000 students in grades 9-12 as well as many specialty program areas.
