O’Donnell & Toumey building nominated for Mies Van der Rohe award; a Bombay kitsch bar ambiance; mountaintop residence; quirky bookshelves & more

With the onus on holistic development, a progressive design trend seems to be augmenting institutional design and architecture in a big way. The gradually progressing perspective of an educational institution has made way for a more vibrant colour palette; minimalist structural interventions fostering community space; and a radical shift in the way institutes ‘ought to be’! We feature the award-winning student centre at the London School of Economics by the renowned duo O’Donnell & Toumey and the sensitive extension of the Gainfarn School in Austria. Adding a light-hearted read are our other features that take you from a plush mountaintop resort-like home to the kitsch tales of good old Mumbai!! Enjoy your read! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor