Architecture Must Follow Climate and Context Not Design Trends
Ahmedabad, August 22, 2026: Modern architecture is increasingly influenced by social media, global design trends and rapidly changing aesthetics. However, architects say buildings should not be designed simply to look fashionable. Their design should reflect the local climate, surroundings, materials and the people who will use them.
Speaking at the Partners in Practice: Building a Shared Design Language session at ETRealty Realty and Beyond Ahmedabad, Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar, co-founders of tHE gRID Architects, stressed the importance of context, observation and long-term professional experience in architectural design.
Trending Design Does Not Always Mean Better Design
Social media has made architectural styles from around the world instantly accessible. While this has expanded creative possibilities, it can also encourage architects and developers to replicate designs without understanding whether they suit local conditions.
The architects said professionals should distinguish between what is visually popular and what will remain useful over time.
For homebuyers and property owners, this matters because design decisions can influence not only appearance but also comfort, maintenance and long-term running costs.
Local Climate Should Shape Building Design
Ahmedabad's hot climate makes climate-responsive design particularly important.
The architects highlighted the risks of directly copying heavily glazed buildings designed for different climatic conditions. For example, a large south-facing glass façade in Ahmedabad can increase heat gain and make a building more dependent on air-conditioning.
The issue, they stressed, is not the use of glass itself but how and where it is used.
Architects may need to consider:
- Building orientation
- Shading strategies
- Selective use of glass
- Heat-control measures
- Appropriate façade design
- Local materials
- Energy consumption
These choices can affect both occupant comfort and the long-term operating cost of a property.
Global Ideas Need Local Adaptation
Travel and digital platforms have exposed Indian architects and buyers to architecture from Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
Such exposure can provide valuable inspiration, but the architects cautioned against treating international projects as ready-made templates.
A design that works effectively in Europe may perform very differently in Ahmedabad because of differences in temperature, sunlight, humidity and other environmental conditions.
The better approach is to learn from global architecture and then adapt those ideas to local circumstances.
Experience Matters in Architecture
The architects also argued that architectural education is only the starting point of professional learning.
Working on real projects helps young architects understand practical issues such as:
- Client requirements
- Site limitations
- Construction realities
- Material selection
- Budget constraints
- Long-term consequences of design decisions
They encouraged young professionals to spend time learning from experienced architects, designers and developers before rushing to establish an independent design identity.
Buildings Should Stay Relevant Beyond Trends
One of the biggest challenges for architects is creating buildings that remain relevant even after today's design trends disappear.
The speakers suggested that architecture based on context, climate, materiality and human use is more likely to remain meaningful than projects designed primarily for visual popularity.
For developers, this can also mean creating properties that offer better long-term functionality rather than simply chasing the latest aesthetic trend.
Why It Matters for Homebuyers
For buyers, a visually attractive home is only one part of a good property.
The design should also provide:
- Thermal comfort
- Efficient use of natural light
- Practical ventilation
- Sensible material choices
- Lower energy dependence where possible
- Ease of maintenance
- Long-term functionality
A property designed around its actual environment can potentially offer greater everyday comfort than one that simply copies an international design style.
The Future of Real Estate Design
As Indian cities become more connected to global architectural trends, the challenge will be finding the right balance between global inspiration and local identity.
Ahmedabad's buildings, particularly residential and commercial developments, will need to respond to the city's climate and lifestyle rather than simply reproduce designs popular elsewhere.
The message from the architects is clear: good architecture is not about following the next big trend. It is about understanding the place, the people and the purpose of the building — and designing accordingly.