Philosophy
Footprints E.A.R.T.H. is a distinguished professional service organization dedicated to environmental studies, architectural design, indigenous research, alternative technology, and affordable housing. Our core activities encompass research, applied research, and dissemination, driven by a commitment to contextual relevance, socio-cultural appropriateness, affordability, sustainability, and humaneness.
Our design philosophy prioritizes projects that span a diverse range of scales, including eco-townships, institutional campuses, mass housing schemes, slum improvement initiatives, residences, exhibitions, interior design, as well as graphic and product designs. At Footprints E.A.R.T.H., every project is research-based, striving to establish development norms and standards that are deeply rooted in the socio-cultural realities of India.
Beyond architectural practice and research, Footprints E.A.R.T.H. is dedicated to academic excellence. We conduct short-term design studios and training programs for national and international students, fostering a rich learning environment. Our organization is also actively involved in raising awareness about the cultural and architectural heritage of cities, developing educational materials in print and audio-visual formats, and advocating for barrier-free, universal designs.
At Footprints E.A.R.T.H., our mission is to blend tradition with innovation, creating sustainable, affordable, and culturally significant design solutions that enrich communities and respect the environment.
Yatin Pandya is a multifaceted professional, serving as an author, activist, academician, researcher, and practicing architect at his firm, FOOTPRINTS E.A.R.T.H. (Environment Architecture Research Technology Housing). A graduate of CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and holder of a Master of Architecture degree from McGill University, Montreal, Yatin’s expertise spans city planning, urban design, mass housing, architecture, interior design, product design, and conservation projects.
Yatin has garnered over thirty-eight national and international awards for architectural design, research, and dissemination, including special mention in the United Nations Habitat Award and the Curry Stone Foundation Design Prize for sustainable practice. He has published more than three hundred articles in esteemed journals worldwide and authored several internationally acclaimed books on architecture, such as “Concepts of Space in Traditional Indian Architecture” and “Elements of Space Making.” Additionally, he has produced over 30 video documentaries on architecture.
As an educator, Yatin has been a visiting faculty member at the National Institute of Design and CEPT University, and a guest lecturer and critic at various universities in India and abroad. He has guided nearly 300 graduate, master’s, and PhD students and delivered lectures in over fifteen countries at more than a hundred forums. His work is rooted in the principles of environmental sustainability, socio-cultural appropriateness, timeless aesthetics, and economic affordability.
Design Philosophy:
Holistic architecture is characterized by its experiential engagement, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural responsiveness, and, most importantly, contextual appropriateness. This context encompasses culture, climate, and construction. In India, history is alive through vibrant, lived traditions, offering a vast repository of traditional wisdom. Our goal is to create contemporary, contextually relevant solutions that draw inspiration from India’s rich traditions while aspiring to fulfill its future dreams.
Projects
Gallery
Footprints E.A.R.T.H. is a professional service organisation involved in environmental studies, architectural design, indigenous research, alternative technology and affordable housing. Research, applied research and dissemination are tri prong activities of the organisation.
Recognition
