Meet 7 Iconic Women Architects of Modern India & their Most Impactful Work

By: WE staff

Chitra Vishwanath - Chitra Vishwanath Architects

Chitra Vishwanath born on 6^th November 1962 is an Indian architect and promoter of ecological design who is regarded as an innovator in sustainable architecture and earth building. She is the principal of Biome Environmental Solutions, a practice she formed (initially as Chitra Vishwanath Architects), which has become one of the leading voices for environmentally responsive design in India.

For almost 30 years, Chitra has been advocating for mud as a primary building material, rainwater harvesting and recycling of waste water, passive cooling, and energy conservation in building design.

Impactful Designs

Her most publicized work is her own house and office in Bengaluru, a living lab for green design. The building is made mostly of mud blocks and stabilized earth and has rainwater-harvesting systems, wastewater recycled to landscape, and extensive natural ventilation—almost water- and energy-independent.

Another milestone development is the Bhoomi Network Campus, in Bengaluru, whose community and educational facilities minimize the use of resources through natural materials, daylighting, and renewable sources of energy.

Her GoodEarth Malhar Eco-community is a world-class residential development that integrates ecological thinking with modern living, with green spaces, community interaction, and sustainable infrastructure.