Modern Indian architecture has evolved from the early 2000s to become more functional, tech-dependent, and sustainable. After spending a decade in the field of real estate, Mayank Agarwal shares his opinion on how that change came about.
Western influences and the changing tastes of Indian consumers have worked together to usher architecture and real estate in India into a whole new era. Unlike the early 2000s, architecture isn't about grandiose and extravagance. When we spoke to Mayank Agarwal, Founder of Green Cottage, about this shift in consumer choices, he had some interesting insights that made us wonder - exactly how Indian real estate has transformed in the past decade.
The Modern Real Estate Transformation
The philosophy of most designers, architects, and even consumers treads close to the "Less is more" philosophy. It is not just the design that has seen a modern transformation, but I have witnessed a visible shift in the structures as well as amenities in modern homes and buildings in India. Here are the key aspects in play responsible for this changing mindset:
Minimalism
The purchasing power of Indians might have increased, but that doesn't mean that their homes are infused with pomp and loud colours. Most affluent homes are now adopting a mix of mute colours, simplistic structures, and sleek designs. Gone are the days of heavy furniture requiring an impossibly difficult standard of maintenance. Although there always remain exceptions to this, I believe that a growing number of houses are relying on a modern approach that is stylish and contemporary as well as easy to maintain in the long run.
Bulky windows have been replaced by sturdy yet smooth glass shields, and magnanimous wooden doors are switched for sliding doors that make almost no sound when opened and closed.
Modular kitchens laden with multiple colours and designs in the earlier days are now witnessing a more uniform approach, with dark and neutral colours that match the appliances in it.
Tech is key
Tech has found its way not just in our gadgets but also in our homes, and it is more beneficial than one can imagine. The structural integrity and security of several modern-age buildings depend on high-tech features that assist in effective protection.
Home security systems have also seen an increase, where more customers prefer having eyes and ears on their homes even when they are away from home.
In my observation, good tech is not just indicative of a secure and sturdy building; high-tech amenities also come into play when convenience is a priority. From electric gates that guard our buildings to smooth functioning car lifts that solve a major problem of cramped parking far too common in Mumbai, tech has given us answers for more problems than one.
Sustainability
Consumers today don't just look at the final product, they are growing increasingly conscious of the raw materials and production processes that go into the making of the final product that they buy. Real estate is no different. This trend is yet to catch on in full force in India, but in the west, consumers have started opting for ethical products to use in their homes.
As it has been inevitable with other western trends, it is only a matter of time before the sustainability wave reaches India too. Design companies will not just use eco-friendly practices in production, but will also use it as a means to drive marketing and sales. Right from fabrics to flooring, blinds and even furniture, all materials will be procured by taking the environmental impact into consideration, a strategy that, in my opinion, will draw more ethically and environmentally conscious consumers.
The transformation towards sustainability can even be seen in a few affluent pockets of real estate that are mostly located in developed cities. Solar panels placed in housing complexes can be used not just to produce energy, but also sell it back to municipal authorities. In fact, I speak to consumers about these elements and how they can be aware about the latest developments via my Instagram handle @realestatewithmayank.
Functionality
Hectic work schedules and busy lives demand a comfortable and hassle-free home set-up. I am certain this will lead to an increase in functional homes-no corner of the house or real estate space ever goes to waste. Each part of the property is utilised in the most optimal manner. Foldable beds that make space for other furniture during the days, portable chairs and multi-functional tables that can be stored away in a corner have become highly popular. This trend is growing even more among the younger generations, which includes new homeowners, young families, and singles who want to make most of the limited space that they have.
Amenities that extend beyond the house
With Green Cottage, I have spent 10 years in this industry and have seen the tectonic shift in consumer demands and amenities offered by developers first hand. Real estate developers have understood the importance of offering amenities that extend beyond the four walls of the house. Gyms that come with complete and advanced equipment, clubhouses for recreational activities, swimming pools, play areas for children and lounges have become a common sight when it comes to building complexes.
These amenities are suitable to people from multiple lifestyles and have hence been incorporated a lot, especially in the past decade.
These features will combine together to shape modern Indian architecture and real estate to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly model of real estate. I am confident that further improvements in technology will pave the way for a more advanced way of building and using real estate, and these changes have just scratched the surface of what is to come for this industry.
Author: Mayank Agarwal, Founder at Green Cottage and Bregoland
Instagram: @realestatewithmayank
