Chitra Vishwanath is an Indian architect practicing at Biome Bengaluru, where she serves as the Principal Architect and Managing Director of Biome Environment Solutions. Under her leadership, Biome has undertaken over 1,000 projects, encompassing architectural construction as well as water harvesting and sanitation structures tailored to regional ecology. Vishwanath often uses earth as a primary material in her notable buildings.
- Name: Ar Chitra Vishwanath
- Firm Name: Biome EnvironmentalSolutions
- Location: Bengaluru
- Top Projects: Waghoba Ecolodge, Govardhan Eco Village, Eklavya Office, The Yellow Train School, Bodhi, Oland Estate
Vishwanath completed a diploma in civil engineering in Nigeria and a Bachelor of Architecture from CEPT University in Ahmedabad. She began her architectural practice in 1990, focusing on integrating indigenous natural resources into her designs, both actively and passively. Her work prominently features mud due to its availability, labor intensity, and ease of construction, incorporating water, energy, and land-use processes.
Chitra dedicated her architectural practice to minimizing the ecological impact of her buildings and creating affordable homes for the people of Bangalore. Her career and work reflect her commitment to learning and her deep respect for ecology, a passion shared with her husband, Vishwanath.
Significant accomplishments include:
- Waghoba Ecolodge: Waghoba Ecolodge, designed by Chitra Vishwanath, is a pioneering example of sustainable architecture.The design focuses on using local materials and eco-friendly techniques to create a harmonious and immersive experience for guests while promoting conservation and environmental stewardship.
- Govardhan Eco Village: The village features natural building materials, water conservation systems, and renewable energy solutions, creating a self-sustaining community that emphasizes environmental harmony and holistic living.
- Eklavya Office:Eklavya Office showcases Chitra Vishwanath's commitment to sustainable and functional design. The project highlights her expertise in creating workspaces that balance environmental sensitivity with practical needs.
- The Yellow Train School: The Yellow Train School, designed by Chitra Vishwanath, exemplifies her innovative approach to educational architecture. The design focuses on creating a vibrant, engaging environment that supports learning and creativity.
- Bodhi: Utilizing eco-friendly materials and integrating natural elements, Bodhi reflects Vishwanath’s commitment to architectural practices that prioritize environmental sustainability.
- Oland Estate: This project highlights her expertise in integrating architecture with natural surroundings. The estate emphasizes sustainable design practices, utilizing local materials and eco-friendly systems to blend seamlessly with the environment.
Each project serves as a testbed for this evolving language, utilizing a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach grounded in informed decision-making.
Founded in 1990, Biome Environmental Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in ecological architecture and advanced water and sanitation designs. The firm demonstrates that ecological design can be both mainstream and relevant across various contexts—geography, typology, and scale—while balancing client aspirations for aesthetics, functionality, and budget. The firm's work, particularly in urban settings, employs materials and systems to craft an innovative architectural language unbound by traditional constraints.
Catch Ar. Chitra Vishwanath at THE WADE ASIA, a leading event honoring outstanding achievements by women in architecture and design.
ABOUT WADEASIA
THE WADE ASIA, established in 2016 began with the objectives of creating a platform for recognising the contribution of women in design and to provide a large national platform for the entire community to celebrate women-led development.
Started with a small group of people, today THE WADE ASIA is the largest award platform for women in design, architecture, interior design, construction, engineering, art, and photography.
Come prepared to witness the following at THE WADE ASIA from 22-25 August 2024
1. 200 LIVE presentation of India’s Top selected projects in Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retail, Landscape, Public Building, Sustainable spaces, etc The schedule of the live competition WADE ARCHIDESIGN NATIONAL COMPETITION will be shared soon
2. THE WADE ASIA Architecture conference - Two days of talks and discussions by top industry influencers and experts. Hall 2
3. MATERIALS ADDA - Innovation zone where 40-50 products are showcased
4. Art & Photography Zone
5. MATECIA EXHIBITION- Largest exhibition of decorative surfaces, Panel products, architecture and interior products and more.
6. Launch of the book “The Top Angle” by The WADE ASIA with insights from 9 years of surveys and research on women in design & architecture.
THE WADE ASIA is a national platform. More than 50000 people from all over India and 20 other neighbouring countries visit WADE and concurrent Exhibition MATECIA each year. THE WADE ASIA had participation from Nepal. Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia Dubai (UAE), London, providing an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.
THE WADE ASIA created a world record by contributing to water initiative and creating the largest W human-shape on ground in record time which was awarded ASIA BOOK OF RECORDS medal, a testament to its outstanding contribution to the industry.
It was also awarded "The Unique Show" by the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2022 in partnership with UFI (global association for exhibition excellence).
Soon THE WADE ASIA will open opportunities for women in creative pursuits to become members and multiply initiatives as well as position themselves with stronger network & connections.
LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE WADE ASIA Architecture Event : https://www.wadeasia.com/visitor-registration/