India: The British Council Architecture Mission
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I’m still feeling the effects of jet lag – it hits harder with age – but I wanted to share a little about my recent trip to India. A week ago, I returned from a three-week journey through northern India with the British Council, representing my university to promote the study of Architecture.
Our visit took us to various schools of architecture, where we delivered talks on our research and areas of interest. We also met with faculty to discuss potential collaborations – from virtual studios to student and faculty exchanges – exploring ways we can work together more effectively.
I started my trip in Delhi at Pearl Academy, a school I’ve visited before, and we already have some exciting projects in the works with them, including an upcoming exhibition. I had a little time to myself in the city to revisit some of my favourite New Delhi landmarks – Humayun’s Tomb for a quick restoration update and a spot of sketching, Khan Market for shopping and eating, and Connaught Place for, well, more food but also some wandering to soak up the street life and atmosphere.
Next came Mumbai, where I met with the British Council for their Architecture Mission alongside three other academics from British universities. We were representing the Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors subject areas at our institutions, speaking at nine schools across Mumbai and Pune. We visited four schools in Mumbai before heading to Pune to visit the remaining three.
Mumbai is the busiest city I’ve ever experienced – possibly also the largest, or at least it feels that way because of its density. The schools we visited were in the city centre, yet it could take over an hour to travel between them. Some campuses were theory-heavy, with traditional marble-clad lecture halls that felt both grand and a little like swimming pools. Others were strikingly modern, with green lecture theatres built into the landscape and designed to respond to sunlight, heat, and ventilation.
It was difficult to gauge the overall level of student work, as most keep their projects and no central record is kept. Still, some schools were incredibly open to collaboration and research. One stood out in particular, with corridors lined with student work – cladding system prototypes, cultural installations, interactive models, and more.
Pune was new to me, and while it felt more laid back, my schedule was anything but. My view of the city was limited to hotel rooms, bustling streets seen from a car window, classrooms, and then back to the hotel again. Two of the schools we visited here were female-only and had huge numbers of students studying architecture – something that truly inspired me. I gave a lecture to a room packed with engaged young designers who asked thoughtful questions and listened intently. Afterwards, I handed out one business card and was immediately surrounded by eager students wanting to connect and share their projects.
A jam-packed schedule meant the days began to blur together, each one filled with travel, meetings, and lectures. At times it felt repetitive, but the students truly made the visit worthwhile, with their thoughtful discussions and inspiring examples of work.
When it was time to leave Pune – yes, in an auto-rickshaw, suitcase and all – I made a special detour to visit Sangam for the night, one of the four World Centres for Girl Guiding. It was the perfect pause in my journey to reflect on my travels, the people I had met, and the exciting projects ahead.
I had visited Pax Lodge in London as a young Guide many years ago, but many of my guiding friends had spoken about Sangam, so being there felt especially meaningful. The centre was peaceful and welcoming, with friendly volunteers who immediately made me feel at home. Some had been there for months, others had just arrived, but all were engaged in the same mission – volunteering at local schools and community projects, while learning Hindi, yoga, cooking, and so much more.
Behind the main building, a large campground hosts local Indian Guides and Brownies for camps and jamborees. One was due to take place soon, and I could imagine the energy and excitement it would bring. It was the perfect end to a busy and inspiring trip.
