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A monthly VK Group newsletter, where we share our recent activities 

and keep you updated on the latest discussions in the world of built environment design

- February 2024 -

Ar. Hrishikesh Kulkarni bags his first Patent!

Congratulations to Ar. Hrishikesh Kulkarni, Partner and Co-founder, who has been granted the patent for his innovative design of the Volumetric Dwelling Unit (VDU). Jump straight to the article for more details.

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Can you Patent Architecture?

First off, what is a patent? At its core, it is a legal protection for a new invention or process. This gives the inventor exclusive rights to use, make, sell, or distribute their invention for a certain period, typically 20 years. Now, translating this into the architecture and design field is tricky. Why? Because architecture is not just about creating a new gadget or a piece of technology. It's an art form, deeply rooted in creativity, culture, and context. How do you patent the sunset view from a building or the way a space makes you feel? It's subjective and far more nuanced. BUT building designs can be protected by utility patents, which protect the functional aspects of a design, and design patents, which protect aesthetic features of a design.

The first architectural patent was awarded in 1851 to Samuel Reeves in the United States for an octagonal house design. This was groundbreaking because it showcased the possibility of protecting architectural ideas, in a very specific and tangible form. Reeves' patent wasn't just about creating a novel structure; it was about imagining a new way of living through design.

So, how can patents benefit the field of architecture and design? They can serve as a powerful incentive for innovation, ensuring architects and designers are rewarded for their unique contributions. This protection can encourage more experimentation and risk-taking in design, leading to the development of new materials, construction techniques, and architectural styles. Imagine a world where every new building pushes the envelope, not just in terms of aesthetics but also in sustainability, functionality, and integration with the environment. Read on to discover how the VK Group is making the most of this possibility. 

When Volume Speaks: Living Small Yet Living It All!

Imagine a world where our homes are not just shelters but spaces that adapt and evolve with our every need. This is a vision turned reality by Ar. Hrishikesh Kulkarni, whose decade-long wait has triumphantly concluded with the awarding of the patent for his innovative design of the Volumetric Dwelling Unit (VDU).  The idea for the research came from a simple observation: our homes are becoming ever more multi-functional, serving as offices, play areas, workout zones and social spaces. Rather than finding ways to expand and eat more of the limited floor space, could we not create a space that is as flexible and dynamic as the lives we lead?

With this question echoing in his mind, Hrishikesh embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation. A drive for innovation, passion for technology and materials, and collaborative thinking led to the creation of the VDU – an exploration of a volumetric home. “By playing with volume, we developed spaces that are interactive yet provide privacy. With research and study we were able to squeeze out redundant spaces from kitchen and bedroom and shifted this volume to the more social, family spaces” Hrishikesh explains. The increased volume brought in natural light and ventilation to every corner while providing ample space for various activities, making these units economically viable and efficient. 

The ideation of how can these VDUs can be combined to offer the users 2BHK and 3 BHKs opened a Pandora of possibilities. By interlocking a combination of two small VDUs, one medium VDU and one large VDU, the VDU Dwelling was conceived. This configuration, making one dwelling, can be replicated in various formations to meet site and user requirements. 

Pushing the envelope ever further, Hrishikesh and his team envisioned apartment complexes formed by interlocking these units. Balconies, integrated with the "One Tree Per Family (1TF)" green landscape intervention, adds to its elevational aesthetics and creates an identity of its own in the city. Aiming to improve affordable housing, this unit could be adapted to different settings, potentially having a global impact. 

The construction system is designed for precast concrete, with the loft in precast steel, allowing for rapid construction. This approach ensures these dwellings are suitable for any scenario, from social housing schemes to MHADA Buildings, leveraging volumes in ways seldom explored in these typologies. It promises lower construction costs and larger usable spaces, using vertical space more efficiently than horizontal, creating the impression of a larger area due to increased volume. Hrishikesh believes these spaces will enable all societal classes to experience new ways of living.

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This newsletter has been edited and compiled by Ar. Athulya Ann Aby, Architectural Writer, VK Group

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