Meeting Rahul Kadri feels less like stepping into an architect’s studio and more like walking into a philosophy in motion. He greets me with a disarmingly nonchalant smile, the kind that exudes quiet confidence without a shred of pretension. His glasses hang loosely from his chest—a detail so effortless it echoes his approach to life and work: measured, grounded, and refreshingly genuine.
As we navigate his studio, a lived-in haven of character, it’s hard not to notice the stories embedded in every corner. Old furniture pieces carry the weight of decades of thought, while a striking monochrome Husain in his father’s cabin reflects a legacy well-preserved. Marble curios lead the way to an expansive garden, offering a sweeping view of the Coastal Road, the iconic Haji Ali Dargah, and the junction where Worli truly begins, just across from the Nehru Planetarium.
Kadri dives straight into the heart of what drives him. “Architects today are stepping into roles they weren’t trained for—like urban planning,” he says with a thoughtful pause. “Designing spaces between buildings—spaces that shape the very life of a city—requires a completely different thought process. And yet, India lacks the infrastructure to support real urban planning. Departments like the BMC’s urban planning wing are defunct, and while MMRDA may create master plans, they lack actionable micro-plans that respond to on-ground realities.”
This isn’t mere criticism; it’s a call to action. Kadri’s perspective is clear—architects can and should contribute, but the heavy lifting requires specialists. His words, much like his work, are sharp, insightful, and rooted in the urgent need to rethink how cities are built—not just in form, but in function. From his garden, where leafy greens thrive alongside his playful Doberman, Imli, to his studio that exudes legacy and innovation, it’s evident that for Kadri, the blueprint for the future is as much about people as it is about places.
Excerpts form the interview:
Tell us about the Mumbai Architects Collective. What does the initiative focus on, and how does it function?
The Mumbai Architects Collective is about articulating the issues that affect citizens and highlighting where we need to focus our efforts. We write articles, support each other’s ideas, and encourage dialogue. We’ve been planning a manifesto and want to hold an exhibition showcasing all the projects done so far. Consolidating these projects into one place could demonstrate what’s possible. If even half of these ideas are implemented, they could make a huge difference—especially at the ground level, for pedestrians. That’s our focus: creating accessible, functional open spaces and alternative pedestrian routes within the city.
Urban forestation is a key focus in your work. How does it contribute to healthier cities?
Greening a city is crucial to improving air quality and reducing dust pollution. The key is to ensure no surface is left bare—no exposed soil or mud. Whether through greenery or paving, every surface must be covered to prevent dust formation. Across India, roads are often built without completing the sides, leaving dusty, open spaces. Addressing this issue by greening or paving these areas is essential for healthier cities.
What inspired the Malabar Hill Forest Trail, and how did you bring the project to life?
The Malabar Hill Forest Trail was something deeply personal for me. As a young boy, I often explored the area with my Doberman, discovering paths that felt like secret havens in the city. Over the last decade, however, the forest below Hanging Gardens had been sealed off due to misuse for illegal activities like brewing liquor. During the lockdown, while walking with my wife Shimul along Siri Road, I remembered one of those old paths. We jumped the fence, and I rediscovered this magical green space hidden in the heart of Mumbai. It struck me that more people needed to experience this.
As Chairman of the Napean Sea Road Citizens’ Forum, I presented the idea to the government and Aditya Thackeray. My team created detailed drawings, and when we pitched it, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The JSW Group, led by Sangeeta Jindal, initially funded the concept development, which was instrumental in moving the project forward. The support from the BMC and other stakeholders brought it to life.
How did you balance conservation with the trail’s construction? Were there any challenges?
Preserving the forest was central to the design. We minimized the footprint by using just one foundation in the center, with columns extending across to hold the walkway, rather than two foundations. Heavy machinery was avoided entirely; most of the construction was done manually to ensure minimal disruption. The contractor, Mr. Mehta, poured his passion into the project, delivering a quality of work that I believe is unprecedented for the BMC. The trail is simple, made of wood, and architecturally detailed to blend into its natural surroundings.
That said, challenges arose. Workers littered during construction, and cleanup remains an issue. Over time, the dry season will reveal more of the mess, and a dedicated cleanup drive will be necessary. Another concern is the sweepers from Hanging Gardens, who habitually throw garbage into the forest. Changing these habits and addressing years of plastic waste will be vital for the trail’s long-term success.
What scalable interventions do you think could address everyday urban challenges?
See, in every neighbourhood, there are underused or wasted spaces that can be upgraded. Take Nepean Sea Road, for example. If you walk up and down, there are so many spaces that are underutilised or poorly designed. Upgrading these neighbourhoods is an easy and achievable task. I also have a project in mind to link the seven gardens. From PDP to Chowpatty, there are four gardens up to the Hanging Gardens, and from there, you can link to the walkway and go down. It’s an ambitious idea, but it would create a green link from one coast to the other—a walkway across the city.
For someone who isn’t an architect but has a vision for a public space, how can they get started?
It’s extremely hard unless the Assistant Commissioner of the ward supports you. The best way to start is by aligning with a local residents’ association. Use their platform to get appointments, meet officials, and gather support. The key is involving citizens. The BMC spends thousands of crores on city improvements every year, but many of these projects end up being meaningless.
How do you think technology, like apps, can empower neighbourhoods to drive meaningful change?
If local neighbourhoods were empowered to propose projects—through an app, for example—people could vote on priorities. Architects like us would be happy to help design these spaces, but the design work should eventually be part of the budget. This approach has worked successfully in over 1,500 cities worldwide, and it can transform neighbourhoods here too.
What key policy changes do you believe are needed to enable sustainable urban development?
The problem is that the Maharashtra Town Planning Act is outdated. It’s based on the 1903 British Town Planning Act! The Act focuses on rigid zoning—this area for living, that area for working, and so on. The result? People live here, work there, and have to commute long distances. Modern planning doesn’t work like that. We need mixed-use neighbourhoods where everything is within walking distance—what people call the 15-minute city. Also, the Act mandates 20-year master plans, which never get implemented. Cities change too quickly for 20-year plans. Instead, we need principle-based, adaptable planning with annual priorities. We need to define the standards of living we want to achieve and plan accordingly. The other challenge is densification. Mumbai has 22,000 people per square kilometre, but most Indian cities have very low densities. We need to enforce a global FSI of 1 to encourage sustainable growth.
If you had three wishes to transform urban life in India, what would they be?
First, the urban planning departments need to have real planners who are actively thinking about improving cities—not just changing zoning to help builders. We need planners working at the ward level to identify and implement solutions. Second, the BMC Act should be reformed to appoint a mayor who is responsible for the city’s betterment. Each ward should also have its own planners and designers. Third, 30% of the capital budget should be allocated to projects proposed by citizens. Wherever this has happened, it’s brought tremendous change to cities.
Are there any transformative projects that you are looking forward to developing?
Yes, there’s a big one—Port Trust Land. It’s 600 acres of land along the eastern waterfront, from Ballard Estate to Sewri. This part of the city is extremely dense—100,000 people per sq kms—and they don’t have any open spaces. If that land is developed, it would make a huge difference. Historically, the western side of Mumbai got open spaces like Oval Maidan and Marine Drive, but the eastern side was locked up because of the port. Now, with that land becoming available, it could transform the city.
Do you think Indian building methods have the potential to gain global attention and even become trends?
Indian methods of building stand out, as the whole world is trending towards greener buildings, and good architects are concerned about climate change and how their work impacts it. India has such rich vernacular traditions, materials, and craftsmanship that can be used sustainably.
What makes India unique is its diversity. Building in Rajasthan is completely different from building in Kashmir, UP, or the South. The climatic zones, materials, and skills vary widely. Like our food, our architecture is very specific to its location. The principles remain the same, but the manifestation is different. However, I don’t think you can create Indianness anywhere else—you can only do Indianness in India.
What’s something exciting you’re working on in terms of innovation?
We’re working on several school projects that focus on the social dynamics of a school—how to foster friendships, increase exposure to others, and prevent bullying. We believe design can address these issues.
We’re inspired by the idea of a city or village street, where common spaces encourage interaction. Instead of isolating kindergarten, middle, and senior blocks on a grid, we design buildings to ‘talk’ to each other. Entrances are placed along a single street leading to shared zones like cafeterias and recreation grounds. With shaded benches and lively public spaces, students constantly meet and interact, naturally building friendships. Interestingly, the tighter the design, the better it works.
QUICK TAKES
Favourite city globally?
“London. It’s a city of many cities. I love how it evolves while preserving its heritage, greenery, and vistas.”
Favourite city in India?
“Delhi. It’s layered and inspirational, though pollution makes it difficult to enjoy.”
An international architect or firm you admire?
“I’ve been inspired by Charles Moore in the past, and now Zaha Hadid, Snohetta, and BIG.”
One urban issue that keeps you up at night?
“Pollution—air quality in particular. We’re not doing enough.”
Sustainability or innovation? What drives your design philosophy?
“Both. You have to innovate to be sustainable, and sustainability demands constant innovation.”
A mentor who shaped your life?
“My father, P.K. Das, and Christopher Alexander.”
One word to describe the Malabar Hill Forest Trail?
“Beautiful.”
Favourite material to work with?
“Brick.”
If not an architect, what career would you have pursued?
“I’d have loved to run a stud farm or be a farmer—I enjoy growing things.”
The next big trend in urban design?
“I hope it’s pedestrianisation and greening. Everything should centre around walking.”
A project that challenged you the most?
“The Symbiosis Lavale campus—it gave me a nervous breakdown and cost me most of my hair!”
One piece of advice for young architects?
“Be curious. Be happy. Find meaning in what you do and work hard—it’s the key to real happiness.”