#YoungIcons2024 NORTH, a collective based in Himachal, aims to reconnect with nature through architecture that honours the past while looking to the future

A celebration of emerging talent and fresh perspectives that are invigorating the design landscape—Young Icons is more than just a segment; it’s our commitment to fostering the next generation of visionaries. And the first on our Young Icons 2024 list is NORTH (Rahul Bhushan), a collective based in Himachal that is driven by love for the mountains and a commitment to eco-conscious living. Their work blends indigenous craftsmanship with modern building concepts, aiming to reconnect with nature through architecture that honors the past while looking to the future. The diverse team of engineers, designers, architects, and artists comes together to create meaningful, sustainable spaces. NORTH’s approach begins with questioning purpose, which drives them to live humbly, learn from nature, and build with intention.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY:

Their work is guided by a simple yet profound belief: architecture should build a better world. It should be context driven, responsive to both people and the environment, and rooted in culture and climate. The design process at NORTH is evolutionary. It comes from hands-on experimentation with materials, collaboration with local people, and a deep respect for timeless skills and knowledge.

PROJECT FOR THE GODREJ DESIGN LAB (GDL) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:

“I’m working on a book—a book of wisdom that carries lessons and values that can’t be learned overnight. It’s not something you can grasp in a quick conversation or an interview; it’s knowledge that takes years to understand and internalise,” shares Rahul. This book captures the intangible values, empirical knowledge, and timeless wisdom of life in the mountains. It’s about the way of life in Himachal, the deep spiritual connections, and the art of living in harmony with nature.

HOW DID THE GODREJ FELLOWSHIP HELP YOU ADVANCE YOUR WORK?

“Over the past 7-8 years, I’ve dedicated myself to documenting and exploring the rich culture, empirical knowledge, and vernacular architecture of Himachal. It’s been a long-held dream to share this knowledge with others, and the Godrej Fellowship has been instrumental in making that dream a reality. The fellowship provided me with the support, resources, and, importantly, the platform to reach the right audience. It gave me the push I needed to bring this work to life. Half of the book’s production costs were covered by Godrej, allowing me to focus on creating something truly meaningful—a book that communicates the wisdom of our ancestors in a way that’s accessible to all.”

The Godrej Design Lab (GDL) Fellowship is a one year program supporting India-based creative professionals undertake design projects which have a bigger impact through grants, mentorship, and showcasing. The Fellowship Program will culminate with an exhibit of their projects at the second edition of Conscious Collective to be held in December this year. GDL is an initiative of the Godrej Enterprises Group which is committed to supporting a diverse and dynamic creative ecosystem.

Also Read: A collaboration that is changing the design language of Jaipur with Vikas Soni and Marie-Anne Oudejans