Where dignity meets democracy—Mitu Mathur’s Republic Day vision of institutional architecture

Public spaces in India are transforming from institutional monuments to inclusive environments that reflect democratic ideals. Mitu Mathur’s architectural approach at GPM Architects focuses on creating adaptable, sustainable public infrastructure that serves diverse citizen needs. By integrating green design strategies, flexible urban spaces, and community-centric layouts, her work reimagines how architectural design can foster social connection and national identity.

Mitu’s projects demonstrate how public spaces can transcend functional requirements to become platforms for collective engagement and shared experience. As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, public spaces emerge as powerful narratives of democratic transformation. Read on to find out how she reimagines infrastructure as a platform for social inclusivity, sustainable design, and citizen engagement:

How does your design approach change when working on government projects versus private commissions, particularly in terms of representing democratic values and accessibility?

At GPM, when working on government projects, we approach design with a deep sense of responsibility. These spaces must reflect democratic values and be accessible to all. While private commissions may allow for more creative exploration, government work requires being mindful of the broader community’s needs. Our goal is to create functional spaces that are inclusive and approachable to all while ensuring they embody the spirit of our democracy and reflect the values we hold as a nation.

What specific design elements do you incorporate to ensure your public buildings are accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical ability or socioeconomic status?

Accessibility is central to creating public spaces that serve everyone. It’s essential to design environments where people from all walks of life can feel welcomed and included. This means ensuring that spaces are not just physically accessible but also emotionally and socially inclusive. By focusing on flexibility and adaptability, we can create spaces that meet diverse needs and encourage a sense of belonging. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all citizens can fully engage with and benefit from the spaces designed for the public good.

How do you address the challenge of creating spaces that are both monumental (befitting government institutions) yet welcoming to ordinary citizens? Can you share an example quoting feedback or stories from users of the space?

Striking a balance between monumentality and warmth is key when designing government buildings. While these spaces must convey a sense of importance and reflect the dignity of the institutions they house, they should also invite people to feel comfortable and engaged. The challenge lies in creating an environment that feels both authoritative and approachable. Thoughtful design decisions like wide, open entrances or inviting public spaces like plazas can encourage interaction. Large, imposing structures can be softened with natural light, greenery, and community areas, creating an environment that feels both dignified and accessible. Such elements help ensure that these buildings serve not only as symbols of civic pride but as spaces where citizens feel welcome, connected, and engaged with their institutions.

How do you see the role of architecture evolving in shaping India’s public and urban spaces?

Architecture is evolving from a purely functional discipline to one that shapes experiences and fosters community. As urban spaces grow and change, architecture must address the diverse needs of citizens, creating environments that are inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable. I believe it’s also about designing spaces that go beyond their physical form, becoming places of connection, reflection, and engagement. Architecture has the power to create a sense of belonging, where people feel rooted in their environment and connected to one another, contributing to a more unified and vibrant society.

In your experience, how has the design of public spaces evolved since India’s independence, and what key lessons have influenced your work?

Over the decades, the design of public spaces in India has evolved significantly, shifting from a focus on utility and hierarchy to a more inclusive, people-centred approach. Alongside this, sustainable design strategies have become integral to this evolution. Green infrastructure, such as tree-lined streets, urban parks, and green roofs, are helping to mitigate heat island effect and improve air quality. Rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient solutions, like solar-powered and LED streetlights, are now commonly integrated, reducing water wastage and electricity consumption. Additionally, locally sourced and recycled materials are prioritised to minimise environmental impact, ensuring that public spaces are both functional and sustainable.

Photographs by GPM Architects and Planners and Ranjan Sharma