Christ University

Abstract This study investigates the influence of open-space design within residential complexes on social interaction among residents in suburban Bangalore. Open spaces, encompassing parks, courtyards, pathways, and semi-private communal areas, are vital in shaping socio-spatial dynamics, fostering community engagement, and enhancing psychological wellbeing. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining direct field observations, structured questionnaires, and spatial analysis of Brigade Panorama (gated high-rise) and Serenade Layout (open plotted development). Observational data focused on frequency, type, and duration Aof social activities, while survey responses captured residents' perceptions, preferences, and satisfaction levels. Findings reveal that neither extreme centralization nor complete dispersal of open spaces optimally supports social interaction. Instead, a hybrid design approach, combining central community greens with distributed semi-private spaces, creates balanced opportunities for both planned and spontaneous interactions. The study establishes that thoughtful planning and design of open spaces significantly influence the quality and frequency of social interactions in residential settings, offering guidelines for architects, planners, and policymakers to create communities that encourage interaction, inclusivity, and well-being. Key Words: open spaces, residential complexes, social interaction, urban design, community engagement, spatial configuration, suburban housing, Bangalore.

Militarization of outer space is one of the most complex challenges to global peace, harmony, and security in the 21st century. Initially, recognized as a subject area of scientific exploration and constructive engagement, outer space has progressively become a critical zone for defense competition among major powers. The arrangement of multi-domain satellites, development of anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) and creation of autonomous defense structure by powerful nations like USA, China, Russia and India. These countries have shifted from the peaceful uses to framework conceived in 1967 Outer Space Treaty. This evolving militarization intimidates to rebuild space into a war zone and risk of conflict beyond boundaries. The existing international skeleton secured by the Outer Space Treaty, like the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space 3235(XXIX), was created in a time when space capabilities were limited. These treaties restrain the installation of weapon of mass destruction in orbit but are still silent on the usage of cyber-based weapons in space. This vagueness created an inadequacy that states can justify their military activities as a self-defense or technological advancement. To safeguard outer space as a global collective good, there is an urgent need for recommencing diplomatic engagement, stronger transparency measures and development of a comprehensive international legal authority addressing both military and non-military threats. Preserving space as a peaceful and collective land is crucial for global security as well as collective survival of humankind.

Abstract Sacred architecture has historically been understood through ritual symbolism and cosmological order. However, this study reexamines temple architecture by positioning spatial organization as the primary generator of sacred experience. Titled Beyond the Faith: Spatial Explorations in Contemporary Sacred Architecture, the research undertakes a qualitative and comparative analysis of traditional and contemporary Hindu temples in India. The study evaluates spatial hierarchy, thresholds, axial alignment, circulation patterns, and degrees of enclosure to understand how sacredness is constructed architecturally. Findings reveal a clear transformation from rigid, hierarchical, and ritual-controlled traditional temples to more open, layered, and flexible contemporary sacred environments. While traditional temples produce sacred experience through controlled progression and spatial compression toward the sanctum, contemporary temples reinterpret these principles by introducing adaptable circulation and inclusive gathering spaces. The shift reflects social and cultural changes such as urbanization and evolving spiritual engagement rather than theological transformation. The research establishes sacred architecture as an experiential spatial system and proposes a comparative spatial framework that can inform the design of contemporary sacred and contemplative environments responsive to modern social and psychological needs. Key Words: Sacred Architecture, Spatial Organization, Temple Architecture, Hierarchy, Thresholds, Circulation, Contemporary Sacred Space.

Abstract - This dissertation seeks to explore the relationship between the colonial architectural spaces and the modern-day inhabitant of the city of Bangalore, India, through a critical analysis of the architectural and experiential relationship between the colonial spaces of St. Mark’s Cathedral and CSI Holy Trinity Church, and the modern-day inhabitant of the city of Bangalore. Design Brief The primary objective of the project was to assess the "performance of peace" within the spaces of St. Mark’s Cathedral and CSI Holy Trinity Church, by understanding the manner in which the transition from the chaotic spaces of MG Road and Trinity Circle, the "sacred silence" of the spaces of St. Mark’s Cathedral and CSI Holy Trinity Church, was enabled through the use of specific architectural features such as the Romanesque dome of St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Gothic wooden trusses of CSI Holy Trinity Church.

Abstract – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by differences in sensory processing, spatial cognition, and social communication, all of which significantly influence behavioural responses within built environments. Although educational and therapeutic research recognizes environmental sensitivity in autistic populations, architectural discourse often under-theorizes how spatial cues actively mediate behaviour. This study investigates how interior spatial cues—materiality, enclosure gradients, lighting modulation, acoustic buffering, zoning clarity, and transition sequencing—function as mediators of social behavioural guidance in autism-supportive interiors. Using a mixed-method approach incorporating educator and parent questionnaires, percentage-based quantitative mapping, and qualitative interpretation, the study examines correlations between spatial typologies and behavioural outcomes. The research integrates Sensory Processing Theory (Dunn, 1997), the Autism ASPECTSS™ Design Index (Mostafa, 2014), and egocentric–allocentric navigation frameworks (Meneghetti et al., 2020) to construct a behavioural-spatial interpretative model. Findings indicate that sensory-regulated environments significantly reduce withdrawal behaviours, while semi-enclosed spatial configurations promote structured peer interaction without overwhelming exposure. Spatial predictability emerges as a critical behavioural stabilizer, and transition zones are identified as behavioural vulnerability points requiring design intervention. The study concludes that architecture operates as a behavioural scaffold, shaping autonomy, regulating sensory thresholds, and mediating social engagement. It proposes a layered spatial strategy framework for inclusive interior environments that positions design as an active therapeutic and behavioural agent. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, spatial cues, behavioural mediation, interior architecture, sensory processing, inclusive design

Abstract - Darjeeling, a ridge-constrained Himalayan hill station, has experienced rapid tourism-driven transformation, resulting in socio-spatial, infrastructural, and environmental stress. This study investigates the spatial distribution of tourism clusters, built-form changes, water infrastructure deficits, and community-level impacts, with a focus on Chowrasta as the central tourism spine. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates spatial mapping, municipal data, and field observation, the research identifies systemic vulnerabilities arising from ridge-centric development, tourism dependency, and weak governance. Key findings highlight the Resource–Infrastructure Paradox, unsustainable built-form transformations, and socio-ecological imbalances. Recommendations include terrain-responsive planning, carrying capacity-based regulations, water resource governance, and heritage-sensitive architectural interventions. Key Words: Darjeeling, sustainable tourism, water infrastructure, built-character transformation, tourism-carrying capacity.

Listen to this article As India welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Republic Day, attention was on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which both von der Leyen and India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described as the ‘mother of all deals’. In a post tariff world, the FTA acts as a touchstone […]