Ar. Anil Badan, the Founder and Principal Architect at Studio B Architects, has spent decades crafting spaces that speak to both heart and heritage. His philosophy centers on timeless architecture, designs that endure beyond fleeting trends, standing as testaments to balance, context, and authenticity.
In a world of rapid reinvention, where new materials and technologies dominate, Badan believes that architecture rooted in human needs and cultural wisdom holds the key to longevity. For him, timelessness is not an accident but a deliberate act of design grounded in principles that transcend eras.
Badan points to India’s architectural heritage, like the intricate stepwells of Gujarat and Rajasthan, as prime examples of timeless design. These centuries-old structures were not merely water reservoirs but masterpieces of function and form. Their geometric precision and climatic responsiveness like cooling spaces in harsh summers continue to captivate architects and visitors alike. Badan notes, “Stepwells teach us that when design solves real problems with elegance, it becomes eternal.” His projects at Studio B Architects echo this ethos, blending utility with beauty to create spaces that feel as relevant today as they will in decades to come.
A cornerstone of Badan’s approach is the honest use of materials. He eschews synthetic finishes that promise durability but age poorly, like glossy plastics or composite panels that lose their sheen and relevance. Instead, he champions materials that wear their age with grace. “A weathered stone wall or a wooden beam tells a story,” Badan says. “It connects us to time itself.” In his hospitality projects, such as boutique hotels and retreats, he integrates natural textures, like hand-carved sandstone or reclaimed teak that deepen in character over time, offering guests an experience rooted in authenticity.
Context is another pillar of Badan’s timeless designs. He believes architecture must respond to its environment, both physical and cultural. In Rajasthan, where Studio B has designed several residences, deep verandas and jali screens shield against the desert sun while preserving aesthetic harmony. These elements, inspired by regional traditions, ensure the buildings feel like they belong.
“A design that ignores its context is like a story without a setting, it lacks soul,” Badan explains. His work reflects this, weaving local craftsmanship and climate-responsive techniques into modern frameworks, creating homes and public spaces that feel both contemporary and eternal.
Sustainability, for Badan, is inseparable from timelessness. Long-lasting buildings reduce the need for demolition and reconstruction, conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact. He draws inspiration from traditional Indian architecture like mud houses, bamboo structures, and stepwells that were inherently resource-sensitive.
At Studio B, Badan adapts these principles using modern technology, creating energy-efficient buildings that honour the past while addressing today’s ecological challenges. “Timeless architecture is sustainable by nature,” he asserts. “It doesn’t just endure; it respects the planet.”
Badan’s projects also prioritize emotional resonance. He believes architecture should evoke a sense of belonging, connecting people to their culture and history. His designs for community spaces, like cultural centers, incorporate motifs and materials that reflect local heritage, fostering pride and continuity. This human-centric approach ensures that his buildings remain cherished across generations, not just for their aesthetics but for the memories they hold.
In a world chasing novelty, Badan’s work at Studio B Architects stands as a reminder that timeless architecture is a deliberate choice. It requires empathy, integrity, and a deep understanding of place and purpose. By prioritizing balance, honest materials, contextual relevance, and sustainability, Badan crafts spaces that don’t just outlive trends but enrich lives.
