Kushal Samant Architects
Kushal Samant Architects is a public archive of architectural thinking and related writing. The publication brings together essays, reflections, process notes, and project explorations that emerge from lived observation and long-term practice. The focus is on architecture as a mode of attention, examining systems, space, labour, perception, and the conditions that shape how we live and work. Rather than trends or finished statements, the work engages with durable ideas, clear frameworks, and thinking that evolves over time. The material published here may be exploratory or unfinished. It is shared to make thinking visible, not to present polished portfolios or definitive answers. This is an ongoing practice, documented in motion.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Interior volume
- Exterior envelope
- Circulation path
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of spatial conditions
- Ambiguity of boundary
- Directional flow
Reading
The diagram establishes a hierarchy of spatial conditions through the arrangement of interior volume, exterior envelope, and circulation path. The layering of these elements suggests a sequence of spatial experience, where transitions are not clearly demarcated but rather implied through proximity and orientation. The ambiguity of boundary is rendered through overlapping zones, indicating a fluid relationship between enclosed and open space. Directional flow is indicated by the alignment and spacing of circulation paths, which guide movement while maintaining spatial ambiguity. The diagram’s composition prioritizes relational logic over fixed form, emphasizing how spatial conditions interact rather than how they are defined.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Interior volume
- Exterior envelope
- Transition zone
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered spatial hierarchy
- Contour-based spatial definition
- Directional flow
Reading
The diagram establishes a spatial hierarchy through layered contours that delineate zones of increasing intimacy. The interior volume is defined by a dense contour network, suggesting a high degree of spatial enclosure and control. The exterior envelope is rendered with sparser contours, indicating openness and reduced spatial definition. Transition zones are marked by intermediate contour density, facilitating a gradual shift between interior and exterior conditions. The directional flow is implied by the orientation and spacing of contours, guiding movement through the spatial sequence. The diagram’s spatial logic is not explicit but emerges from the interplay of contour density and spatial orientation.
Diagram role
Diagrammatic exploration of spatial relationships
Spatial focus
- Vertical articulation
- Horizontal layering
- Circulation paths
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered composition
- Nested circulation
- Spatial hierarchy
Reading
The diagram establishes a vertical sequence through the stacking of distinct spatial planes, each defined by its own programmatic function and scale. Horizontal layering introduces a rhythmic alternation between public and private realms, creating a dynamic interplay of access and enclosure. Circulation is rendered as a nested system, with primary routes embedded within secondary pathways, suggesting a hierarchy of movement that responds to spatial priorities. The diagram’s structure implies a spatial logic where transitions are not merely connectors but active components of the spatial experience, modulating the relationship between adjacent zones. This configuration supports a differentiated flow, where movement is choreographed to reinforce the functional and perceptual organization of the space.
Diagram role
Diagram of spatial relationships and circulation paths
Spatial focus
- Entry sequence and transition zones
- Internal circulation routes
- Zone demarcation and adjacency
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered representation of spatial hierarchy
- Use of directional arrows to indicate movement
- Implicit spatial boundaries through line density and spacing
Reading
The diagram establishes a clear hierarchy of movement through the use of layered spatial zones and directional indicators. Circulation is not merely traced but is embedded within a structured spatial framework that defines transitions between distinct functional areas. The density and spacing of lines suggest zones of varying importance and permeability, guiding the viewer’s eye along predetermined paths. Movement is directed by arrows that imply velocity and intentionality, reinforcing the diagram’s function as a choreographed spatial sequence. The absence of explicit labels or annotations allows the diagram to function as a pure spatial grammar, emphasizing relational logic over descriptive content.
Diagram role
Diagram of spatial relationships
Spatial focus
- Interstitial zones
- Thresholds
- Circulation paths
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of spatial conditions
- Compression of spatial sequences
- Use of voids to articulate movement
Reading
The diagram compresses spatial sequences into a single plane, emphasizing the interstitial as a generator of spatial experience. Voids are not merely negative space but active articulators of movement, defining thresholds that condition circulation. Layering reveals how spatial conditions accumulate, creating a hierarchy of permeability and enclosure. The diagram’s structure suggests a choreography of movement, where transitions are not incidental but architecturally orchestrated. The compression of sequences into a flat representation allows for a focused analysis of spatial logic without distraction from form or materiality.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Vertical circulation
- Horizontal circulation
- Spatial articulation
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of circulation paths
- Compression and release of movement
- Spatial sequencing
Reading
The diagram establishes a hierarchy of movement through the compression and release of circulation paths, guiding the user through a sequence of spatial encounters. Vertical circulation is rendered as a continuous, unbroken axis, while horizontal circulation is segmented into distinct zones, each marked by a change in scale or density. The spatial articulation is not merely a function of geometry but of the rhythm of movement, where transitions between zones are mediated by thresholds and shifts in spatial volume. The layering of paths creates a sense of depth and direction, reinforcing the diagram’s function as a navigational guide. The sequencing of spaces is not linear but iterative, suggesting a return or reorientation at key junctures, which subtly modulates the user’s perception of progression.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Vertical alignment of structural elements
- Horizontal distribution of functional zones
- Interstitial relationships between circulation and enclosure
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of structural and spatial hierarchies
- Use of voids to articulate spatial sequence
- Emphasis on transitional thresholds
Reading
The diagram establishes a vertical hierarchy through the alignment of structural members, which anchors the spatial organization. Horizontal zones are distributed with deliberate spacing, creating distinct functional areas while maintaining visual continuity. Voids are strategically placed to define transitions and modulate the spatial experience, guiding movement through thresholds that articulate the interstitial relationships between circulation and enclosure. The layering of structural and spatial hierarchies reinforces the diagram’s logic, while the emphasis on transitional thresholds suggests a choreography of movement that is both contained and fluid. The diagram’s clarity lies in its ability to resolve spatial complexity without recourse to ornamentation or explicit annotation.
Diagram role
Diagrammatic exploration of spatial relationships
Spatial focus
- Vertical articulation
- Horizontal layering
- Interstitial zones
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering as relational structure
- Verticality as compositional axis
- Interstitial space as generative element
Reading
The diagram operates as a structural grammar, where vertical articulation defines primary axes of movement and containment, while horizontal layering establishes relational thresholds between distinct spatial registers. Interstitial zones function not as voids but as active nodes of spatial negotiation, mediating transitions and generating emergent configurations. The layering is not additive but relational, implying a system where each plane interacts with adjacent ones through defined interfaces. Verticality is not merely dimensional but compositional, anchoring the diagram’s hierarchy and directing the viewer’s perceptual path. The diagram’s logic is not static; it suggests a dynamic interplay between fixed elements and fluid transitions, where spatial relationships are continuously reconfigured through the interplay of planes and voids.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Vertical circulation
- Horizontal circulation
- Circulation nodes
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered hierarchy
- Spatial compression
- Circulation as structural element
Reading
The diagram organizes movement through a vertical stacking of circulation paths, creating a hierarchy that prioritizes access to key nodes. Spatial compression is evident in the dense arrangement of circulation routes, suggesting a high degree of interaction and connectivity. Circulation is not merely a functional conduit but is rendered as a structural backbone, reinforcing the spatial logic of the building. The layered hierarchy implies a deliberate ordering of movement, with primary routes distinguished from secondary ones. This compression and structuring of circulation paths indicate a design intent to optimize flow while maintaining spatial coherence.
Diagram role
Diagrammatic exploration of spatial relationships
Spatial focus
- Vertical circulation
- Horizontal circulation
- Spatial interconnection
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered representation
- Directional emphasis
- Spatial hierarchy
Reading
The diagram operates as a spatial syntax, mapping the articulation of movement through layered planes that suggest vertical and horizontal circulation. Directional arrows indicate primary and secondary pathways, while the density of lines implies spatial hierarchy. Intersections are rendered as nodes of connection, emphasizing the interdependence of circulation routes. The diagram’s layered structure allows for the simultaneous reading of movement and spatial organization, revealing how circulation defines spatial experience. The absence of scale or fixed orientation reinforces the diagram’s abstract function as a spatial grammar.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Interior volume
- Exterior envelope
- Boundary condition
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of spatial thresholds
- Compression of spatial hierarchy
- Ambiguity of spatial ownership
Reading
The diagram establishes a spatial grammar through the juxtaposition of interior volume and exterior envelope, mediated by boundary conditions that dissolve fixed spatial ownership. Layering of thresholds suggests a sequence of spatial transitions, while compression of hierarchy implies a flattened spatial logic. Ambiguity in ownership is rendered through overlapping zones, where interior and exterior are not mutually exclusive but interpenetrating. The diagram’s spatial syntax operates without explicit hierarchy, relying instead on relational density to define spatial meaning. This relational density is not merely formal but functional, implying a spatial logic that prioritizes interaction over containment. The diagram thus functions as a spatial schema, not a plan, where spatial meaning emerges from relational proximity rather than fixed demarcation.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Interior volume
- Exterior envelope
- Circulation path
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered spatial hierarchy
- Directional flow
- Boundary condition
Reading
The diagram establishes a spatial logic through the interplay of interior volume and exterior envelope, mediated by circulation path. The layered spatial hierarchy suggests a progression of spatial experience, with each layer defining a distinct spatial condition. Directional flow is implied through the orientation of circulation path relative to the envelope, indicating a sequence of spatial encounters. Boundary condition is rendered as a threshold between interior and exterior, where the circulation path acts as a liminal space. The diagram’s spatial grammar is articulated through these three elements, creating a coherent spatial syntax without explicit annotation.
Diagram role
Diagram of spatial hierarchy and circulation
Spatial focus
- Primary circulation path
- Secondary circulation nodes
- Spatial zoning boundaries
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered hierarchy of movement
- Spatial demarcation through line weight
- Implicit spatial enclosure
Reading
The diagram establishes a clear sequence of movement through the primary circulation path, which is emphasized by its continuous, unbroken form. Secondary circulation nodes are positioned at strategic intersections, acting as transitional points that connect to the main flow without disrupting its continuity. Spatial zoning boundaries are rendered with varying line weights, suggesting a gradation in spatial importance and permeability. The implicit spatial enclosure created by the arrangement of lines and nodes implies a contained yet flexible spatial organization, where zones are defined not by solid walls but by the rhythm and density of circulation. The diagram’s layered hierarchy of movement reinforces a top-down spatial logic, where primary routes dominate and secondary nodes serve as modulated interruptions. This spatial grammar operates without explicit annotation, relying on formal relationships to communicate function and hierarchy.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Interior volume
- Exterior envelope
- Circulation path
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of spatial conditions
- Conditional adjacency
- Thresholds as spatial operators
Reading
The diagram establishes a hierarchy of spatial relationships through the explicit layering of interior volume, exterior envelope, and circulation path. Each layer is defined by its conditional adjacency to the others, with thresholds acting as spatial operators that mediate transitions. The diagram’s structure implies a non-linear progression, where movement is contingent upon spatial conditions rather than fixed routes. The interplay between enclosed and open conditions is rendered through the spatial operators, which function as both boundaries and conduits. The diagram’s logic prioritizes spatial condition over spatial sequence, suggesting a system where spatial experience is modulated by relational thresholds.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship between building and site
Spatial focus
- Building footprint
- Site boundary
- Adjacent land use
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of spatial zones
- Contouring of boundary conditions
- Implicit hierarchy of spatial control
Reading
The diagram establishes a clear spatial hierarchy through the juxtaposition of fixed and variable zones. The building footprint is rendered as a stable, enclosed form, while the site boundary acts as a transitional threshold. Adjacent land use is depicted as an external condition, influencing but not defining the building’s spatial logic. The contouring of boundary conditions suggests a negotiation between internal control and external pressure. Layering implies a sequence of spatial interventions, each responding to the next, without explicit hierarchy. The diagram’s clarity derives from its restraint: no extraneous detail, no decorative element, only the essential spatial relationships. This precision allows the viewer to perceive the spatial logic without distraction, making the diagram a tool for spatial reasoning rather than visual interpretation.
Diagram role
Spatial relationship diagram
Spatial focus
- Vertical alignment of structural elements
- Horizontal distribution of functional zones
- Interstitial spaces between programmatic blocks
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layering of structural and programmatic information
- Use of orthogonal projection to establish clarity
- Emphasis on spatial thresholds and transitions
Reading
The diagram establishes a hierarchy of spatial organization through the precise alignment of vertical elements, which anchor the composition and define structural continuity. Horizontal bands demarcate functional zones, creating a clear segmentation that supports programmatic legibility without visual clutter. Interstitial spaces are rendered as negative volumes, subtly suggesting movement and circulation between defined areas. The orthogonal projection reinforces spatial clarity by eliminating perspective distortion, allowing the viewer to perceive relationships as pure spatial constructs. The layering of structural and programmatic data creates a dual register of information, where form and function are interwoven without hierarchy, enabling a simultaneous reading of both systems.
Diagram role
Diagrammatic exploration of spatial configuration
Spatial focus
- Vertical articulation
- Horizontal layering
- Circulation paths
Diagrammatic ideas
- Layered spatial sequences
- Nested circulation nodes
- Conditional spatial thresholds
Reading
The diagram establishes a vertical hierarchy through stacked spatial volumes, each defined by distinct horizontal thresholds. Circulation is mediated by nested nodes that conditionally connect adjacent layers, creating a system of spatial transitions rather than direct pathways. The spatial sequences are not linear but iterative, suggesting a choreographed movement through thresholds that modulate access and perception. The diagram implies a spatial grammar where each layer operates as a distinct spatial register, governed by its own set of conditional relationships. The vertical stacking is not merely structural but conceptual, encoding a hierarchy of spatial experience through the sequencing of thresholds and circulation nodes.
About
Kushal Dhananjay Samant is an Architect, based in India.
In 2006, he started this journey as a side-hustle by selling stationery. In 2009, he started designing competition entries with other architects based in Seattle, CDMX, Buenos Aires, Maastricht, Torino, Kaapstad, Tampere, Mumbai, Panjim, Bangalore, Manila, and Sydney.
In 2012, he created his first brochure, magazine (Avalanche Annual Fest Magazine), and prospectus for his Alma Mater, KLS GIT, Belgaum. In 2013, he graduated with a distinction in Bachelors of Architecture from Visvesvaraya Technological University.
Since 2014, he has worked with brands like Thomas Albert Music, The Hive, The Black Canvas, SoundCloud, Scootsy, PhiFilms, OpenDesk, Maker's Asylum, Ketto, funKtion design, EDStudio Architects, de.Sign Architecture Urban Design, Cinemamu, Airbnb, Adidas, &c. In 2015, he started the WikiHouse / BOM chapter of The WikiHouse Project in Bombay.
In 2016, Muzej Za Arhitektiro In Oblikovanje and Future Architecture Platform published his work: GRÜHAM. He takes pride in stopping a country from deporting a friend, back in 2017. Later that year, he became an Airbnb Superhost, a top Medium writer, and The Economic Times of India cited his views on Stand-Up Comedy culture.
In 2018, he made SHLVNG, furniture by OpenDesk, and sold these products on Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder. In 2019, he proofread research papers at SVKM's NMIMS, Mumbai (NMIMS School of Branding && Advertising). Later that year, he taught Architectural Design, Graphics & Drawing Representation, and AutoDesk products as a visiting faculty at Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Architecture, Navi Mumbai.
In 2020, one of his repositories was selected for the Arctic Code Vault of the GitHub Archive Program. In 2021, he started Your Mail Project.
Since 2022, he is listed as an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Architecture, Navi Mumbai. He took a sabbatical in 2023.
In 2024, he built a merchandising venture - Geometry. Currently, he is creating the open-source _ASK_: Daily Research tool - an offline-first AI platform for generating photorealistic Q&A content on research themes including architecture, sustainability, and urban planning.
He has been working in the fields of academic research, app development, architecture, art, banking, blogging, bookmaking, book-writing, clothing, construction, content creation, content writing, curation, design, e-commerce, engineering, film making, food delivery, furniture design, garments, graphic design, hospitality, logistics, lyrics writing, mapping, market research, music, merchandising, manufacturing, open-source architecture, operations, photography, podcasts, product design, sound & production, teaching, telemarketing, venture capital, vlogging, and web design.
People
These people taught me things that I could not have learnt otherwise.
A V, Suchendra. + Adams, Vesely. + Agarwal, Bharat. + Aknoji, Anand. + Albert, Thomas. + Allagui, Anis. + Alva, Praveen. + Ansari, Yusuf. + Anvekar, Rohit. + Banejee, Spandan. + Bansal, Amrita. + Barve, Aditya. + Barve, Shalmali Patkar. + Bhangare, Kaustubh. + Cervinkova, Katrina. + Chahal, Dapinder. + Chhabra, Vaibhav. + Chougule, Umesh. + Das, Prasoon G. + Dave, Poulomi. + Desai, Ashutosh. + Desai, Gauri. + Desai, Shirish. + Divos, Erika Jimena Montalvo. + Dodhia, Khyati. + Dolas, Akshay. + Dongare, Praveen. + Drake, Gemma. + D'Souza, Adolf. + D'Souza, Lloyd. + D'Souza, Mark. + D'Souza, Richard. + D'Souza, Winston. + Fernandes, Annie. + Fernando, Thomas. + Fuchs, Carl Justus. + Gabajiwala, Tasneem. + Gupta, HN Srikanth. + Gupta, Nikita. + Hegde, Pawan. + Hernandez, Penelope. + Ingalagi, Nagesh. + Jagger, Prashin. + Jain, Ankit. + Jayarajan, Ashwin. + Jayarajan, Geeta. + Jha, Shashank. + Joshua, Sneha. + Kadabi, Aditya. + Kalra, Sukhda. + Kamath, Deepa. + Kedia, Akshat. + Kenkre, Siddhi. + Khanolkar, Suyash. + Kharsati, Elgiva. + Khemalapure, Shreyank. + Khundrakpam, Sushilkumar. + Knight, Harry. + Konarikova, Michala. + Koutumbeerkar, Prashant. + Kubski, Kathrina. + Maheo, Asoni. + Maheshwari, Sachin. + Mahidharia, Anool. + Martin, Sara. + Masurkar, Jayesh. + Mathew, Abish. + MD, Mushab. + Modak, Balwant. + Moghe, Yash. + Mohandas, Manjusha. + Mohe, Sanjay. + Mohite, Rohit. + Mutkekar, Prasad. + Naik, Surabhi. + Nair, Sudeip. + Nambiar, EPG. + Natverlal, Piyush Prince. + Ortiz, Elian Miroslav Lopez. + Pai, Shivangi. + Patade, Yugandhar. + Patel, Anushree Hiren. + Patkar, Mandar. + Patkar, Pallavi. + Patkar, Sarthak. + Pesswani, Monica. + Pesswani, Nikita. + Philip, Sebastian. + Pinishetti, Srushti. + Poojary, Shivani. + Pradeep, Ankita. + Quimson, Ezra Leih. + Rai, Nitya. + Rana, Pradeep. + Rastogi, Krishna. + Rathod, Shraddha. + Renteria, Eric Gregory Lovell. + Rohida, Sakshi. + Saboji, Sharan. + Sadalage, Vishal. + Sahai, Arjit. + Salvi, Ashwini. + Samant, Dhananjay. + Samant, Kunal. + Samant, Mitalee. + Samant, Neha. + Samant, Nilima. + Samant, Raghunandan. + Samant, Shirish. + Sangolli, Padma. + Sawalkar, Prajakta. + Sethi, Kaushal. + Shah, Prachi. + Sharma, Akash. + Shetty, Chetan. + Shiroshi, Akshay. + Sridhar, Madhusudhan. + Sridharan, Shruti. + Swat, Justyna. + Talreja, Pooja. + Tavargeri, Avani. + Thelekkat, Jayarajan. + Thelekkat, Mohandas. + Timmermans, Thies. + Upasani, Sonali. + Van Gelder, Elke. + Varadkar, Neha. + Varadkar, Ramchandra. + Varadkar, Santosh. + Vora, Shyam. + Wadhwani, Sakshi. + Yalgi, Mohit.