What does it mean to create spaces that resonate with the urgent realities of our planet? For Mumbai-based SPASM Design Architects, the architectural practice led by Sangeeta Merchant and Sanjeev Panjabi, the answer is rooted in a conscious dedication to narratives that interweave nature, culture and architecture. The pavilion There Is No Planet B, part of ADFF:STIR Mumbai, is a striking exploration of these themes through the lens of the architecture festival’s curatorial theme, Frames of Reference. This theme encourages a fresh perspective, inviting visitors to look inward and rethink our environmental connection. By merging ancient Indian architectural elements with contemporary materiality, the pavilion sparks reflection on our role in shaping the planet’s future, contributing meaningfully to the broader conversation at the immersive JSW Pavilion Park at the National Centre for the Performing Arts' (NCPA) Open Air Plaza and the Experimental Garden from January 10-12, 2025.

The pavilion takes inspiration from Chaitya, an ancient Indian rock-cut monastery known for its sculptural and spatial elegance. In this reinterpretation, the heavy permanence of rock transforms into a lightweight structure made of bamboo scaffolding filigree and jute fabric. This deliberate shift invites visitors to experience the essence of space, form and material through a kinesthetic lens; a cinematic representation of architecture, as the Indian architects describe it. Here, mass and void, light and shade, permanence and impermanence coalesce, creating a dialogue that echoes both past and future.

At its core, the pavilion seeks to embody the spirit of the Bodhi tree, a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment in Indian culture. The structure frames the most prominent tree on the site; a peepal allowing nature to take centre stage. This gesture is not merely symbolic; it is an intentional bow to nature, a statement about architecture’s role in harmonising with rather than resisting the environment.

Much like cinema, architecture possesses the power to convey stories through spatial and temporal experiences. The pavilion exemplifies this by crafting a sensory journey that is as much about movement and interaction as it is about stillness and reflection. The bamboo and jute materials, commonly found in urban landscapes, lend the structure a sense of familiarity while simultaneously challenging the viewer to reconsider their everyday presence.

“The cinematic space does not systematically need to prove a link to reality and context; it has the liberty to animate with expression, unlike architectural space,” reflects the design studio. The pavilion’s form allows for movement and flexibility, much like the city itself. Its lightweight structure sways with the wind, embodying a controlled playfulness that mirrors urban life’s rhythms and unpredictability. This interplay of stability and movement serves as a metaphor for the delicate balance between progress and preservation, a recurring theme in the studio’s broader body of work.

In the rapidly evolving urban landscape of Mumbai, the design installation’s materials like bamboo, jute and fabric resonate deeply. These are the materials of scaffolding, construction sites and temporary shelters, omnipresent yet often overlooked. By elevating them into a poetic architectural language, the studio invites visitors to reflect on the transient yet enduring nature of cities and their relationship with the environment.

The collaboration between SPASM Design Architects and Jaipur Rugs further enriches the pavilion’s narrative. Jaipur Rugs, renowned for their commitment to preserving the ancient art of weaving, brings a tactile dimension to the space. Their carpet designs, handcrafted by over 40,000 artisans, are not merely decorative but carry stories of resilience, community and heritage. These elements underscore the pavilion’s emphasis on grounding modern expressions in Indian craftsmanship.

This pavilion is a gateway between humanity and nature, capturing the essence of the studio’s design philosophy of creating architecture that harmonises with its environment. “Inspired by the Chaitya’s dualities of mass and void, light and shadow, the installation creates a contemplative space that celebrates both the tangible and the intangible. Films relate stories and architecture embodies them. When we visited the NCPA, we were struck by a beautiful old tree that seemed to resonate with the space. We choose to honour it, building the entire structure around this connection for ADFF. We’ve taken an ancient archetype, carved out of stone and heavy and solid and reinterpreted it as something light and ephemeral. Ultimately, this project is a tribute to the tree, a symbol of respect and a reminder that there is no ‘Planet B’," shares Suneeta Merchant, SPASM Design Architects.

The pavilion is more than just a space; it serves as a call for reflection and action. It encourages visitors to reconsider their connection to the environment and the materials they encounter daily. Through its integration of traditional crafts, urban materials and a profound reverence for nature, the immersive installation challenges preconceived notions of architecture. It exemplifies how design can be a powerful tool for storytelling and environmental advocacy.

In collaboration with Jaipur Rugs and FCML, the practice has created a space that bridges the past and future, inviting visitors to engage with the complex relationship between nature, culture and architecture. As they walk through the structure, beneath the Bodhi tree, they are reminded that the choices we make today will shape the future of our planet.

For more information, visit the ADFF:STIR Mumbai website for key highlights of the festival, including the 20+ films, 10 cinematic pavilions, special projects the ~log(ue) programme, media and press coverage and more. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for ADFF:STIR Mumbai 2026.