An evening with Architect Krishnamurthy
Introduction
On Friday, March 7, 2025, we had an interesting session by Architect Krishna Murthy. He explained how technology is changing the landscape of architecture. He also emphasised the need for educational institutions to impart the right skills to students.
About Architect Krishna Murthy
Architect Krishna Murthy is the founder and Principal Architect of Folds Design Studio, based in Navi Mumbai. He graduated in 1997 from the Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture. In his career spanning more than 25 years, he has focused on redefining the discourse of contemporary architecture, pushing the boundaries of digital design and fabrication. From humble beginnings, Mr Krishna Murthy has used years of experience and research to make the studio grow exponentially. The studio has established itself as a powerhouse of design and fabrication excellence, housing a team of architects, designers and skilled artisans. He is dedicated to building designs that epitomize excellence, sustainability, and the perfect union of Al, 3D modelling, and research.
Architect Krishna Murthy has also pioneered the use of 3D printing to bring complex geometries and advanced fluid forms to life, not just as moulds but as final, fully finished products. His explorations span a wide range of scales—from intricate, miniature 2-inch furniture prototypes to monumental 30-feet fluidic columns. He has leveraged materials such as PLA, PETG, ABS and concrete, adapting each to suit different project requirements and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with these technologies. His work includes creating luminaires, furniture pieces, façade details, moulds, prototypes, and other non-structural architectural elements, demonstrating a versatile approach to 3D printing.
Technology in architecture
Technology is being used at scale in architecture. Without understanding and mastering technology, it is difficult for architects to grow their business. Various sophisticated machines and software are used that enable precision and improve efficiency. Using advanced technology, items with complex geometry can be easily fabricated.
Here are some examples.
Water jet cutter: Also known as a water jet or waterjet, is an industrial tool capable of cutting a wide variety of materials using an extremely high-pressure jet of water, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance. The term abrasive jet refers specifically to the use of a mixture of water and an abrasive to cut hard materials such as metal, stone or glass. The terms pure waterjet and water-only cutting refer to waterjet cutting without the use of added abrasives. This is often used for softer materials such as wood or rubber.
Mr Krishna Murthy illustrated how he built a 20,000 sq. foot swimming pool in the outskirts of Bangalore. The materials used included granite, glass, wood, tiles. Various cosmic patterns were created using this technology. The cost of execution falls sharply when we use water jet cutting. CAD CAM software generates NC (Numerically Calculated) files to ensure precision and accuracy of the structure being developed.
Mr Krishna Murthy also illustrated his work at Bangalore airport’s international lounge. He came up with a curvilinear structure that would have been difficult to build manually. Precise fabrication was possible with the help of software.
CNC machine: With a 3-axis CNC machine, the workpiece is stationary while the cutting tool moves across the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. The X-axis (vertical axis) is left to right along the lathe table, the Y-axis (horizontal axis) is from front to back of the table, and the spindle that drops from the top marks the Z-axis (depth).
These machines can be used for engraving on marble, concrete, granite, wood, processing of composite marble and building sculptures and artefacts such as dining tables with unique design.
Thermoforming: This is a manufacturing process where a heated thermoplastic sheet is stretched and formed into a desired shape using a mould and then cooled to retain its shape. The properties of the material are changed suitably. It is a versatile technique used for creating various products, including packaging and durable parts. This technique can be used for making facades in architecture.
Metal laser cutting: This is an important subtractive manufacturing process that involves using a high-powered laser beam to cut through different types of metals with precision and accuracy. It can be used to cut mild steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminium. Using this machine, we can cut thicknesses of up to 12 mm and at a speed of almost 30 km per hour. These machines cut metal only with air when thickness is below 6 mm. When the thickness goes above 6 mm, gases like nitrogen are needed. This kind of technique is necessary today because economics plays a major role when we are trying to do a large façade with metal.
Note: Nitrogen can improve the quality of the cut, especially when working with stainless steel and aluminium. It can create a cleaner cut edge and help reduce oxidation. Nitrogen can also help speed up the cutting process, resulting in faster production times and greater efficiency. The use of nitrogen can also extend the life of the laser cutting machine by reducing the amount of wear and tear.
Non-metal laser machines: These can be used to cut veneer, MDF, acrylic, paper, tile, etc.
3 D printing: This is gaining traction. Many students have small machines. These machines can be used not just for making prototypes but also to make moulds and then do casting. So, 3 D printing can be used to enable large scale production. Concrete 3 D printing is very useful for complex geometry. For simple shapes, it is not economical.
Robotic arms: These are used to automate repetitive tasks.
Software: Various types of software are used in architecture. They provide the required flexibility during design and ensure high accuracy.
An NC (Numerical Control) file is a text-based file format containing instructions for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. These files store G-code, a programming language that directs the movement and operation of CNC machines, such as milling machines, lathes, and 3D printers.
Q&A
Industry is willing to spend money today. Many huge projects have been launched. But educational institutions have to do more to train students. The curriculum today does not offer enough flexibility to students to learn the latest technologies. With the rise of AI, it is possible for anyone to become an architect. So, professionals have to remain at the cutting edge of technology. Educational institutions are the starting point for the skilling of architects. Unfortunately, they are not equipping students properly.
Many new colleges are being opened. Students who graduate this year are appointed faulty the next year. We need to set the bar higher when it comes to appointing faculty members. We need more qualified teachers in our educational institutions. Professionals should get involved. Alumni should go back to their colleges as visiting faculty. We should also leverage international speakers who can do online sessions.
Mr Krishna Murthy’s organization is doing its own bit towards building capacity. Interns are provided exposure. He is also guiding architectural firms who need help. Mr Krishna Murthy is generally accessible on Instagram, where he shares updates and insights. He conducts workshops in which both the latest software and fabrication technologies are demonstrated. International architects are invited to be facilitators of these workshop. The participants get to understand how other countries are tackling similar problems.
A lot of money is being wasted. Public spaces and monuments should be inspiring. We must go beyond copy paste projects. In many cases images from sites like Pinterest are copied and modified slightly and converted into moulds. This is not the way to inspire people. If we leverage technology well, we can make a huge impact on the public through our public spaces. Otherwise, we will have to keep changing things every year, as has become the trend these days.
We should safeguard our heritage but also take it forward. Merely copying it is not enough. We must transition from one era to another.
The Middle East and now China are attracting tourists with their inspiring spaces. We have failed in this regard. We are plagued by multiple problems: religious, political, cultural, local city development authority.
While doing city scaping, we need to keep the future in mind. Chunks of land have to be consolidated and redesigned with roads, gardens, walkways, etc. Government should be more transparent. It should collect the views of the public. Crowdsourcing of views can be a great enabler.
We need new governing bodies to bring different stakeholders together while designing public spaces.