Liveable Urbanism WSA

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Liveable Urbanism WSA Design studio and research team in Cardiff University focusing on creating a more liveable Calicut

Our layout is finally finished and ready for the WSA Show! Built as a layered cardboard landscape, the installation take...
19/06/2026

Our layout is finally finished and ready for the WSA Show! Built as a layered cardboard landscape, the installation takes inspiration from the density, adaptability and spatial character of informal cities, with towers, narrow passages, stepped platforms and clustered displays creating a small urban environment of its own. You can find us on the 2nd floor in the Hybrid Studio, where we’ll be waiting to welcome everyone, share our work and talk through the ideas behind the project.

Come and see it!

Our Somnath Research Booklet brings together the work of the Liveable Urbanism Unit 2025 | 26, documenting our journey f...
19/06/2026

Our Somnath Research Booklet brings together the work of the Liveable Urbanism Unit 2025 | 26, documenting our journey from defining what liveability means, to developing a research methodology rooted in mapping, fieldwork, observation and engagement with local communities. Focusing on Somnath, India, the booklet explores the complex relationship between urban form, everyday life, culture, environment, infrastructure and social equity, translating our research into findings that reveal both the challenges and opportunities shaping the city’s future.

This booklet reflects a collaborative process made possible through the guidance of our tutors, the support of our collaborators and the generosity of the people of Somnath, whose knowledge, hospitality and lived experiences gave depth and meaning to the research.

You can find this and have a look at it at the 2026 WSA show TODAY.

UrbanDesign ResearchBooklet Fieldwork Mapping India

During our six days in Ahmedabad, we explored a range of historically and architecturally significant sites that offered...
01/02/2026

During our six days in Ahmedabad, we explored a range of historically and architecturally significant sites that offered insight into the city’s layered cultural identity. These included Adalaj Stepwell, where the intricately carved stone and climatic design revealed how architecture was historically used to mediate heat, light and social gathering.

We also visited Gandhi Ashram, designed by Charles Correa, whose modest materiality and open spatial layout reflect Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of simplicity, community and self-sufficiency. The ashram’s architecture demonstrated how design can embody political and ethical values rather than monumentality.

Another key visit was the Mill Owners’ Association Building, designed by Le Corbusier, where we were able to tour the building and experience its spatial sequencing firsthand. The project exemplifies Corbusier’s modernist approach adapted to the Indian climate.

On Monday, we worked from Sangath in Ahmedabad, spending the day developing and refining the data we gathered from Somna...
29/01/2026

On Monday, we worked from Sangath in Ahmedabad, spending the day developing and refining the data we gathered from Somnath. Sangath, the former studio of Balkrishna Doshi, provided a unique and inspiring environment to work in and we are grateful for the opportunity to experience its atmosphere firsthand.

We’ve officially wrapped up our site analysis of Somnath, and what a journey it’s been. Over the past weeks, we’ve gathe...
26/01/2026

We’ve officially wrapped up our site analysis of Somnath, and what a journey it’s been. Over the past weeks, we’ve gathered a huge range of data to truly understand the place beyond what maps and drawings can show.
From environmental insights such as air and water quality, noise levels, and waste patterns; to social layers like interviews, observations, education, and everyday life. We also explored the economic context, looking at investment patterns, cost of living, employment, and local activity, alongside so much more.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to speak with us, share their experiences and allow us to collect the information needed to move forward with our design project.
This foundation will guide our next steps as we translate research into meaningful, context-driven design.

We had the opportunity to visit a local school in the Shahpur–Sidh (Shankarsinh) area and we were able to spend time wit...
20/01/2026

We had the opportunity to visit a local school in the Shahpur–Sidh (Shankarsinh) area and we were able to spend time within a real learning environment which allowed us to better understand how educational spaces function at a local level, from daily routines to teaching methods and community engagement.

We are deeply grateful to the school staff and principal for their guidance, openness and hospitality throughout our visit.

A special thank you to Gir Somnath Post for publishing and sharing our experience 📰✨

Over the past days, we’ve travelled through Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, exploring their architecture, urban landscape...
18/01/2026

Over the past days, we’ve travelled through Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, exploring their architecture, urban landscapes and the ways culture and daily life shape the city. From historic forts to dense street networks, each place offered a distinct spatial and social experience.
We also spent time in Ahmedabad, where we were welcomed by the local community, dancing together and taking part in the vibrant kite festival.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who welcomed us and shared their culture, food and stories.
Now in Somnath, where our site is located, we’ve begun our site analysis in collaboration with ANU University.

Learning from cities, communities and lived urban experiences 🌍✨

We’ve officially arrived in India 🇮🇳Over the past days, we’ve explored Delhi, visited Chandigarh, and shared an inspirin...
10/01/2026

We’ve officially arrived in India 🇮🇳

Over the past days, we’ve explored Delhi, visited Chandigarh, and shared an inspiring workshop with SPA University.
The exchange of ideas highlighted how context, culture and lived experience shape architectural thinking, opening up meaningful conversations on how we design and imagine cities.

✨ This week, every Year 3 unit took part in a mini exhibition showcasing our Semester 1 work! ✨We loved sharing our own ...
10/12/2025

✨ This week, every Year 3 unit took part in a mini exhibition showcasing our Semester 1 work! ✨
We loved sharing our own explorations into liveable urbanism and the collaborative booklet created between Year 3 and MArch2.

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Castle Grounds, Cathays Park
Cardiff
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