The younger generation of architects is breaking new frontiers with their design creations. Needless to say, they have adapted very fast with the fast-paced technological advancement with their design creations unlike their predecessors in the field. The GEN Z Series travels from Manchester School of Architecture to California Institute of the Arts to meet 2021 graduated Master of Fine Arts Indian Experiential Designer – Architect Kanthi Ananthagopal. In the year 2018, she graduated with a B. Arch degree from Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Currently, Kanthi Ananthagopal is working as an Associate Creative Director at MODE Studios, Seattle, USA.
Kanthi Ananthagopal hails from Bangalore and is currently based in Toronto. She comes from an academic family. She informs, “I come from a family that deeply values education and creativity. My father, an IIT graduate, retired from L&T Construction Equipment Ltd. My mother, an English teacher, instilled in me a love for language and thoughtful communication. Their dedication to hard work, discipline and learning has been a guiding force in my life. They have inspired me to take risks, think differently and pursue my creative aspirations with confidence (smiles).”
Embedded LEDs simulate Nature Seamlessly
“I am currently based in Toronto. I am an experiential designer and architect with a passion for creating functional and visually engaging spaces. I continue to explore interdisciplinary design fields, pushing the boundaries of experiential and architectural design to create spaces that are both impactful and inspiring. I earned my Master of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts, specializing in art direction, production design, and visual communication. My career has followed an unconventional path, transitioning from architecture to themed entertainment, brand activations, and live events. This journey has allowed me to merge storytelling with spatial design, crafting immersive experiences that connect people to spaces in meaningful ways,” Kanthi Ananthagopal adds.
Kanthi Ananthagopal comes across as an inquisitive, respectful and a lively individual apart from being exceptionally creative to the core. Johnny D interacts with Kanthi Ananthagopal to explore her quest in the architecture and experiential designing fields. She shares her outstanding project ‘Interactive Urbanism: Digital Futures, Riyadh’.
Concept Jewel of the Desert – I
What was your childhood ambition? Have you always wanted to become an architect cum experiential designer?
As a child, I was drawn to creativity and building things. Whether it was designing makeshift homes for my dolls or imagining fantastical worlds, I was fascinated by spaces and stories. While I did not know what an architect or experiential designer was at the time, I have always wanted to create something that combined imagination and function.
Pursuing architecture gave me the tools to bring spaces to life, but over time, I realized I wanted to go beyond traditional design. This curiosity led me to experiential design, where I could merge storytelling, art direction and spatial design to craft immersive experiences. Looking back, I see how my childhood love for creation has shaped the designer in me (smiles).
Concept Jewel of the Desert – II
How has architecture influenced your life as a student?
Architecture transformed how I engage with the world, teaching discipline, resilience and the balance between creativity and practicality. The studio environment and critiques pushed me to think critically and embrace feedback for growth. Beyond design, architecture expanded my perspective on human interaction with space, laying the foundation for my transition to experiential design, where I create environments that connect emotionally and functionally.
Interactive Tech flows through Space
Briefly tell us about your University and the Master’s Course.
I completed my Master of Fine Arts in Scene Design at the California Institute of the Arts, a globally renowned hub for artistic innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. CalArts founded by Walt Disney nurtures creativity and artistry across diverse fields. The Scene Design specialization within the Experience Design and Production program blends theoretical study with practical experience in live performance, film, themed environments and immersive experiences. This transformative experience honed my skills in storytelling, spatial design and visual communication.
Master Plan Macro View
Briefly describe the significance of your project with the ‘Title of the Project and Site Location’.
Title of the Project: Interactive Urbanism: Digital Futures
Site Location: North Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
As a key member of the design team at MODE, I contributed significantly to the Digital Placemaking initiative for the North Riyadh Master Plan, aimed at transforming the area into a dynamic urban environment through digital technologies integrated into its architecture and public spaces. Digital placemaking combines interactive media, smart technologies and digital art to enhance the physical space, fostering immersive and engaging experiences.
LIDAR Tech enhances Spatial Engagement
My role involved identifying opportunities for integrating these digital elements into the architectural design, strengthening emotional and social connections within the environment. The project’s goal was to create a modern, sustainable urban hub, blending architecture with digital innovation to push the boundaries of traditional urban design.
Digital River Illustration – Town Square – I
Additionally, we delivered a comprehensive 1,047-page playbook featuring guidelines, digital interventions and a “Kit of Parts” for retailers and developers. This playbook serves as a foundation for stakeholders to create interconnected, vibrant spaces throughout the district. I researched user personas and designed actionable benchmarks, ensuring the playbook supports the development of innovative, engaging spaces that enhance both function and experience. This integration of digital placemaking offers a vision for future cities—technologically advanced, yet human-centered, adaptable, responsive and enriching users.
Digital River Illustration – Town Square – II
Which National or International architect has inspired / influenced you? Please specify as to why?
One architect who has influenced my work is Bjarke Ingels, Founder of BIG. His innovative approach blending sustainability, social impact and creative design resonates with me. Ingels’ focus on creating spaces that serve both immediate functions and larger purposes inspires my shift from traditional architecture to experiential design.
Digital River Illustration – Town Square – III
His projects, like the ‘Amager Resource Center’ and ‘8 House’, demonstrate how architecture can connect with communities and environments, aligning with my belief that spaces should engage people emotionally. Ingels’ integration of storytelling and social responsibility has shaped my vision to create spaces that are both beautiful and transformative.
Digital River Illustration – Streetscape
As an Intern, what is the most important lesson(s) you have learned from senior architects, while being a part of a project?
As an intern, the most valuable lesson I learned from senior architects was the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. I was taught to approach design with bold ideas, while understanding constraints like budget, structure and time. Collaboration was also the key, as architecture is a collective process that requires clear communication and openness to feedback. Lastly, I gained a deep appreciation for the details – how a space feels, functions and impacts daily life. These lessons have shaped my design approach, emphasizing both the big picture and the nuanced details that elevate users’ experience.
Dynamic Spaces inspired by Wadis
What are the current prospects and challenges of jobs’ opportunities for fresh young architects in Toronto, Canada? Elucidate briefly.
Toronto offers diverse opportunities for young architects, driven by the city’s focus on sustainable design and urban development. While obtaining an architectural license in Canada is a long and rigorous process, many architecture-adjacent opportunities exist in fields like experiential design, project management and urban planning.
The main challenge lies in fierce competition and the need to balance creative ambitions with gaining practical experience. However, Toronto’s dynamic market and growing demand for innovative talent make it an exciting place for new architects to start their careers.
Digital River – Main Flow
What role do you perform as an Associate Creative Director at MODE Studios?
As an Associate Creative Director at MODE Studios, a Seattle-based creative agency, I led the conceptualization, creative strategy development and design of immersive environments and experiential installations. My work involves crafting innovative visual narratives and ensuring projects aligned with clients’ goals, while delivering memorable experiences for audiences.
While my role was primarily remote, I was present in person for project-oriented situations, such as on-site design coordination, client presentations and overseeing installations. This setup allowed me to balance high-level creative strategy with hands-on involvement during critical phases of each project.
Concrete Barriers – Hostile Architecture, Toronto
Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ has become an inconvenience, eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Elucidate your perspectives about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.
Hostile architecture, designed to deter behaviors like loitering or sleeping, contradicts the core principles of inclusive and human-centered design. It often marginalizes vulnerable populations and prioritizes control over empathy, turning public spaces into unwelcoming environments.
Anti-Skateboard Deterrents – Hostile Architecture, Toronto
Instead of such measures, architects should focus on creating adaptable, inclusive spaces that address systemic issues like homelessness through thoughtful planning and community engagement. Cities thrive when public spaces promote belonging and coexistence rather than exclusion.
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
What I admire the most about ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ is its commitment to amplifying young architects’ voices through initiatives like the GEN Z Series. Its global reach and focus on fostering a community that values creativity, collaboration and inclusivity provide emerging talent with a rare opportunity to share their work and engage in meaningful conversations within the design world.
Digital River – Tributaries
The “Global Urban Failure” has seen all the major cities being flooded 365 days of each year. Elucidate your perspectives and solutions as to how can the future of urban planning of cities be tackled to overcome this existential crisis?
The recurring flooding in cities highlights the need for sustainable urban planning. To address this, cities should invest in green infrastructure – like permeable pavements and urban forests – that can absorb excess water. Improving drainage systems, elevating buildings and integrating flood-resistant designs into urban planning are essential.
Sensory Multiplier, Interaction Redefined
Additionally, decentralized solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and localized flood protection, empower communities to tackle flooding at the grassroots level. Ultimately, cities must be designed to coexist with nature, focusing on resilience and long-term sustainability.
Custom LED, Unmatched Visual Brilliance
How would you describe Indian Architecture from your perspective as an Architect?
Indian architecture blends tradition with innovation, rooted in ancient history with intricate craftsmanship, symbolic designs and a deep connection to spirituality and the environment. From grand temples to modern urban structures, it has evolved while retaining its cultural essence.
Digital River – Creeks
As an architect, I view it as a dynamic field that balances modernity with heritage. Contemporary Indian architecture increasingly embraces sustainability, responding to urbanization while preserving cultural identities. The challenge is merging these elements honoring the past, while shaping a functional and culturally resonant future.
Engaging App for Tailored-Experiences
Looking at the past in the current present, what are the futuristic architectural changes you would like to see in your home city / town? Elucidate the reasons for your vision.
As a city known for its tech innovation, Bangalore should lead the smart architecture movement by integrating intelligent systems into buildings that optimize energy use and enhance urban living. Sustainable, energy-efficient designs, coupled with green spaces, could make the city a model for modern, resilient urban environments. This vision is driven by the need to address Bangalore’s growing population, rising pollution and the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring a more livable and sustainable future.
Dynamic Spaces for Shifting Purposes
Honours and awards related to architecture, if any.
I am a proud recipient of the Lillian Disney Scholarship, a prestigious award that supported my studies at CalArts and helped refine my creative skills in architecture and design.
Dichroic Sculptures with Interactive Glow
Image Courtesy: Kanthi Ananthagopal