Abhay Prabhavana: Architecture as a Living Dialogue Between Heritage and Values

On World Architecture Day, few places capture the dialogue between design, philosophy, and culture as gracefully as the Abhay Prabhavana Museum & Knowledge Centre near Pune. Spanning 22.25 Hector (55 acres), it is among the largest private museums in the world, envisioned as a Museum of Ideas where architecture extends as storytelling in stone, space, and form.

The museum’s journey begins with the striking 13.3 meters (43-foot) Art Deco-style statue of Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, surrounded by murals that narrate humanity’s earliest steps into civilization. The 30.4 meters (100-foot) marble Manastambh rises nearby, its seven stages carved with symbols of humility and elevation, reminding visitors that architecture can embody values as powerfully as words.

Inside, 30 galleries unfold like carefully designed chapters, blending modern technology with traditional motifs. Interactive exhibits, immersive domes, and layered murals transform walls into living texts, shaping spaces that educate while inspiring reflection. The Plaza of Equanimity houses the Sarvatobhadra statue facing four directions, a design that makes inclusivity tangible through symmetry and openness.

The museum extends outdoors with its heritage walk, where recreations of Dholavira, Kere Basadi, Pavapuri’s Jal Mandir, and the Gwalior caves turn architecture into experience, letting visitors “travel” across centuries within a single arena. At Abhay Prabhavana, architecture is both: a visual grandeur as well as a living medium – one that bridges art, philosophy, and values, building upon the role of design in shaping how we experience heritage and meaning.

 World Architecture Day: Merino’s Grande Vision for Seamless Design

Architecture is often described as the meeting point of imagination and material. On World Architecture Day, it feels important to recognise the vision of architects & also the role of materials in helping those visions come alive. At Merino, this belief has always been at the core of innovation i.e., creating solutions that do both: support design alongside upscaling it.

From pioneering engineered surfaces to setting new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing, Merino has consistently worked with one guiding idea: design should inspire, perform, and last. This approach has allowed the company to become one of India’s most respected names in surface solutions, trusted by architects, designers, and homeowners alike. The journey has been about listening to the evolving needs of the design community and responding with products that redefine what’s possible. The Grande Collection is a perfect example of that philosophy.

Rethinking Scale in Interiors

Modern interiors are no longer confined to small dimensions. In the 21st century – homes, offices, and hospitality spaces aspire for openness and fluidity. Architects want to work with planes that feel seamless, uninterrupted, and expansive. Traditional laminates, while versatile, often posed one limitation: size. Multiple sheets meant visible joints, breaking the flow of design.

The Grande Collection was created to change this equation. At 10 feet in height and 4 feet in width, with a thickness of 1.25 mm, these laminates deliver uninterrupted elegance. With no cuts & no breaks, homeowners & architects get free-flowing, uninterrupted beauty. For floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, tall shutters, expansive wall panels, long doors, or long tables, Grande makes seamless scale a reality.

Inspired by Nature, Crafted for Luxury

Grande is a lot more than size. Its strength lies equally in the finishes it offers. With 59 exclusive designs spread across 9 unique finishes, the collection provides architects with a broad yet carefully curated palette. Finishes include Feather Touch, High Gloss, Linea Wood, Luxe, Timber, Veneer, Woven, and more: each bringing its own texture and depth.

From 23 sophisticated solid tones to nature-inspired woods, stones, veneers, and patterns, the collection speaks the language of versatility. Every sheet embodies rich, unique textures that reflect modern global design sensibilities while staying rooted in elegance. Irrespective of what you want: understated woodgrains, bold metallics, or intricate patterns, the range has been designed to transform everyday interiors into grand, unified expressions of luxury.

Exclusivity by Design

Grande is a collection positioned with intentional exclusivity. It is meant for premium residential architects and interior designers (AIDs), especially those already working with veneers and luxury surfaces. On the retail side, it is selectively available only through big showroom-type dealer outlets, limited to a handful of partners in each key market. This ensures Grande retains its distinctiveness while giving professionals something truly special to work with.

Built for Architects, Backed by Merino

Merino’s legacy of manufacturing excellence is one of Grande Collection's greatest USPs. Precision calibration ensures dimensional stability, while the larger size reduces installation time and eliminates disruptive joints. For architects, it means fewer limitations; for installers, smoother execution. Grande also carries forward Merino’s ethos of innovation with responsibility. The brand’s focus on sustainable practices from renewable energy adoption to agroforestry-based raw material sourcing ensures that every sheet is as responsible as it is refined.

Celebrating World Architecture Day: Designing Functional and Sustainable Spaces with REHAU Laminates

World Architecture Day is a tribute to the role architecture plays in shaping societies, lifestyles, and the future of our planet. It is a reminder that design is not just about creating visually appealing structures, but about building spaces that promote well-being, functionality, and sustainability. At REHAU, we believe that materials form the backbone of meaningful design. Our laminates are crafted to support architects, designers, and homeowners in creating interiors that are not only beautiful but also durable and environmentally responsible. By combining precision manufacturing with innovative finishes, REHAU laminates embody the balance of sustainability, usability, and aesthetics that modern architecture demands.

Why You Should Choose REHAU Laminateds for Moern Living?

REHAU laminates are made with a special stability between performance and design, in contrast to standard decorative laminates. Designers and householders can freely analysis with them because they are available in a broad range of finishes, including metallic, textured woodgrains, high-gloss, soft matt, and modern solid shades.

•       For a sleek kitchen, choose high-gloss laminates from REHAU, which beautifully reflect light and give the impression of more open, airy space. They are perfect for the busiest area of your house because they are also simple to clean.

•       For Cosy Bedrooms: The woodgrain laminate collection is ideal for headboards, side tables, and wardrobes that evoke a peaceful atmosphere because it brings the cosiness of natural textures indoors.

•       For Statement Living Areas: Textured laminates, such as those with metallic and fabric-inspired finishes, give TV units, wall panels or bar counters a dramatic touch.

REHAU guarantees that every surface feels deliberate and every area of your house is well-designed by providing such a wide range of options.

Realistic Benefits that Last

Functionality is where REHAU interior laminates truly shine, regardless of style:

•       Scratch-Resistant: Ideal for high-touch locations like cabinets and closets.

•       Moisture-Resistant: Guarantees long-lasting and fresh surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.

•       Easy Maintenance: They are very useful for urban lifestyles because all it takes is a wipe to keep them looking brand new.

Because of these characteristics, REHAU laminates are a wise option for hectic homes that don't want to sacrifice style.

A Step in the Trend of Sustainable Living

Environmental responsibility is another requirement of modern architecture. Eco-friendly production techniques are used to create REHAU sustainable laminates, which cut waste and increase product longevity. Over time, their longevity results in fewer replacements, which lessens their impact on the environment. Homeowners who select REHAU make an investment in a more sustainable future in addition to design

Making Your Story Come to Life

Every house has a story to tell, and surfaces are crucial in forming that story.  REHAU laminates provide the ideal textures and colours to achieve any style, whether you're going for a classic neutral base, a warm rustic charm, or a modern urban look.  Your interiors will always be as distinctive as your lifestyle thanks to the brand's vast design library.

REHAU honours the balance of sustainability, usability, and aesthetics in design on this World Architecture Day.  The company continues to assist designers and homeowners in creating environments that feel as good as they look with laminates that are genuinely made to matter.