Innovative Glass Technologies in Modern Architecture
Glass has long been celebrated for its versatility and aesthetic appeal—in this insightful conversation with Ar. Manish Dikshit, we delve into his world where he takes this material and elevates it one step further into the innovative.
Ar. Manish, one of the visionary founders of AUM Architects in Mumbai, boasts a crazy origin story—the embers of failures from his student career ignited a fire that led to success, currently making him 20 years strong in the field, with an impressive portfolio of over 500+ projects. It’s this same dash of eclecticism that lends itself to his designs, urging him to frequently seek out excitement in his design process.
In this short showcase of his remarkable projects, he presents how architectural glass in design can transform spaces by harnessing the power of light and transparency. For Ar. Manish, glass is more than just a material; it is an artistic medium. By skillfully utilizing glass technology and its reflective and refractive properties, he turns these natural phenomena into integral design elements, crafting spaces that are both functional and breathtaking.
Before delving into his works, he emphasizes that the fundamental in all of Aum’s projects is to bring nature into spaces as a standard approach, whether in private bungalows or large commercial developments. Smart usage of glass hence becomes pivotal in integrating the elements into spaces. Such usage can further be optimized through a keen understanding of light sources and heat gain, ensuring every project benefits from its thoughtful incorporation.

Credits – AUM Architects
In the first project that he showcases, the largest tile showroom project in Mumbai, Ar. Manish demonstrates his ability to rethink material applications. Designed as a large rectangular space reminiscent of IKEA, the project aims to break the conventional perception of tiles being limited to kitchens and bathrooms. The space creates an immersive experience through strategic zoning, where everything is cladded in tile.
Through this project, Ar. Manish draws a fascinating parallel between tiles and architectural glass, using reflection and light dispersion to transform the user’s spatial perception. Innovative usage of glass manipulates light to influence a space’s ambiance and size; similarly, tiles in this showroom are leveraged as reflective surfaces that define the mood and dimensions of the environment, proving that material innovation can redefine how we experience glass in design.

Ar. Manish’s expertise in residential design is exemplified in a recent 4BHK to 2BHK transformation, named Meander Haus, for a client who cherished greenery. By borrowing living room space to create a larger balcony, he seamlessly introduced more flora and fauna into the urban home. Energy-efficient glass became a crucial component of this redesign, curbing heat gain while enhancing natural light. He highlights that advancements in smart glass technology, such as sandwich glass panels, make such designs possible. Such innovative glass technology are transformative in solving a perennial architectural challenge—particularly in tropical climates like Mumbai—balancing the need for natural light with the prevention of heat gain. For Ar. Manish, the right planning and timely integration of sustainable glass solutions are essential for long-term cost efficiency.

Credits- AUM Architects
Further, the apartment’s layout fosters a free-flowing atmosphere, anchored by a central glass partition connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This smart glass element not only enhances spatial connectivity but also complements unique design features like a custom wash basin replacing a traditional mirror.
Ar. Manish then goes on to demonstrate his team’s innovative use of glass across a variety of projects, showcasing its adaptability and transformative potential. In a competition project in Kazakhstan, where subzero temperatures demand exceptional heat retention, glass is utilized to optimize insulation without compromising aesthetics. In residential designs like Meander Haus in Mumbai, architectural glass is employed to seamlessly blend the elements into living spaces, creating a harmonious connection with nature. Fluted glass finds its place in walk-in wardrobes, where it refracts natural light to bathe the space in a warm glow, avoiding the darkening effects of conventional materials and making the area appear more expansive. In bathrooms, reflective surfaces of mirrors and glass partitions elevate the user experience by enhancing light flow and spatial perception. Translucent glass, styled in Greek classical windows, serves as both a privacy solution and a source of natural light, softly illuminating cozy living room spaces. Similarly, it functions as a partition between kitchens and pooja areas, ingeniously blocking views into sacred spaces while allowing borrowed light to flood through.

Credits- AUM Architects
In commercial spaces, Ar. Manish flips conventional design narratives by introducing tinted glass panels cascading from the ceiling, offering semi-private zones with an elegant twist. A cosmetic surgeon’s office exemplifies how natural light, filtered through glass, transforms the ambiance into one that feels light and airy. Additionally, the creative use of fluted glass combined with landscaping in transition areas demonstrates how partitions can become both functional and visually engaging, emphasizing the fusion of material innovation with thoughtful design.
Architectural glass, as a glamorous and luxurious design element, remains integral to contemporary design. Ar. Manish and his team continue to push boundaries with experiments in reflection, refraction, texture, and innovative glass shapes, transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary features. Looking to the future, Ar. Manish envisions a world where smart glass seamlessly integrates with the booming AI technology, automatically regulating heat gain while allowing natural light to illuminate spaces. His anticipation of this new era of innovative glass technology reflects his forward-thinking approach. Through his innovative practices, Ar. Manish Dikshit’s expertise continues to shape modern architectural narratives, inspiring architects and enthusiasts to explore the endless possibilities of design.