India, Nov. 1 -- Spread across 3000 sq ft, Ahmedabad's MRDA rooftop cafe is a unique example of regenerative design, indigenous building practices and seasonal food. Founded by Sanidhya Bhuva and Purav Patel, MRDA opened last year and has cemented a firm place for itself in the city's dining scene. "MRDA is the Sanskrit word for soil, and through it, we ask a simple question: what if a space could work with nature, rather than simply exist within it?" says Bhuvan.

Designed by Studio Out of the Shed, the space focusses on indigenous architecture, ensuring that natural light reaches every part of the cafe throughout the day, shaping the experience of the space as much as the architecture itself. "This thought process extends to the kitchen...