In 2016, ITPO organised an International Architectural Design Competition, calling upon Indian architects and international firms to reimagine Pragati Maidan and construct a state-of-the-art conference and exhibition center, representing India’s 21st-century aspirations. ARCOP (Delhi) and Aedas (Singapore), led by architects Sanjay Singh and Simón Núñez de Arenas Fraile, triumphed in this competition, with construction helmed by Shapoorji Pallonji E&C.

A defining moment

Formerly the Design Leader at Aedas Singapore, Simon played a pivotal role in shaping the master plan for Bharat Mandapam, encompassing the design of exhibition halls, pergolas, amphitheaters, landscapes, and the congress center. During his three-month tenure, he initiated the project’s core ideas and competition concepts, collaborating closely with Arcop for local insights. Subsequently, Sanjay Singh took the lead in overseeing day-to-day project details, with Arcop handling comprehensive interior design.

During the concept design stage, a pivotal development emerged – the venue was chosen to host the G20 Summit. Sanjay Singh, Director, Arcop, recalls, “As designers, we were elated, but also realised that expectations were about to soar exponentially. The timeline remained unaltered, presenting us with a formidable challenge. We embarked on a visit to the G20 Summit venue in Hangzhou, seeking insights into the intricate requirements and their successful implementation.”

India’s inaugural G20 hosting prompted the need for a profound understanding of diverse aspects: the event’s precise itinerary, the protocols governing world leaders, security prerequisites, and logistical patterns. Singh adds, “We were also steadfast in implementing a system of checks and balances to safeguard project quality and development.”