Celebrating India's Architects

01 Oct 2018 Editorial Team

Celebrated on the first Monday of every October, World Architecture Day was set up by the Union International des Architects (UIA) back in 2005 to 'remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat'. On its part, CW has been celebrating India's architecture over the past 13 years by awarding architects for their contribution towards nation-building (see CWAB awards on Page 52). Over the years, the role of architects has been redefined from just designing and planning a structure to being urban planners. Commenting on the occasion, Dikshu C Kukreja, Principal Architect, CP Kukreja Architects, shares, 'To me, the future of Indian architecture is not about imbibing an identity that is only skin deep, but is architecture that is sensitive to the needs of its context û social, political, economic, and geographic. It is about creating a meaningful dialogue between the tangible and intangible aspects of the built form, and giving up superfluity for spaces that have a true impact on its surroundings.' He adds, 'It is important to incorporate multidisciplinary view to generate a more comprehensive outlook in order to transform the lives of people across the country. From sustainability and low carbon footprints to the incorporation of technology to transit, every facet of the city is geared towards complete productivity. While this is undoubtedly a daring ambition, and may indeed be merely a utopian concept, we can take smaller steps towards achieving this, and in the process create better city living.' Manit Rastogi, Founding Partner, Morphogenesis, on his part, says, 'Indian Architecture has the ability to transform the lives of the people living in our country. It has evolved over the last 5,000 years and has successfully addressed the issue of sustainability while creating architecture that is adaptive, affordable, liveable and socio-culturally responsive. In a world struggling with environmental degradation, this is a highly valuable skill. Indian architecture has the potential to create a model for the future, where notions of finance, globalisation and identity currently take centre stage.' As we continue to recognise India's architects and their works, here's saluting them for their innovation that are setting standards across the globe.