The kind of beautiful buildings coming up only show that art is no more limited to only drawing vertical and horizontal lines; it has gone much beyond that

Anjum Parwez, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka This is the first time I am seeing so many stars in a single hall. With mostly architects, builders and city planners, I don’t think I will have such an opportunity to interact with so many talented people sitting here again in my career. I realise that all those present here are not only good in making smart buildings but have also made themselves smart. The Government of Karnataka is excited that Bengaluru has got this opportunity to host such a programme. Without an architect, no dream of a builder can be fulfilled. It is a joint team and I would like to congratulate each winner here because I know that getting an award is not an easy job – especially in the field of architecture or building or planning. It is an extremely tough fight because gone are the days when there were a limited number of architects in a city. Nowadays, there are so many schools of architecture that are producing talent that is as good as any international architect. The kind of buildings we see in the city and our country is mindboggling. One would not have thought of our country having our own people design these kinds of buildings. The kind of beautiful buildings coming up only show that art is no more limited to only drawing vertical and horizontal lines; it has gone much beyond that. Having said that, the issue of climate change is important to address. When we talk about urban development, it is not only construction of buildings and a few roads. Time is changing, requirements are changing, the combination of the kind of people, the segment of the people who are living in the city are changing—that is a big challenge for city planners and architect on how to fulfil their needs. Our honourable Prime Minister has declared the vision of Housing for All by 2022. This is not possible only by a government department or agency. Every person sitting here—be it a builder, city planner or architect—has to come forward and give us solutions. I know the real-estate industry is going through a difficult time. The Government of Karnataka is planning to promote affordable housing by bringing down the cost per unit without compromising on the security and safety of the building. In coming years, we believe we will be able to come out with good policies that will be good for builders as well as buyers. The younger generation and bureaucrats coming in will show some good design. The similarity between a bureaucrat and an architect is that they are both dreamers. We joined service with our own dream, you join the profession with your own dream. The only problem is that your hurdles are small and you can somehow manage those hurdles and fulfil those dreams! But, as bureaucrats, our hurdles are like a wall. CWAB Awards, thank you for coming to Bengaluru; it is an honour for the Government of Karnataka. It was my dream to have this award ceremony in Bengaluru; thanks for making it happen!