In India, you have the opportunity to create and innovate
Real Estate

In India, you have the opportunity to create and innovate

Michael Jansen, Chairman & CEO, CityZenith
"In 1992, while I was in China, I received a book - The New Urban Landscape by Charles Correa - from my father, which emphasised on the urban challenges of Mumbai. It intrigued me and I was fortunate to speak to Correa. He encouraged me to come and learn about ´the other half of Asia´. In my first year in India, I visited 70 different cities, travelling by train and bus, to the remotest locations. After this, I returned to the US. My visit again was with a renowned US architect to open his office in India. In 1998, I was lucky to discuss the future of India with businessmen like Ratan Tata and Godrej. In 2003, I formed my own architectural production company in Delhi with about 1,200 architects in its ambit to produce technical documentation for architecture firms abroad. We have completed over 5,000 projects across India.

A few things that make architecture in India special today are the impact of technology on the profession, namely Building Information Modelling (BIM) or 3D modelling, and the influence of international practices transformed for the Indian context. The new set of architects brings a perfect blend of contemporary and old architecture. If you go back to the days of the British Empire, British architecture emerged from the building boom coincident with the rise of the Raj. Today, in India you have that same opportunity to create and innovate. I would like to say to the architects here, in addition to the great buildings you design, the cities will need your help too. Please take those lessons of design, context and history and bring it to your cities. India has to build 200 cities over the next 20 years and it needs your help to do it.´

To view the video of this speech, log on to
www.constructionworld.in/cwabawards2014/michaeljansen

Michael Jansen, Chairman & CEO, CityZenith "In 1992, while I was in China, I received a book - The New Urban Landscape by Charles Correa - from my father, which emphasised on the urban challenges of Mumbai. It intrigued me and I was fortunate to speak to Correa. He encouraged me to come and learn about ´the other half of Asia´. In my first year in India, I visited 70 different cities, travelling by train and bus, to the remotest locations. After this, I returned to the US. My visit again was with a renowned US architect to open his office in India. In 1998, I was lucky to discuss the future of India with businessmen like Ratan Tata and Godrej. In 2003, I formed my own architectural production company in Delhi with about 1,200 architects in its ambit to produce technical documentation for architecture firms abroad. We have completed over 5,000 projects across India. A few things that make architecture in India special today are the impact of technology on the profession, namely Building Information Modelling (BIM) or 3D modelling, and the influence of international practices transformed for the Indian context. The new set of architects brings a perfect blend of contemporary and old architecture. If you go back to the days of the British Empire, British architecture emerged from the building boom coincident with the rise of the Raj. Today, in India you have that same opportunity to create and innovate. I would like to say to the architects here, in addition to the great buildings you design, the cities will need your help too. Please take those lessons of design, context and history and bring it to your cities. India has to build 200 cities over the next 20 years and it needs your help to do it.´ To view the video of this speech, log on to www.constructionworld.in/cwabawards2014/michaeljansen

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code