Architectural fraternity pitches for sustainability

India is a country with a rich history of art, culture and architecture. The country’s emerging urban spaces have undergone tremendous shifts in the past five decades. Encouraging sustainable development, the essential aspects of today’s architecture and design will reshape the future. Moreover, the aim is to curate designs with a sense of responsibility, addressing the present-day challenges.

In this backdrop, the leading architects of the country highlighted the need for incorporating the elements of sustainability while designing spaces for the future during a panel discussion at the Festival of Architecture and Interior Design (FOAID).

Speaking at the panel discussion themed ‘Five Decades of India’s Built Environment’, Ms. Abha Narain Lambah, a renowned Indian conservation architect, said, “I feel architecture should not just be modern but contextual. In fact, old and new can coexist and face each other, as we develop into the future. This shift is already taking place with a lot more understanding of sustainability.”

In addition to Ms. Lambah, the panel included Mr. Habeeb Khan, President at Council of Architecture – India, Prof. Vivek Sabherwal, Director ofApeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AITSAP)and architect Dikshu C Kukreja.

 Highlighting how AITSAPis training young architects, who are going to carry the legacy of Indian architecture forward, Professor Sabherwal said, “Traditionally, there has been a creative tension between academics and industry. And so, the need is to prepare professionals to successfully enter the field. The gap can only be reduced by providing our students with relevant knowledge that can be applied in the real world scenarios. We train them how to apply smart and sustainable solutions in building future spaces.”

 The occasion also marked the launch of the book ‘Five Decades of India’s Built Environment’, co-authored by architect Dikshu Kukreja along with his wife Arunima Kukreja. Mr. Kukreja said, “New directions are shaping up in the field of architecture in India, and that’s a very good sign.”

The book celebrates the last 50 years of India’s built environment (since the 1970s) through renowned CP Kukreja Architects’ works, which include the Jawaharlal Nehru University buildings.

Emphasising that architecture should be oriented towards the environment, Mr. Khan said, “While creating the framework for interior, spaces and other designs, it’s important to understand our heritage, culture, and people. We need to be sensitive while designing. I am happy that the work done across the country and the kind of work produced by our young architects is phenomenal. I feel proud that the future of Indian architecture is in safe hands. The upcoming architects are doing exceptional work.”

The book launch concluded with a fashion show by the students of Sushant School of Art and Architecture and the Apeejay School of Architecture and Planning.