Transformation 2020: India holds a bright blueprint in the global context

A&D Summit discusses broad vision for India and initiatives by the Government

Bengaluru, September 16, 2015: The 3^rd edition of Architecture & Design Summit, organized by ET Edge, an initiative of The Economic Times, saw industry leaders, government officials and international architects coming together to discuss India’s prospects in the realm of architecture. Bangalore, a confluence of design cultures from Victorian gardens to Moghul churches became a platform for industry experts to address concerns, discuss solutions and leverage trends to create the blueprint for a futuristic India.

The summit which spanned over two days deeply focussed on a broad vision for India in the global context, along with instruments to generate ideas and enhance the sector. Speaking at the event, Mr. D. Satyamurty, Additional Chief Secretary to Govt., Urban Development Department, Govt. of Karnataka said “<I consider A&D to be a much more integrated and holistic concept. However, we don’t have an integrated approach of using urban planners. So we have to give urban planners the lead. We have to look at the A&D and the government has to look at how to bring about this transformation. When you talk of A&D and urban planning, the responsibility is much more so the state must look at integrated and holistic ways to facilitate this change.”

From addressing and celebrating women in architecture to aiding students for extraordinary work in the fields of architecture and design, A&D summit took a holistic approach in understanding India’s role and position in the global framework. Student award winners got exclusive internship with renowned architects present during the Summit.

It extensively discussed the trends in architectural design, challenges and opportunities in the field along with realising the vision 2020 and its relevance to the Indian context. Naresh Narasimhan, Principal Architect, Venkataraman Associates said, “The ability of the common people to generate their own cities is often discounted, replaced by top down approaches. There is a huge mismatch between what the masterplan envisioned for the city and what was actually made.”

The summit also delved into realizing the Vision 2020 and its relevance to the Indian framework. Elaborating on the same, Mr. Boman Irani, CMD, Rustomjee Group said, “There is a massive opportunity. The government has started listening to government bodies. I feel we are possibly in the best time in Indian history. It is our responsibility to be able to provide for the requirements for those that do not have. That is where the future of our economic growth lies.”

Concluding this successful event, Mr. Deepak Lamba, President, TCL – BCCL said, “The wave of slick, contemporary architecture sweeping across the country, even beyond offices, symbolizes our burgeoning economy in the most visible manner. India is quickly presenting itself as a 21st century global power, and these edifices are cropping up everywhere in South India as a sign of prosperity and forward thinking. We strongly believe that if India has to join the league of developed nations, one essential aspect will be planning and creation of global cities. Architects, designers and builders will play a crucial role in this progression.”

The summit had a spectacular line-up of speakers like J. Mayer H (Partner, J. Mayer H Architects),Bertil De Kleynen (Director, Architecture & Landscape, Asia-Pacific region, Atkins Global),Alfredo Munoz(Founder, Abiboo Architecture), Naresh Narsimham (Principal Architect, Venkataramanan Associate) and Boman Irani(CMD, Rustomjee) among others. It was held at Taj Westend, Bengaluru.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)