BHUBANESWAR: Structural experts and architects from across the country and abroad who are brainstorming here at NATCON-2017 organised by Odisha Chapter of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) on Friday raised serious concern on the current unsustainable construction practices and stressed for traditional technologies which have been sustainable both environmentally as well as structurally.
Highlighting the architectural scenario of heritage sites and public places in Kathmandu before and after the 2015 earthquake, vice-chairman of Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) Anju Malla Pradhan said the recent change of taste of traditional city core and skyline to unplanned concrete jungles is a threat on the environment.
She emphasised on retention of traditional building construction techniques and said post earthquake, the focus is on designing safe structures which is being done in such a way that the buildings would have more space for evacuation during time of crisis.Eminent architect and a Professor at New Delhi-based School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Charanjit Singh Shah focused on sustainable planning approach and innovations in design to visualise and realise mega projects like airports and railway stations.
“Architects need to be more authoritative in decision making process in development of modern cities with a holistic approach. There should be sustainable multi-model and inter-model transportation hubs and instead of creating layers of transportation lines above ground (as in India), we should try to go underground or sub-surface (as in London),” Shah, fondly known as Airport King of India, said.
Known for his institutional building architectures, renowned architect Sumit Kumar Ghosh said India’s rich history, culture and philosophy can guide towards a holistic and sustainable lifestyle. Instead of hiding structures, we should have more exposing services and structural systems. The merit of structure will decide whether it should be developed underground or above the surface, he said.
During a session on ‘Environment and Sustainability’, architect Vineet Khanna deliberated on the role of architects in creation of built environment intertwined with the nature. Human being is a subject while environment is the object and these two create a series of experience called life, he said.
Noted architect DS Ramakrishna Rao redefined the concept of eco-city and said cities have to be designed within a framework of livability, adhering to achieve quality of life.
Emphasising on sustainability in resistant structures Qazi M Arif from Bangladesh said one major issue is to change the mindset and become smart enough so as to lead a sustainable lifestyle.Among others, Sunil Patil from Pune, Prof Geeta Bala Krishnan from Sri Sri University and Piyush Rout also spoke. Director of Smart City Ludhina Sanjay Goel was felicitated.