THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Architect Kochu Thommen Mathew has won special commendation for his design of Aquatic Resort in Kumbalangi, Kochi in the ‘Commercial Projects Category’ at the IIA (Indian Institute of Architects) Awards for Excellence in Architecture.
Kochu Thommen Mathew won this recognition for his unique concept of floating hotel and resort which is a marvel of artistic expression and technical superiority. “The resort, the first of its kind in India, is based on the innovative execution of science governing buoyancy. I was inspired to build this resort from a simple strand of rice. This unique concept set up in the backwaters of Kumbalangi village, Govt of India has promoted this resort as an ideal destination to represent India’s village tourism. The property consists of five luxurious floating units that is surrounded by backwaters nurturing a precious eco-system,” said Kochu Thommen.
IIA Awards for Excellence in Architecture for 2015 was also won by Shah of Design I Y Housing, Lonavala for ‘Residential Projects’ in Housing category won the most prestigious crossroads project of the year award. Shimul Javeri Kadri of the automobile design studio won the prestigious award for Mahindra & Mahindra in the Infrastructure and Industrial Projects category; Vivek Singh Rathore of Ecospace Landscape, Rajarhat for Landscape Projects; Khushru A Irani of Studio 877, Pune for Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Projects category; Bhavna V Vimavala of People & Their Spaces: City of Waterfront for their 2015 Research Studies. Mohammed Haneesh IAS, Secretary for Urban Affairs and PWD, Govt of Kerala was the guest of honour. The awards were presented by IIA president Ar Divya Kush, Ar Paresh Kapadia and Ar Tony Joseph.