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A monthly VK Group newsletter, where we share our recent activities 

and keep you updated on the latest discussions in the world of built environment design

- Issue #024 |August 2024 -

Exploring The Global Architectural Trends: Working With Zaha Hadid

On August 20th, VK Group was honored to host Dr. Shajay Bhooshan, Associate Director at ZHA CODE and Dr. Alicia Nahmad, CEO and founder of MI Toolbox and The Circular Factory, for an engaging discussion on Computation Design and Digital Fabrication. He traced through his research at ZHA CODE and his extensive experience on working with digital architecture and computational design. 

Dr. Shajay stressed, "We don't have a global agenda; we resonate with the materials culture, work with dimensions of materials and technological aspects that drive the building context... Buildings wouldn't be popular if you don't intrinsically address their culture. It might look futuristic but ultimately it sums up the nation " responding to how architectural technologies are integrated in parity to practices in China and the UK. Dr. Alicia emphasized on democratizing digital fabrication equipment to source the local materials and upskill local labor for creating advanced designs. She also discussed the global challenges she encounters in this field.

"Zaha Hadid believed in putting the right people together and let the magic happen", Dr. Bhooshan fondly reminisced on how she encouraged the creative freedom of architects. Her no-interference policy is renowned amongst her employees and sets a high standard for operational excellence.

With a few more glimpses of Zaha Hadid's sharp wit, the discussion concluded with a lighthearted turn. We expressed our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Bhooshan and Dr. Nahmad for their valuable insights and engaging conversation with the VK Group.

Preloved Eco-Haat by Sustainability Initiatives

Eco-friendly Ganpati Idol Making

VK Library Announces New Books!

VK Group Celebrates Independence Day

Architects as Nation-Builders

Nation-building is a complex and ongoing process that goes far beyond politics and economics. It involves creating a strong, cohesive national identity and developing the infrastructure that supports the growth and prosperity of a country. Architects play a crucial role in this process, as they are the ones who design the buildings, cities, and spaces that embody a nation’s values, culture, and aspirations. In India, the work of architects has been instrumental in shaping the country’s post-independence identity, contributing to the creation of modern urban landscapes that reflect both the nation’s heritage and its vision for the future.

As India emerged from the shadows of colonial rule, there was an urgent need to redefine its identity, not just through policy but also in the spaces where its people lived, worked, and connected. Architects were at the forefront of this movement, designing spaces that represented the spirit of a new India—one that was independent, progressive, and rooted in its rich cultural heritage. Master architects like Charles Correa, Raj Rewal, and B.V. Doshi have rightly garnered recognition for their visionary contributions to this transformation. However, the true impact of nation-building extends beyond the iconic buildings. It is important to recognize the impact of countless other architects whose work may not always make headlines but who have nonetheless played a vital role in shaping the lives of ordinary people and the cities they inhabit, creating the everyday spaces that define urban India.

Celebrating Our Commitment To Building A Stronger Nation

With more than a half a century of practice, VK Group has been integral in Pune's evolution from a quiet town to a bustling metropolis. The establishment of Vishwas Kulkarni Architects in 1973, now VK Group, and the integration of the growth of the city into the nation-building aspirations of the country at the time nurtured a symbiotic relationship.

Over the years, VK Group has expanded its scope to include integrated townships, Smart Cities, hill stations, and large-scale urban development plans. Vishwas Kulkarni’s involvement in technical advisory committees related to urban issues and city development has allowed VK Group to engage deeply in shaping the urban fabric of Pune. The firm’s work on Urban Street Design Guidelines for Pune, in collaboration with its NGO, Sustainability Initiatives (SI), is just one example of how architecture can intersect with community development and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability, a cornerstone of modern nation-building, has been a key focus for VK Group. Over the past 15 years, the group’s environmental arm, VK:e environmental, has spearheaded over 650 projects aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the sector. Notably, VK Group completed Maharashtra’s first IGBC Green Homes Platinum Project, ‘Oval Nest’ in Pune, setting a benchmark for green architecture in the state. This commitment to sustainability is not just about meeting present needs but also about securing a viable future for generations to come. In response to India’s national agenda of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, Poorva Keskar, Director and Partner of VK:e, emphasizes, “Our goal is to be at the forefront of sustainable architecture, helping our clients not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to a larger national effort to combat climate change.” 

The firm has also played a critical role in shaping the policies that guide urban development. By advising government bodies like the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and the Planning and Development Authority for the Pune Metro Region (PMRDA), VK Group has influenced better construction methods and design policies that contribute to the holistic growth of the nation. Vishwas Kulkarni reflects on this involvement, stating, “Working with the government is both challenging and rewarding. It’s about more than just building; it’s about shaping the future of our cities and, by extension, our nation.” 

Looking ahead, VK Group is poised to deepen its involvement in large-scale public sector projects, further cementing its role in nation-building. Under the leadership of Hrishikesh Kulkarni, the firm is embracing research and innovation as key drivers of its future projects.

Anup Gandhe's photography feature with UNESCO

This newsletter has been compiled and edited by Ar. Athulya Ann Aby, Architectural Writer, VK Group

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