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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

- April 2024 -

Celebrating Work Anniversaries

April 1st marked a significant chapter in the story of VK:a architecture, as we celebrated 22 years since Ar. Hrishikesh Kulkarni officially joined this remarkable architectural journey alongside his father, Ar. Vishwas Kulkarni. It was the beginning of a new era, with the distinctive dynamism and a shared foresight to adapt and thrive through changing times that has grown into a diverse architectural ecosystem with multiple verticals. We are also celebrated the 15th anniversary of VK:e environmental co-founded by Ar. Anagha Paranjape-Purohit and Dr. Poorva Keskar.  Their pioneering work has not only contributed to a rich portfolio of over 650 projects but has also played a crucial role in elevating the importance of sustainable practices within our sector. April 11th marked the 12th anniversary of VK:i interiors. What began with just a handful of people supporting in-house architectural designs has now expanded into a robust interiors team having successfully completed nearly 150 projects, consistently delivering on time and within budget.

Photography Contest Winners

Earth Day Highlight

Ready to Change the World? Start Small

'Sustainability' has become an everyday word for architects and urban designers. Any good architect  consciously strives to minimize the impact of our structures on the planet's resources. But should sustainability stop at our buildings? Does it extend into our lifestyles as well?

This year's theme for Earth Day (observed on April 22nd) was 'Planet vs Plastic'. I'm not an early riser, which often means skipping home-cooked breakfasts, so I resorted to buying it from the nearby local vendors. This routine, however, used to come with a side of guilt due to the single-use plastics involved. Every plastic cover tossed into the bin was a stark reminder of the waste accumulating over the days. Imagine, three covers every working day adds up to 780 in a year!

Resolved to make a change, I turned to a quintessentially Indian solution—using a steel 'dabba'. Now, I proudly hand over my reusable container for my breakfast at the same tapris, and honestly, it feels incredibly rewarding though it's a small step. 

It's never too late to start your journey towards a better living. Pick one action that feels the easiest and commit to it. Let’s do what’s possible on an individual level, as we also push for what’s possible collectively. The important thing is not to stop. What’s the one thing you commit to from today?

 Building Urban Resilience

This month, contrasting weather phenomena highlighted the fragility of our urban environments: Bengaluru, once celebrated as the City of Lakes, continues to grapple with a water crisis, while Dubai experienced unprecedented flooding, receiving over a year’s worth of rain in just a few hours. How much is the built environment to blame for this? Considering both cities are some where rapid urban development has happened in the last few decades, a LOT. The environmental impact of extensive impervious surfaces such as roads and parking spaces cannot be overstated.

The stark environmental impacts of such urban planning decisions highlight the urgent need for architects and urban planners to collaborate closely with environmental consultants to build urban resilience. Proactive engagement rather than reactive measures can avert calamities, and this is where VK:e environmental has taken the lead in Pune.

In April 2023, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) became the second city in India to receive the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Certification thanks to the efforts led by VK:e. The analysis covered crucial areas such as ecology and preservation, citizen welfare, city transportation, infrastructure management, and innovation. Strategies included increasing seepage areas to enhance water absorption, improving drainage and runoff management, optimizing green coverage, and reducing the urban heat island effect. The same has been done for Pimpri Chinchwad as well.

As India aims for carbon neutrality by 2070 under the Net-Zero Mission, Dr. Poorva Keskar, Director of VK:e, along with Ar. Kanchan Sidhaye, Junior Partner, have been at the forefront of integrating decarbonization into the built environment. Their advocacy for Low Carbon Construction has been prominent at various national platforms, including events led by AEEE, NICMAR, CREDAI, IGBC, FSAI, and ISHRAE. Their efforts are pivotal in empowering our capacity to redefine the ecosystem of the building construction sector in India.

By advancing these initiatives, VK:e environmental not only contributes to mitigating immediate urban challenges but also paves the way for a sustainable future for all city dwellers.

Anup Gandhe's photograph featured in Outlook Traveller

Ferrock - a carbon negative alternative

Princess Mononoke by Studio Ghibli

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

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