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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

- January 2024 -

VK Group Box Cricket League

Yet another season of our office cricket tournament was a spirited display of teamwork and camaraderie. Beyond the cricket field, it promoted the mantra 'healthy body, healthy mind,' encouraging employees to embrace fitness. Congratulations to Team VKE- Mavala for emerging victorious!

Season 2: Annual Book Review Competition

Celebrating 75th Republic Day of India

Erratum

The editor apologises for the error in the previous newsletter regarding the Pandharpur Temple complex design. Contrary to the information shared, our design did not secure a position in the top three of the Ideas competition for the Integrated Development Plan of Pandharpur, but received commendation from the jury. We appreciate your understanding.

Building Beyond Beliefs

In the heart of Ayodhya, where faith intertwines with the land, the inauguration of the Ram Mandir marks not just a spiritual milestone. For architects and urban planners, this is only the beginning. As thousands throng to witness the divine, they are envisioning Ayodhya as more than just a religious haven. The 'New Ayodhya' urban plan ambitiously imagines a sustainable and smart city sprawling across 1000+ acres – India's first vastu-based township. 

The prospects are promising - economic growth, improved infrastructure, and increased investments. However, as the city undergoes this redevelopment, residents express bittersweet emotions, caught between the anticipation of better opportunities and the anxiety of their homes facing the wrecking ball. Another concern is the potential impact on the real estate market and the disruption of the local economy. 

To truly embrace the spirit of hospitality, our urban planning must shift focus to pedestrians, making public transport the heart of the city's design. Trans-national hospitality chains and leading realty players have a tendency to impose ‘global’ styles, but Ayodhya's vision for 2047 should extend beyond the spiritual significance to incorporate our traditional architectural practices like passive building design, responsive to its sub-humid tropical climate. 

Ayodhya’s transformation echoes a broader narrative in the changing urbanscape of India. Further south, Dharavi, Asia's largest slum in Mumbai, is also gearing up (once again) for a makeover spearheaded by Gautam Adani's joint venture. This undertaking, guided by renowned architects like Hafeez Contractor, seeks to modernise Dharavi and improve living conditions for its residents (despite protests from the same people). 

These parallel scenarios present an opportunity to showcase urban development as a force for social and economic inclusivity. As architects and urban designers, we must act as gatekeepers of such redevelopments to ensure a balanced approach that caters to the needs of the local community. However, the key to sustainable and smarter cities in a country like India, perhaps lies in political will and intent.

VK Group's Approach to Temple Precinct Redevelopments

In the world of architectural practice, designing a “Home for God” is a rare opportunity. VK:a architecture has been given this honour on multiple occasions, having designed significant religious structures such as the the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir, Dutt Mandir in Gangapur, Shri Laliteshwar Dham (Shankar Math), Mehendale Maruti Mandir and Narhari Seva Pratishthan Temple Complex, Wagholi. 

Building on this rich experience, VK Group actively participated in various Idea Competitions initiated by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2022-23. These competitions aimed at formulating Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for the redesign of sacred temple precincts in Maharashtra, including Pandharpur, Jyotiba Hill, Tuljapur, Kolhapur, and Gajbadevi in Sindhudurg. 

Ar. Tejashree Kulkarni briefs on how VK approached these designs:

Approach: The methodology for creating the IDP and conceptualising urban spaces was very different from the conventional practices applied in real estate-oriented architectural projects. An exhaustive background study covering history, culture, traditions, geography, economy, and surveys before initiating design concepts was done. Recent developments such as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor & Ujjain Mahakal served as case studies to understand project context and scale.

Data Collection & Analysis: The team conducted on-site visits, mapping, and detailed studies of temple precincts in each town, delving into tourist networks, movement patterns, activities, festivals, land uses, and the impact of religious tourism on local lives.

Forming of the Design Programme: The creation of a city-level and site-level spatial design program was rooted in understanding human activities, future needs, safety considerations, and site-specific parameters.

Design Development: One of the most captivating aspects of this undertaking was the creative exploration of the design language. This involved defining relevant materials, colors, textures, and making them distinctive to each location. It aimed at showcasing and celebrating Hindu culture through contemporary architecture, urban design, streetscape, and landscape interventions – a challenging yet enjoyable task that opened up new dimensions in design exploration for the entire team.

Driven by political vision, such IDPs serve as plugins into larger projects like the Kartarpur Corridor, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Somnath Promenade, and the anticipated Ram Janmabhoomi Corridor. This illustrates how political will can be channeled to enhance the architectural and urban facets, recognising their potential to drive tourism, generate employment, and elevate the socio-economic profile of the regions.

Contemporary Expressions in Temple Design

Who moved my Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

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

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