2015
2015
Introduction
Projects from 5th year Students of Architecture are invited for the Forum this year. Prior to the forum, an expert panel will be invited to select around fifteen projects that are most appropriate for the discussion. Previously, the projects were divided into pre-decided thematic groups and discussions happened within these groups. A new system of thematic categorization will be implemented this time, which involves and generates a dialogue between all the participants and panelists before the formation of the groups. Hierarchies of a classical jury format will dissolve in the process and groups within the students and panelists will emerge through this dialogue. Finally, three groups will form based on themes generated in the discussion, which will include five projects and four panelists each. At the end of each session, the groups will present a write-up highlighting the underlying approaches to architecture based on the derived themes with the help of the presented projects.
Jury note by Nitin Raje, Vishwanath Kashikar, Smit Vyas
There were a total of 69 entries received for Kurula Varkey Design Forum 2015 from Institutions all over the subcontinent, notably, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai among many more. The selection panel was pleased to see the quantum of entries for the Kurula Varkey Design Forum. Entries were chosen on the basis of their ability to generate a discussion on Architecture rather than the quality of the project. During the process of selection, a few recurring themes were identified by the panel and formed a further basis of selection of projects.
In this context, the panel felt it important to observe that it would ideally like to call all participants and engage in a critical discussion on the state of architecture in the sub-continent as viewed by students in their final year of studies. However, the format of the forum requires a selection process to keep the discussion focused.
Based on their concerns and responses, the selected projects are classified in three broad themes with their array of questions:
Memorial Lecture By Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya
Architect and academician, Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya taught at the School of Architecture, CEPT, Ahmedabad from 1987 to 2013. After having practiced and taught in Nairobi, Kenya, from 1976-84, he moved base from Africa to India. He retired in 2013 as the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT, Ahmedabad. He has been greatly interested in teaching architecture and his practice is a reflection of his intense involvement with the school. He has researched and worked extensively in the domain of architecture that is socially and technologically appropriate. Prof Chhaya studied architecture from CEPT. He and his associates have won several national competitions, and he has participated in International and National Conferences on Architecture and Education.
Sub Themes
The Architectural [non] Object
What is a building and how does one see it in its surroundings? This question is implicit in the manner in which projects in this panel choose design processes to either see it as a complete object or as a suggestive process.
Sites of Architecture
There is probably no place on earth that buildings can’t be built and this ability is rapidly turning into reality. The question then is, how does one intervene in a sensitive context. Projects in this panel have taken differing stands on this issue.
The Architectural Project
Architecture, traditionally, was predominantly concerned with buildings as a means to address societal needs. Entries in this theme raise a question regarding the extent of an architectural project in the contemporary context through their varied explorations of approaches to Architecture.
