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PROFILE

Sustainability and Innovation
Awards For Ar. Sohrab, sustainability is no longer a subject that

SIA Awards (2010) – Vivanta by Taj, Bangalore warrants a discussion. It is a part and parcel of the design
process. In fact, it is a part of our life. From space planning to
LEAF Awards (2012) – Vivanta by Taj, Bangalore the evolution of form, all design is governed by principles of
IndeXcellence Awards – Excellence in Architecture passive sustainability. The strong and elemental architecture
Building of the Year9 (2021) – Thapar University of CEPT was their first lesson in the principles of sustainability.
From north light to deep balconies on south side, optimal use
PLAN Magazine ‘Building of the Year’ (2021) – of light and reduction of heat gain became ingrained in our
Learning Lab at Thapar University thought process.
If the design incorporates passive measures for energy
conservation, it becomes extremely easy to integrate the active
solution emerges. Coming together of these two dimensions is measures.
the crux of interesting design. Adobe HQ done by them (DPA) more than 25 years ago
The space plan ensures that all spatial requirements are remains an example of sustainable yet innovative design. The
met and relationships between various spaces are understood building consists of 2 wings of 25m by 50m joined by a central
and maintained. while the form explores various dimensions of core which resulted in an extremely efficient space plan.
architecture. A north south orientation with a glass façade on the north
And finally, it’s the details that eventually make or break a side and punched windows on the south side defined passive
building. Good detailing is as important as good design. This energy conservation.
was a lesson taught by Prof. Anant Raje who was a follower of The façade was a severe monochrome which was
Louis Kahn. punctuated by waves in pixelated primary colours. This defined
innovation as it became the identity of Adobe.
Challenges and Triumphs
According to him, every project is challenging in its own way. Future of Architecture
The dynamics of every project is unique, this is because of… The next decade must focus on cities and communities.
• The human element – the end user While efforts are being made to design sustainable, human-
• The project managers or their absence centered developments, these are often confined to small
• The geographical location and climactic factors land parcels. The majority of public spaces, however, remain
• Socio cultural factors neglected, lacking proper planning, design, and, crucially,
• The execution and other industry partners governance. There is a need to better understand the dynamics
There are learnings from each project due to its diverse of communities and to create practical solutions. The role of
nature and thus each project contributes to the learning curve authorities is to facilitate this process. n
which is a continuous process. prasenjit.chakraborty@saffronsynergies.in

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