Focusing on the environmental issues Architect Dikshu Kukreja spoke about his projects and how various design features such as the strategic placing of trees and water bodies, use of Jaalis and kinetic façade had been instrumental in bringing natural light and ventilation to the building interiors and they also reduced the air conditioning and artificial lighting loads for the building.
He started his presentation with the advice that it's time to fix the misgivings about climate change. “Air pollution, forest fires, pandemic, floods, river pollution and urban densities are all indicators of the climate change as we see around us. We have already damaged our planet to the point that we need to take a very serious and careful look at what needs to be done," he said.
Architect Kukreja believes the solution lies not only with the governments and policymakers but with each one of us in bringing about a change - in our mind-sets, behaviors and lifestyles. “As architects we have a big responsibility. Simple design interventions can influence more sustainable design outcomes. For example, Thames River rejuvenation in London. After 60 years of being declared dead, the Thames came back as one of the cleanest rivers in the world. Likewise, the historic, elevated rail line in New York City which has been transformed into a public park and walkway.”
ETHICS & AESTHETICS
“When it comes to our design approach to projects, our intent is not only aesthetically pleasing buildings, but creating spaces that are part of the surroundings and contribute to the enhancement of natural environment,” said architect Kukreja. He gave an example of his project Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida built on 511 acres of arid land. “The most iconic position of Gautam Buddha is his meditative posture. This has been used as the design inspiration for the university with the various buildings superimposed on this image. The head marks the placement of library, the body is the faculty buildings and the administration building is at the
“CLIMATE CHANGE IS A REALITY AND WE AS DESIGNERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS CREATING BUILT SPACES THAT ARE IN SYNC WITH NATURAL ELEMENTS AND SURROUNDINGS. DESIGN WITH NATURE NOT AT THE COST OF NATURE”
