SHIFTING DESIGN VIBES: A MIX OF TRADITIONAL & TECHNOLOGY

Architecture has a crucial role to play in terms of guiding a person’s experience of spaces and interaction with the built environment. Deben Moza, Senior Executive Director Head- Project Management Services, Knight Frank (India) Pvt. Ltd was of the view that currently we are seeing an exciting fusion of traditional design sensibility - cities with advanced building tech technologies is redefining aesthetics and functionality, as we knew.

Sonali Bhagwati, President, DPA was of the view that the significance of balancing tradition and technology in today's rapidly changing world cannot be overstated. “Traditions represent our socio-cultural and geographical backgrounds, whereas technology brings new aspirations and cultural influences. To achieve a proper synthesis, one must first possess a deep understanding of the traditions before incorporating outside factors and technology.”

Sharing some examples of design projects that successfully blended traditional and technological elements, Siddharth Bansal, Co-Founder, Magicrete, said, “To demonstrate the impact of technological advancements on energy efficiency, consider the proliferation of air conditioners in India. Traditional clay bricks offer insufficient insulation, resulting in increased cooling costs and this is where the advanced AAC blocks can bring efficiency in design.”

George Abraham, Regional Head – Market Development, GBCI, added, “I would like to present two notable projects that demonstrate the blend of tradition and technology. The first project is the Museum of Future in Dubai, featuring the architectural design traditions of the Middle East, only made possible with modern construction technologies. The second example is the LEED Platinum-certified CSE House, an 80-year-old heritage building in India. It underwent significant modifications to its infrastructure and facilities, resulting in improved performance while retaining its historical character.”

On the issue of key challenges- es faced by designers in merging traditional and technology-driven design methods, and the potential solutions, Dr. PSN Rao, Dean (Planning & Dev.), Former Director, the School of Planning and Architecture said, “Architects struggle to find alternatives to increasing energy use, which is expected to grow tenfold and exacerbate climate change. Selecting eco-friendly materials while maintaining design efficiency is a pressing issue, as there is limited guidance concerning the carbon rating of building materials."

Discussing design trends and movements that combine tradition and technology, Kuldeep Sehrawat, President - Architecture & Design, Tribeca Developers, said, “Indeed, global warming is a critical concern, and various approaches such as policy, technology, and eco-friendly architecture are being utilized to combat it. Incorporating greenery and energy-efficient designs is essential and traditional methods can guide modern solutions to face this challenge.” Explaining how functionality and aesthetics are getting merged in contemporary buildings, Aditya Kumar, Managing Director, of Victora Lifts, said, “Elevators and escalators are an essential part of any modern structure and have evolved from mere means of vertical transportation to an intricate element of building design. They are often seen as architectural highlights, with architects considering unique designs to make a statement. The Indian market faces challenges due to cost sensitivity, making it necessary for vendors to optimize safety and design while keeping costs low."

WHEN TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN

In discussing how educational institutions and design programs can better prepare future designers for the ever-changing design environment, Dr. PSN Rao said, “Architectural education institutes need to shift focus from theoretical learning to new design techniques, technologies and construction techniques for students to remain competitive in the real world. Currently, both educators and students face challenges in navigating market-accepted materials and technologies. Emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for a comprehensive educational approach in architecture is the need. Having been involved in Council of Architecture, I recognize the necessity to reconsider our curricular and materials due to the evolving architectural field. As students enter global markets, it is essential to integrate both traditional and modern practices. I propose a comprehensive syllabus review to address contemporary architectural education needs.”

Sharing similar opinion on the integration of traditional artistic and cultural aspects into digital design, Sonali Bhagwati articulated, “Design serves as a means to expand the mind's horizons, integrating traditional elements with innovative concepts. I believe, the success of contemporary projects lies in the integration of the varied elements in creative and forward-thinking ways. In our recent project, a distinctive glass elevator was designed with a slim glass wall, situated within an enclosed space featuring a green wall, art, and sculptures. The intention was to create a unique experience using design and architecture, making the elevator's presence almost imperceptible during its vertical movement.”

Aditya Kumar added, “We are currently constructing a Spanish-in-spired elevator that is slated to be located in a presidential villa. Our R&D team is working on a semi-cir- cular glass elevator design with minimal metal components, seamlessly integrating it into the villa's architecture and surrounding greenery. The elevator will also serve as a focal point for guests to take selfies and create memorable experiences during their stay.”

Expressing his viewpoint on disruptive shifts in construction technology and building materials, Kuldeep Sehrawat stated, “Nano-technology in building materials and reinforced carbon, will revolutionize construction. 3D printing technology is also advancing, enabling faster and more efficient building processes, even being used for projects like NASA's 3D homes on Mars. Furthermore, Artificial intelligence (AI) will enhance user interaction with spaces and create more personalized experiences for the residents.” Elaborating on the way emerging technologies are shaping the future of architecture and construction Siddharth Bansal added, “Our Company participated in India's Light House Project initiative of the government, being one of the six organizations for pioneering projects. Competing with other firms, we constructed 1,008 houses in Ranchi using 3D decals within a year, becoming the largest 3D precast

construction in India”.

George Abraham shared, “Over the past two decades, councils and agencies have collaborated with architects to establish guidelines for incorporating sustainability into design and construction. This has led to increased demand for better materials, manufacturers investing in research and development, and raw material extractors adopting more sustainable extraction methods.”

Deben Moza on a concluding note stated, There is no doubt that the industry, the academia, design practitioners and product companies will have to work together on design concepts and technologies to create buildings that contribute to humane and environmentally responsible built world.”

TECHNOLOGICALLY- INFORMED DESIGN METHODS MUST INCLUDE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STRATEGIES THAT COMPRISE RESOURCE ACCOUNTING, LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT, AND HUMAN COMFORT ANALYSIS- DEBEN MOZA

HIGH-PERFORMANCE GLASSES WITH INTEGRATED SOLAR PVS EXEMPLIFY INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION. INCORPORATING THEM IN CLIMATE-SENSITIVE BUILDING DESIGN IS WHAT CAN LEAD TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE- KULDEEP SEHRAWAT

AS A COMMUNITY, WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS TOWARDS DECARBONISATION BUT MUST CONTINUE TO BE DISCIPLINED IN OUR PURSUIT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION GOALS - GEORGE ABRAHAM

INDIAN CONSUMERS NOW EXPECT GLOBAL STANDARDS, WHICH HAS LED TO METRO AND TIER-1 CITIES BOASTING IMPRESSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGS. THIS PROGRESS SERVES AS GROWTH DRIVER FOR MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES AS WELL - ADITYA KUMAR

TO BRING ABOUT SIGNIFICANT CHANGE, WE MUST ADOPT A PARADIGM SHIFT IN OUR APPROACH TO NOT ONLY BUILDINGS BUT ALSO CITIES AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AS A WHOLE FOR A HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT - DR PSN RAO

ALTHOUGH TECHNOLOGY IS NOW AN INDISPUTABLE ASPECT OF OUR LIVES, MAINTAINING CULTURAL SENSITIVITY ENSURES THAT WE MAINTAIN A HARMONIOUS BLEND BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERN ADVANCEMENTS- SONALI BHAGWATI

ADVANCED ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE BUILDING PERFORMANCE AND DEMONSTRATE HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN ASSIST IN REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS, INCREASING EFFICIENCY, WHILE SERVING THE DESIGN PURPOSE- SIDDHARTH BANSAL