Architects’ participation in Smart City mission a must: Expert

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 3

Leading architects of Ludhiana under the banner of the Indian Institute of Architects Ludhiana Centre (IIALC), celebrated World Habitat Day.

It was attended by office-bearers, executive members and other leading architects of Ludhiana. Team IIALC will celebrate World Habitat Day for the entire week starting from October 3-10. The day is celebrated to take a moment to consider the potential of architecture in transforming the lives of human beings across the globe.

Architect Sanjay Goel, Chairman of Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter and Director of Ludhiana Smart City Ltd., in his inaugural speech explained the importance of art and architecture with respect to World Habitat Day.

He explained that all architects must participate in the Smart City mission.

Since the celebrations will continue for a week, Architect Yogesh Singla, Chairman of IIALC, updated all about the entire week’s programme. Various competitions of photography, mural design and graffiti design would be held from October 4 to 6 to mark the week for architects.

Udan Media and Communications Pvt. Ltd and Indian Institute of Architects Ludhiana Centre would organise second edition of the “IntexExpo-2016” on interiors and exteriors. The event would be held from October 7 to 10 at Gulmor Hotel and it would be inaugurated by Mayor HS Gohalwaria.

IntexExpo-2016 will provide an ideal platform for visitors to see a wide range of latest trends in interior and exterior décor accessories and designs keeping in view modern lifestyle. During this expo, modern home furniture and furnishing, modular kitchens, building technology, bath and sanitary fittings, multipurpose imported technology building boards which are water/ fire/ termite proof, automatic doors, bathroom fittings and accessories, decorative glasses, wall papers and many more brands in latest technology of interior and exteriors will be displayed.

Planning, proper architecture need of the hour'

As the range of global challenges grows and intensifies, the role of proper architecture, planning and designing becomes the need of the hour, feel experts. At the same time, the convenience and betterment of public at large cannot be neglected. To make the city "smart", architects should be consulted by the government so that the present and future generations feel privileged to be a part of the "Smart-City", they feel. 

Here is what they have to say:

"If the country wants to meet the challenges at the global level, then proper planning of development is must. We cannot just start doing things in a haphazard manner. Architects are there to assist you everywhere, starting from putting a brick till the completion of the project. The Central and state governments have to provide a huge amount to make Ludhiana 'smart' in next five years but for this, development has to be done in a planned manner, keeping in mind the requirements of Ludhiana residents." Sanjay Goel, chairman, Indian Institute of Architects (Punjab) and member of Board of Directors for Ludhiana Smart City project

"Architecture is not only about buildings, but the art we live in. From individual houses, apartments and condos to the broader urban context, skyscrapers and parks of the cities around us. We see countries such as Dubai, America, Canada and England having beautiful pieces of architecture and such architecture is only possible if citizens here take keen interest in architecture and learn to respect the profession to much extent so that we can produce the best possible results" Simarpreet Kaur, An architect

"The focus should be on providing quality life to residents by coming up with development, which they need. Efforts should be made to improve pedestrian walkways, indulge people in using renewable energy resources, correct disposal of wastes etc. Famous architecture such as the Clock Tower and other old buildings in the city, which provides a unique identity, should be maintained and saved" Amrita Taneja, Another architect from the city

"Under the Smart City project, many proposals counting crores have been made and tenders have been uploaded and works started, but still we are lacking somewhere. Ludhiana is a hub of Industries due to which there is a huge traffic movement and population. So far, the Smart City development has been shown more in areas adjoining the Ferozepur road, but not where actual smartness is needed such as the core/heart of Ludhiana (old city). Instead of doing beautification and cosmetic surgery of the city, the government should give more emphasis to solid waste management and traffic issues because the entire city is facing these issues." Rupleen Kaur Bhandari, City-based architect