Hyderabad, 31st March 2022: The Telangana Chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the National Body of Architects; is hosting the largest and the prestigious annual convention of the Architects in India – NATCON 2022; from May 14th to 16th, 2022; at HICC Novotel at Hyderabad.
Indian architecture has flourished since time immemorial in Hyderabad and therefore the city merits to be the ideal venue for hosting this prestigious Convention. We celebrate the growth of architecture in the state in all verticals be it regarding architectural education, architectural awareness as well as in the growing infrastructure of city of Hyderabad, says Ar. C. R. Raju, President, The Indian Institute of Architects. The National program is an annual event of the Indian Institute of Architects. The Institute today has over 25000 members, we have 24 Chapters, 54 Centers and 17 sub-centers, but that growth doesn’t suffice, as we have over a lakh Architects registered in the Council of Architecture and it is a privilege and responsibility of each and every qualified architect to be a part of a professional body and come and experience the fellowship among the fraternity and bond as a family. Architects have a very important role in the society, they are the goodwill ambassadors. Ultimately apart from creating buildings, our goal is to make the society a better place to live in. For time immemorial civilization, we have had many architectural initiatives across the country undertaken by people with native wisdom, they didn’t have all the modern aids, their mind was a fertile ground and we witnessed some of them built over a decade or two, hundred or two hundred years, but had the same thought process from concept to completion, we need to wonder how it was possible at that time. Today we have project managers and so many people involved in the process and still are we able to make it seamless from concept to completion, a question that we need to ask ourselves. Our ancestors enriched the value of the profession and we derive that respect even today. But do we have that kind of a practical approach toward our practice. We have taken to easy ways out, many people are taking partial services and avenues, thereby devaluing our roles in this professional practice. I think we need to change this and approach our practice in a comprehensive manner not leaving part of it to others. This National convention should focus on how we should spread this message to our fellow architects so that we have a comprehensive approach to our practice. Another aspect is, are we shying away from public and authorities, the answer is yes, in fact it is the other stake holders who are standing in the front, like builders, builders associations, CREDAI and any number of institutions, who are business minded and want to do things for their personal benefit. They are the people who are spending time with policy makers and the Governments and as professionals we are spending least time in engaging with local planning authorities, this is something we need to articulate and we have to sensitize ourselves to get into that kind of a mode. But I am happy that kind of synergy is happening in Telangana, where professional architects and architects who are part of the Government are coming together, and this is the model we need to replicate across the country so that we build good relationship with planning authorities, from which ultimately the society benefits. Today many forums talk about green buildings, but if you see our architecture from the earliest civilization up to the last century, we had one of the greenest movements in the world. Today we have given up that practice due to the advent of technology and influence of the West, this national convention should focus on our indigenous strengths, our self-reliance on material, our artisans etc., as those innate skills are being lost, he said.
Dr N. Kavita Daryani Rao, Vice Chancellor, JNA&FAU; said, we have a huge role in city building, but we are not tapping even a fraction of the potential we have in building and urban places, where we can have a huge impact. I think the problem is there is lack of understanding about the role of architect among the common people, among bureaucrats, decision makers and that is turning out to be our weak point. We don’t project ourselves very well to the people outside our community, is it because we work in a bubble or are we little bit isolated and our role is not understood by outsiders. People think we are there for building elevations or make the buildings look pretty and that anyone can make a plan. So, there is great need to create a brand image for architects too, because we are not known for what we are capable off. The National Convention should work on this image building exercise for the profession.
Ar. T. Bhanu Prasad Rao, MLC, Karimnagar said, Telangana is the youngest state and has seen drastic development in the last seven years and particularly in Hyderabad. The skyline of Hyderabad has seen a sea change and all the architect need to be appreciated for this. These changes have been possible because of a dynamic leader Shri KCR as Chief Minister. Just retrospect, as to how many flyovers and underpasses were there prior to last seven years. Along with these we are also enhancing the brand image of Hyderabad, that way we have very good law and order unlike in the past. The state is developing in all aspects. The Government is taking several initiatives, there is so much infrastructural development taking place in the state like the Collectorate buildings, Police Commissionerates, medical colleges in all districts, irrigation project and more. In no other state so much construction activity has taken place. The Government has facilitated several conveniences for us to work without hassles. I am with you all as a coordinator between the Government and profession and to get things done from the Government, you can approach me for any requirement from the Government.
The Convention will be interactive, where ideas are freely exchanged among the experienced and highly knowledgeable talent pool of Architects, Urban designers and Planners, besides providing opportunities to explore out of the box solutions for the myriad challenges the modern-day architecture faces. It will provide an exclusive platform to share ideas for the progress of the world as a whole and spur the delegates to propose viable and sustainable solutions to tackle unforeseen circumstances such as the pandemic. The three-day Convention will put forth valuable insights for architects, Designers and planners to adapt, improvise and overcome the evolving challenges.
NATCON 2022 celebrates the immense talent pool of various disciplines who can contribute much to the development and promise prosperous future of Telangana state and the nation. Hyderabad City is on the forefront of rapid innovation and has a great potential to become an “International Design Innovation Center & Start-up Hub”. NATCON will be an able platform to share and exchange ideas to make this process faster and more efficient.
Support of the Government of Telangana is evident through the several initiatives it has taken up for the growth of Hyderabad. The initiatives have resulted in astonishing work to improve the quality of life. It has resulted in making Hyderabad a top livable city with excellent infrastructure including Parks, Lakes, River Front development, Flyovers, Restoration of Heritage Structures and Housing.
Being a “National Event” with about 2000 Architects, Urban Designers and Planners, this would be the most appropriate professional platform to further brand Hyderabad as “World Class Global City.”
Guests of Honour Dr N. Kavita Daryani Rao, Vice Chancellor, JNA&FAU; Ar. T. Bhanu Prasad Rao, MLC, Karimnagar and Ar. Padmavathi Reddy were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
