With an aim to encourage students to design sustainably, GRIHA Council presented the coveted GRIHA Trophy to Singhad College of Architecture of Pune on the inaugural day of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2018 organised by TERI. The GRIHA Trophy awards were announced earlier at the 60th edition of National Association of Students of Architecture Convention at Vagamon, Kerala. the GRIHA Trophy is awarded by The GRIHA Council in partnership with the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA). This year’s trophy was organised with support from Experion Developers.
Addressing the students, Ar. Sanjay Prakash, Principal Consultant, Shift, said, “It is of utmost importance to inculcate a sense of sustainability in the architectural students as they are the future of the construction industry. The GRIHA Trophy encourages students to explore climate responsive design, which is the foundation of green buildings.”
Considering the recent growth in the residential, commercial real estate and their inclination to get GRIHA rating, this year students were required to design a multi-purpose complex for Experion Developers. The intent was to incorporate the latest thinking on sustainable design with capabilities to improve thermal and visual performance by using massing, solar orientation, wind movement, daylighting, passive cooling systems to suit the climatic conditions of Gurugram. The growth of the real estate sector is intertwined with environmental sustainability and, therefore, certain environmental principles must be systematically integrated in the design process to help achieve sustainable development.
Expressing his views on the collaboration, Mr. Sanjeev Joshi, Senior Vice President (Projects), M/S Experion Developers Pvt Ltd, said, “The trophy is an opportunity for developers to stay abreast with the budding minds of next generation architects and collaborate with GRIHA, India’s own green building rating system, in the drive towards sustainability.”
The competition this year witnessed an overwhelming response from the students with participation from 55 colleges. The entries were evaluated by an eminent panel of members, comprising Ar. Jaisim Krishna Rao and Ar. George Chitoor, renowned architects working in the field of passive architecture, along with Mr. M. Ramachandran, representing the sponsor. The designs were evaluated on innovation in architectural design, sustainability in design, and innovative systems.
Speaking on the need of encouraging the youth to design sustainably, Mr. Sanjay Seth, CEO, GRIHA Council, said, “GRIHA, being an indigenous rating system, stresses the importance of good passive design, understanding of local materials, renewable energy integration, and resource efficient design. This trophy is an effective way to interest students in green design.”
Besides Singhad College of Architecture, Pune, three institutes namely, MBS School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Gateway College of Architecture and Design, Sonepat; and School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, received special mentions for their respective designs.