Gujarat has bagged the top spot in terms of the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) for the fourth consecutive year now. With a 37-per-cent share, Gujarat received a total FDI of $30.23 billion in 2020-21.
India's largest circulated construction magazine with over 250,000 readers a month, CONSTRUCTION WORLD, is celebrating its silver jubilee year and is in its 25th year, undertaking a journey to various cities in India to felicitate stalwarts who have contributed towards strengthening the built environment.
Little wonder then that Ahmedabad was chosen as 颁奥鈥檚 first city on its journey, quite obviously. The CONSTRUCTION WORLD ARCHITECT & BUILDER (CWAB) AWARDS are known to be the Oscars of the design and building industry! These awards bring architects, builders and contractors to a common platform and recognises their noteworthy achievements. And now, with this multi-city tour, CW worked on its unique event format and content, and designed the CW DESIGN BUILD CONCLAVE & AWARDS focusing on the fast changing trends. The first event on this journey was held at the Courtyard Marriott Ahmedabad on October 6 to felicitate the 鈥楽talwarts of The West 鈥� Gujarat鈥�.
Welcome and keynotes
In his welcome address,
Pratap Padode, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, CONSTRUCTION WORLD & Founder and President, FIRST CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL, said, 鈥淲hile Covid disrupted our lives, for ASAPP, it actually propelled us into going digital. Our website has grown 10 times with over 2.5 lakh visitors and has helped us to reach out to many more readers. India has changed a lot in these 25 years. The latest report says that India is going to be the third fastest construction market in the world by 2030. After a hiatus of a year we are back with our physical events and our first event on this journey is right here in Ahmedabad to felicitate our 鈥楽talwarts of The West 鈥� Gujarat鈥�.
Keynote speaker Paresh Sharma, Senior fellow, World Research Institute and former chief town planner, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, Dept of Industries, Government of Gujarat, said, 鈥淭he supply side of the construction industry is largely governed by the state government policies, which is where the disparity between states is occurring. In the last few years, the Government of India鈥檚 policies has led to a real boost in the housing market itself. Planning rules and regulations are where we are struggling to get the projects done faster. The funds for public infrastructure is another key point. We need to talk about standardisation of materials as well. We need to take our learning from the Covid situation ahead in the future. The material chain resilience was badly affected by the Covid situation.鈥�
Keynote speaker Ar. Ranna Parikh, Immediate Past Chairperson, Indian Institute of Interior Designers, said, 鈥淭he pandemic was our wakeup call as we need to gear up and build a conscious world by design. The climate change, increase in population, and natural disasters, have brought the topic of sustainability to the forefront. As architects, we have the responsibility to minimise the negative impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency, using new sustainable materials, and minimising the wastage at sites. As architects and designers, we are emperors of change 鈥� let鈥檚 build high and rise responsibly!鈥�
Partners of the event included: Presenting Partner 鈥� Panasonic. This event was powered by Flais Granito and co-powered by Flexibond; Associate Partner 鈥� TATA Pravesh; Luxury Partner 鈥� Audi Ahmedabad; Knowedge Partner 鈥� Housing.com. Supporting Partners included: Gujarat Institute of Housing And Estate Developers 鈥� CREDAI; Gujarat Institute of Civil Engineers and Architects; and Gujarat Technological University.
Design-build exchange
The panel discussion on 鈥楧esign-Build Exchange鈥� provided an engaging opportunity in thoughtful dialogue focused on best practices for design-build procurement, contracts and project delivery, especially in Gujarat.
Moderator of the discussion Viren Mehta, Managing Director-Office Services, Gujarat, Colliers, opened the discussion highlighting, 鈥淲e all know that real estate is among the sectors that gives the highest rate of employment and contributes the second highest in terms of GDP. As per a report by RBI, 80 per cent of the wealth is parked into the real estate market.鈥�
Anand Gupta, Director, AYG Realty & Chairperson, Housing & RERA Committee, Builders Association of India (BAI), shared his views on the future and the present of real estate, 鈥淩eal estate is going to be the need for another 50-60 years at an exorbitant rate and it will go on flourishing as more and more urbanisation takes place. I see a very bright future for this sector.鈥�
NK Patel, Founder & Chairman, Sun Builders Group, spoke about different methods of design build execution, 鈥淭here are four to five methods for a real estate construction project. The first one is design, bid, and build 鈥� which is much more adopted by the state and central government agencies. The second method is design and build. The third is the construction risk manager method, where the owner appoints an expert. There are job-oriented contracts, PPP and boot systems.鈥�
鈥淒esign build is the future. With this paradigm shift we can reduce construction cycle, limit communication channels at the point of contact and less conflict. It has helped us deliver a lot of projects in time at better prices,鈥� added Taral Shah, Managing Director, Shivalik Group.
Rajesh Rasania, Metamorph Enterprise, spoke about the difference between the design build and design, bid and build. 鈥淏oth are a similar process. In design, bid and build, you have different kinds of agencies, you have to choose the agencies and then you have to execute the project via the agencies. While in design and build you have to put one entity and you have to discuss all the issues with that one entity who will deliver the project as per your expectations. Design and build is used for a lot of projects such as infrastructure, real estate, roadways. In a lot projects, design and build is a new paradigm which needs to be shifted in the next two to three years.鈥�
Dr Vatsal Patel, Technical Consultant, GujRERA, spoke about the implications and benefits of design and build, 鈥淔irst of all, we need to understand the quantum and type of projects. In certain projects you only have the possibility to use design and build to deliver it at the stipulated time period. Design and build gives a lot of flexibility to the contractors. As far as the time limit is concerned, design and build is the best option. With regard to RERA, he added that if there is a structural problem or bad quality of work in the government scheme buildings, it is the responsibility of the authority to make proper rectifications and satisfy the owner, and so many government authorities are in support of design and build, but private builders and contractors are not quite interested in design and build.鈥�
Here Anand Gupta, added, 鈥淎lthough real estate has been a big industry, till 2017, there wasn鈥檛 any big regulators. But from the time RERA has come up, a consumer booking a flat in an under-construction building is assured to get the house irrespective of the delays. RERA laws are helping builders and contractors to get loans as well. It has helped streamlining the industry.鈥�
Vaibhav Manke, Head-Key Accounts, Anchor by Panasonic, spoke about the risks involved in design and build, 鈥淒esign and build system also has a lot of risks, both on the owner side and contractor side. If it is not planned and implemented properly, there are chances that one side will get into a huge loss. The change of laws, material price rise and delay in payments can cause major chaos in the process. As of now, design and build is mostly used in commercial spaces and industrial projects; redevelopment projects are catching up with it. We should have some mechanism to mitigate the risks on both the owner side and contractor side, so that we reach a stage where design and build will be accepted in a lot more sectors.鈥�
Taral Shah added, 鈥淲e real estate developers are a bit emotionally attached to the entire process even though we know the customers鈥� need. I would like to opt for small affordable housing projects and industrial projects to use design and build.鈥�
Dr Vatsal Patel spoke about the pros and cons as a consultant. 鈥淎s a consultant, design and build is a better method for us, as the finances are mostly in time,鈥� he avered.
Rajesh Rasania spoke about the communication gaps between the stakeholders 鈥渟ince you are giving control of the project to one entity and no interference will be entertained by them.鈥� He went on to add that there are chances of high misconceptions because even the staff will be hired by the entity, the contractors and builders.
鈥淭hese are few problems which we have faced in the design and build system.鈥�
NK Patel spoke about the pros and cons of the cost plus method, which is generally used in real estate projects. When there is a rise in the price of raw materials, the cost plus method is a must. In Ahmedabad, there are many semi-formal contactors, due to which construction cost is lesser here than the cost in other cities.鈥�
Viren Mehta went on to say that big projects such as the Statue of Unity, the Motera Stadium, etc, are executed under design and build. He questioned: Is is what would be preferred now as far as government projects are concerned?
To this, the panelists responded:
Anand Gupta: It also depends upon the city and the finances.
NK Patel: The project timeline is also important to choose design and build.
Rajesh Rasania: Design and build should be used only when there is proper trust and clear expectations from the contractor and clients.
Dr Vatsal Patel: The timeline and the performance are important while choosing the particular method, and if it fits your projects then you can choose design and build.
Vaibhav Manke: In big projects, design and build is the only option to go to due to the expertise.
Taral Shah: It also depends on the contractor and his capabilities.
Rethinking architectural methodology
The panel discussion on 鈥楻ethinking Architectural Methodology鈥� deliberated on the need for rethinking and improving architectural methodology in the pursuit of better work. The panelists discussed the current design practices and whether Lean Architecture is the key for Design-Build success in India.
Moderator Jagrut Patel, Founding Principal, Jagrut & Partners, opened the discussion ideating, 鈥淲e are a 5,000-year old industry, but compared to the other industries, we are still behind in terms of improvement. We are still battling old ideologies and are not quite up-to-date with new technologies which would will help us futureproof our industry.鈥�
He went on to add that the automobile and IT sectors have evolved and boomed a lot. Can we adopt something from them, he questioned. 鈥淎re we at a juncture where we need to relook into the ways we are looking, relook at the way we practice design and develop a methodology that will take us in the same speed as the other industries are developing?
Agreeing that there is a gap, said Brijesh Bhatia, Principal, Groundwork Architecture, 鈥淲e are not incorporating all the new innovations and developments happening in the IT industry in our sector, which might actually help the industry evolve. I also think we as an industry do not know how to accept new and fast knowledge. If we start some change at the education level, it can trigger this idea on how to grasp this changing environment of materials and technologies, which will help our industry to accept the change.鈥�
Snehal Suthar, Co-Founder, The Grid Architects, added, 鈥淭he problem starts from childhood 鈥� the way our society treats children by discriminating on the basis of good marks and subject choices. The fear of failure is inculcated in us since childhood, which is a big hurdle to go ahead and accept new technologies. We need to encourage innovations, R&D, and accept new technologies. Builders also need to invest in innovation as well.鈥�
Innovation should always have a social impact, avered Jagrut Patel. 鈥淚t should transform the way society functions.鈥�
Ar. Tapan Shah, Principal Architect, Studionine Architects, highlighted, 鈥淚f we see the different buildings over the past few years, there is hardly any difference in the evolution of architecture. We need to work with different materials and technologies to bring in that change. Fund is a major problem. We need to work on innovations, and each firm should take that onus on themselves to have an investment for innovation. Materials are something we can play with in terms of innovation and we should encourage students and institutions to work on these innovations.鈥�
鈥淲e as architects have to play the vital role for the development, lifestyle and value-adding of the society, said Jignesh Patel, Principal Designer, Creative Studio. 鈥淲e have realised that space plays a vital role in one鈥檚 life and we need to give proper focus to that while designing. Both habitable and infrastructural spaces need an improvement in the designs. It will increase our architectural value and improve the common people鈥檚 life.鈥�
A common man will buy only one or two houses, as compared to buying smaller gadgets, mobiles and even automobiles; so they have a much larger market and huge competition pointed out practicing architect Pravin Patel. 鈥淔or the architecture and building industry, we need to give importance to design, innovation of materials and the construction industries.鈥�
The automobile industry has made their products affordable and has a huge range across all their products. They have made the products affordable and that is why they have generated such kind of innovations and profits over the years. 鈥淲e need to make the housing and architecture affordable so that we can have a life-cycle that creates a lot of rotation in our business,鈥� added Jagrut Patel. 鈥淲e as architects need to work towards standardisation of products.鈥�
How does collaboration help in the construction and architecture industry?
鈥淐ollaboration is a need of this era of competition,鈥� exclaimed Prashant Parmar, Principal Architect, Shayona Consultant. 鈥淲hen an experienced firm or architect collaborates with a raw talent, it can create wonders. It is always good to collaborate with the local firms or architects in foreign projects as they would know the local norms, codes and conducts.鈥�
Architects have been collaborating for a long time as we have been working with different consultants for years, added Brijesh Bhatia. 鈥淭he idea of collaboration always existed. We need to think of collaborations beyond the boundary of consultants, which will help us grow our industry.鈥�
In today鈥檚 time we need to give more recognition to the people involved in the process for better collaboration, added Tapan Shah.
Jagrut Patel went on question: Can鈥檛 we think of incorporating the management tools in our industry?
To this, Prashant Parmar responded: Management is the core of any professional service. 鈥淲e are mainly into creating cultural complexes across the globe and the company has adopted Lean architecture management principles. Those are the key principles that we as architects should adopt in our work to create an environment-friendly design. At our Sydney site, we have used site contour responsive design which helped us eliminate waste. The Lean management principle helped us reduce cost and empower human potential. These are some of the things we can adopt in our work to make it simple.鈥�
Snehal Suthar on a different note said that the Lean management system is not that simple. 鈥淚t will take time to adopt it. We can work with outsourcing.鈥�
Brijesh Bhatia added that there is a place for creativity and good management practices to exist together. 鈥淚f someone with management skills can help the architecture firms, it will be really good for the industry.鈥�
However, Tapan Shah added that it also depends on the size of the firm and their ability to hire such talent.
鈥淲e need to manage a perfect team balance for smooth working,鈥� noted Pravin Patel.
What is the role of technology now? How ready are we for AI takeover? 鈥� Jagrut Patel went on to question.
We are well acquainted with BIM, 3D printing technology, VR and AR, which helps our clients and us to visualise the project, said Prashant Parmar.
The drastic change in the technological innovations in this decade has gone to leaps and bounds. It started with computers and now we are going towards 3D, added Pravin Patel.
鈥淲e are incorporating it in the early stages of the projects and as well as at the later part of the projects for clients to visualise,鈥� shared Jignesh Patel.
Technology is important in today鈥檚 time, but we need to keep working on our skills as well, pointed out Snehal Suthar. 鈥淎I can be inaccurate at times and the dependency on humans will always be there.鈥�
Softwares are the backbone of the project now, avared Brijesh Bhatia. 鈥淭echnology is here to stay and we have to adopt it and integrate it.鈥�
Not just drawing or visualising, technology is much important in building as well, noted Tapan Shah. There are new technologies for construction as well.
Stalwarts of the West
Thirteen winners of the Stalwarts of the West 鈥� Gujarat were awarded at the glittering event. The winners included (
in alphabetical order):
Aarunya Architects
Creative Studio
Groundwork Architecture
HM Architects
Jagrut & Partners
Savvy Infrastructures
PSP Projects
The Grid Architects
Studionine Architects
STUDIO 2+2
Shivalik Group
Shayona Consultants
NEXTSTEP Architects
Gujarat has bagged the top spot in terms of the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) for the fourth consecutive year now. With a 37-per-cent share, Gujarat received a total FDI of $30.23 billion in 2020-21.
India's largest circulated construction magazine with over 250,000 readers a month, CONSTRUCTION WORLD, is celebrating its silver jubilee year and is in its 25th year, undertaking a journey to various cities in India to felicitate stalwarts who have contributed towards strengthening the built environment.
Little wonder then that Ahmedabad was chosen as 颁奥鈥檚 first city on its journey, quite obviously. The CONSTRUCTION WORLD ARCHITECT & BUILDER (CWAB) AWARDS are known to be the Oscars of the design and building industry! These awards bring architects, builders and contractors to a common platform and recognises their noteworthy achievements. And now, with this multi-city tour, CW worked on its unique event format and content, and designed the CW DESIGN BUILD CONCLAVE & AWARDS focusing on the fast changing trends. The first event on this journey was held at the Courtyard Marriott Ahmedabad on October 6 to felicitate the 鈥楽talwarts of The West 鈥� Gujarat鈥�.
Welcome and keynotes
In his welcome address, Pratap Padode, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, CONSTRUCTION WORLD & Founder and President, FIRST CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL, said, 鈥淲hile Covid disrupted our lives, for ASAPP, it actually propelled us into going digital. Our website has grown 10 times with over 2.5 lakh visitors and has helped us to reach out to many more readers. India has changed a lot in these 25 years. The latest report says that India is going to be the third fastest construction market in the world by 2030. After a hiatus of a year we are back with our physical events and our first event on this journey is right here in Ahmedabad to felicitate our 鈥楽talwarts of The West 鈥� Gujarat鈥�.
Keynote speaker Paresh Sharma, Senior fellow, World Research Institute and former chief town planner, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, Dept of Industries, Government of Gujarat, said, 鈥淭he supply side of the construction industry is largely governed by the state government policies, which is where the disparity between states is occurring. In the last few years, the Government of India鈥檚 policies has led to a real boost in the housing market itself. Planning rules and regulations are where we are struggling to get the projects done faster. The funds for public infrastructure is another key point. We need to talk about standardisation of materials as well. We need to take our learning from the Covid situation ahead in the future. The material chain resilience was badly affected by the Covid situation.鈥�
Keynote speaker Ar. Ranna Parikh, Immediate Past Chairperson, Indian Institute of Interior Designers, said, 鈥淭he pandemic was our wakeup call as we need to gear up and build a conscious world by design. The climate change, increase in population, and natural disasters, have brought the topic of sustainability to the forefront. As architects, we have the responsibility to minimise the negative impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency, using new sustainable materials, and minimising the wastage at sites. As architects and designers, we are emperors of change 鈥� let鈥檚 build high and rise responsibly!鈥�
Partners of the event included: Presenting Partner 鈥� Panasonic. This event was powered by Flais Granito and co-powered by Flexibond; Associate Partner 鈥� TATA Pravesh; Luxury Partner 鈥� Audi Ahmedabad; Knowedge Partner 鈥� Housing.com. Supporting Partners included: Gujarat Institute of Housing And Estate Developers 鈥� CREDAI; Gujarat Institute of Civil Engineers and Architects; and Gujarat Technological University.
Design-build exchange
The panel discussion on 鈥楧esign-Build Exchange鈥� provided an engaging opportunity in thoughtful dialogue focused on best practices for design-build procurement, contracts and project delivery, especially in Gujarat.
Moderator of the discussion Viren Mehta, Managing Director-Office Services, Gujarat, Colliers, opened the discussion highlighting, 鈥淲e all know that real estate is among the sectors that gives the highest rate of employment and contributes the second highest in terms of GDP. As per a report by RBI, 80 per cent of the wealth is parked into the real estate market.鈥�
Anand Gupta, Director, AYG Realty & Chairperson, Housing & RERA Committee, Builders Association of India (BAI), shared his views on the future and the present of real estate, 鈥淩eal estate is going to be the need for another 50-60 years at an exorbitant rate and it will go on flourishing as more and more urbanisation takes place. I see a very bright future for this sector.鈥�
NK Patel, Founder & Chairman, Sun Builders Group, spoke about different methods of design build execution, 鈥淭here are four to five methods for a real estate construction project. The first one is design, bid, and build 鈥� which is much more adopted by the state and central government agencies. The second method is design and build. The third is the construction risk manager method, where the owner appoints an expert. There are job-oriented contracts, PPP and boot systems.鈥�
鈥淒esign build is the future. With this paradigm shift we can reduce construction cycle, limit communication channels at the point of contact and less conflict. It has helped us deliver a lot of projects in time at better prices,鈥� added Taral Shah, Managing Director, Shivalik Group.
Rajesh Rasania, Metamorph Enterprise, spoke about the difference between the design build and design, bid and build. 鈥淏oth are a similar process. In design, bid and build, you have different kinds of agencies, you have to choose the agencies and then you have to execute the project via the agencies. While in design and build you have to put one entity and you have to discuss all the issues with that one entity who will deliver the project as per your expectations. Design and build is used for a lot of projects such as infrastructure, real estate, roadways. In a lot projects, design and build is a new paradigm which needs to be shifted in the next two to three years.鈥�
Dr Vatsal Patel, Technical Consultant, GujRERA, spoke about the implications and benefits of design and build, 鈥淔irst of all, we need to understand the quantum and type of projects. In certain projects you only have the possibility to use design and build to deliver it at the stipulated time period. Design and build gives a lot of flexibility to the contractors. As far as the time limit is concerned, design and build is the best option. With regard to RERA, he added that if there is a structural problem or bad quality of work in the government scheme buildings, it is the responsibility of the authority to make proper rectifications and satisfy the owner, and so many government authorities are in support of design and build, but private builders and contractors are not quite interested in design and build.鈥�
Here Anand Gupta, added, 鈥淎lthough real estate has been a big industry, till 2017, there wasn鈥檛 any big regulators. But from the time RERA has come up, a consumer booking a flat in an under-construction building is assured to get the house irrespective of the delays. RERA laws are helping builders and contractors to get loans as well. It has helped streamlining the industry.鈥�
Vaibhav Manke, Head-Key Accounts, Anchor by Panasonic, spoke about the risks involved in design and build, 鈥淒esign and build system also has a lot of risks, both on the owner side and contractor side. If it is not planned and implemented properly, there are chances that one side will get into a huge loss. The change of laws, material price rise and delay in payments can cause major chaos in the process. As of now, design and build is mostly used in commercial spaces and industrial projects; redevelopment projects are catching up with it. We should have some mechanism to mitigate the risks on both the owner side and contractor side, so that we reach a stage where design and build will be accepted in a lot more sectors.鈥�
Taral Shah added, 鈥淲e real estate developers are a bit emotionally attached to the entire process even though we know the customers鈥� need. I would like to opt for small affordable housing projects and industrial projects to use design and build.鈥�
Dr Vatsal Patel spoke about the pros and cons as a consultant. 鈥淎s a consultant, design and build is a better method for us, as the finances are mostly in time,鈥� he avered.
Rajesh Rasania spoke about the communication gaps between the stakeholders 鈥渟ince you are giving control of the project to one entity and no interference will be entertained by them.鈥� He went on to add that there are chances of high misconceptions because even the staff will be hired by the entity, the contractors and builders. 鈥淭hese are few problems which we have faced in the design and build system.鈥�
NK Patel spoke about the pros and cons of the cost plus method, which is generally used in real estate projects. When there is a rise in the price of raw materials, the cost plus method is a must. In Ahmedabad, there are many semi-formal contactors, due to which construction cost is lesser here than the cost in other cities.鈥�
Viren Mehta went on to say that big projects such as the Statue of Unity, the Motera Stadium, etc, are executed under design and build. He questioned: Is is what would be preferred now as far as government projects are concerned?
To this, the panelists responded:
Anand Gupta: It also depends upon the city and the finances.
NK Patel: The project timeline is also important to choose design and build.
Rajesh Rasania: Design and build should be used only when there is proper trust and clear expectations from the contractor and clients.
Dr Vatsal Patel: The timeline and the performance are important while choosing the particular method, and if it fits your projects then you can choose design and build.
Vaibhav Manke: In big projects, design and build is the only option to go to due to the expertise.
Taral Shah: It also depends on the contractor and his capabilities.
Rethinking architectural methodology
The panel discussion on 鈥楻ethinking Architectural Methodology鈥� deliberated on the need for rethinking and improving architectural methodology in the pursuit of better work. The panelists discussed the current design practices and whether Lean Architecture is the key for Design-Build success in India.
Moderator Jagrut Patel, Founding Principal, Jagrut & Partners, opened the discussion ideating, 鈥淲e are a 5,000-year old industry, but compared to the other industries, we are still behind in terms of improvement. We are still battling old ideologies and are not quite up-to-date with new technologies which would will help us futureproof our industry.鈥�
He went on to add that the automobile and IT sectors have evolved and boomed a lot. Can we adopt something from them, he questioned. 鈥淎re we at a juncture where we need to relook into the ways we are looking, relook at the way we practice design and develop a methodology that will take us in the same speed as the other industries are developing?
Agreeing that there is a gap, said Brijesh Bhatia, Principal, Groundwork Architecture, 鈥淲e are not incorporating all the new innovations and developments happening in the IT industry in our sector, which might actually help the industry evolve. I also think we as an industry do not know how to accept new and fast knowledge. If we start some change at the education level, it can trigger this idea on how to grasp this changing environment of materials and technologies, which will help our industry to accept the change.鈥�
Snehal Suthar, Co-Founder, The Grid Architects, added, 鈥淭he problem starts from childhood 鈥� the way our society treats children by discriminating on the basis of good marks and subject choices. The fear of failure is inculcated in us since childhood, which is a big hurdle to go ahead and accept new technologies. We need to encourage innovations, R&D, and accept new technologies. Builders also need to invest in innovation as well.鈥�
Innovation should always have a social impact, avered Jagrut Patel. 鈥淚t should transform the way society functions.鈥�
Ar. Tapan Shah, Principal Architect, Studionine Architects, highlighted, 鈥淚f we see the different buildings over the past few years, there is hardly any difference in the evolution of architecture. We need to work with different materials and technologies to bring in that change. Fund is a major problem. We need to work on innovations, and each firm should take that onus on themselves to have an investment for innovation. Materials are something we can play with in terms of innovation and we should encourage students and institutions to work on these innovations.鈥�
鈥淲e as architects have to play the vital role for the development, lifestyle and value-adding of the society, said Jignesh Patel, Principal Designer, Creative Studio. 鈥淲e have realised that space plays a vital role in one鈥檚 life and we need to give proper focus to that while designing. Both habitable and infrastructural spaces need an improvement in the designs. It will increase our architectural value and improve the common people鈥檚 life.鈥�
A common man will buy only one or two houses, as compared to buying smaller gadgets, mobiles and even automobiles; so they have a much larger market and huge competition pointed out practicing architect Pravin Patel. 鈥淔or the architecture and building industry, we need to give importance to design, innovation of materials and the construction industries.鈥�
The automobile industry has made their products affordable and has a huge range across all their products. They have made the products affordable and that is why they have generated such kind of innovations and profits over the years. 鈥淲e need to make the housing and architecture affordable so that we can have a life-cycle that creates a lot of rotation in our business,鈥� added Jagrut Patel. 鈥淲e as architects need to work towards standardisation of products.鈥�
How does collaboration help in the construction and architecture industry?
鈥淐ollaboration is a need of this era of competition,鈥� exclaimed Prashant Parmar, Principal Architect, Shayona Consultant. 鈥淲hen an experienced firm or architect collaborates with a raw talent, it can create wonders. It is always good to collaborate with the local firms or architects in foreign projects as they would know the local norms, codes and conducts.鈥�
Architects have been collaborating for a long time as we have been working with different consultants for years, added Brijesh Bhatia. 鈥淭he idea of collaboration always existed. We need to think of collaborations beyond the boundary of consultants, which will help us grow our industry.鈥�
In today鈥檚 time we need to give more recognition to the people involved in the process for better collaboration, added Tapan Shah.
Jagrut Patel went on question: Can鈥檛 we think of incorporating the management tools in our industry?
To this, Prashant Parmar responded: Management is the core of any professional service. 鈥淲e are mainly into creating cultural complexes across the globe and the company has adopted Lean architecture management principles. Those are the key principles that we as architects should adopt in our work to create an environment-friendly design. At our Sydney site, we have used site contour responsive design which helped us eliminate waste. The Lean management principle helped us reduce cost and empower human potential. These are some of the things we can adopt in our work to make it simple.鈥�
Snehal Suthar on a different note said that the Lean management system is not that simple. 鈥淚t will take time to adopt it. We can work with outsourcing.鈥�
Brijesh Bhatia added that there is a place for creativity and good management practices to exist together. 鈥淚f someone with management skills can help the architecture firms, it will be really good for the industry.鈥�
However, Tapan Shah added that it also depends on the size of the firm and their ability to hire such talent.
鈥淲e need to manage a perfect team balance for smooth working,鈥� noted Pravin Patel.
What is the role of technology now? How ready are we for AI takeover? 鈥� Jagrut Patel went on to question.
We are well acquainted with BIM, 3D printing technology, VR and AR, which helps our clients and us to visualise the project, said Prashant Parmar.
The drastic change in the technological innovations in this decade has gone to leaps and bounds. It started with computers and now we are going towards 3D, added Pravin Patel.
鈥淲e are incorporating it in the early stages of the projects and as well as at the later part of the projects for clients to visualise,鈥� shared Jignesh Patel.
Technology is important in today鈥檚 time, but we need to keep working on our skills as well, pointed out Snehal Suthar. 鈥淎I can be inaccurate at times and the dependency on humans will always be there.鈥�
Softwares are the backbone of the project now, avared Brijesh Bhatia. 鈥淭echnology is here to stay and we have to adopt it and integrate it.鈥�
Not just drawing or visualising, technology is much important in building as well, noted Tapan Shah. There are new technologies for construction as well.
Stalwarts of the West
Thirteen winners of the Stalwarts of the West 鈥� Gujarat were awarded at the glittering event. The winners included (in alphabetical order):
Aarunya Architects
Creative Studio
Groundwork Architecture
HM Architects
Jagrut & Partners
Savvy Infrastructures
PSP Projects
The Grid Architects
Studionine Architects
STUDIO 2+2
Shivalik Group
Shayona Consultants
NEXTSTEP Architects
