Ar. Abhishek Bij,Partner, Design Plus
To begin with, the methodology for awarding projects shall witness a rise in comprehensive services; i.e, architectural services shall struggle to remain a pure consultancy (other than maybe firms offering boutique design services) and lean towards a subset of a larger collaboration. Design and Build contracts or EPC contracts shall be the norm. Patrons (public or private) seek a single window for Design, Construction Management, and Execution. Ironically, this transition indexes at the historical understanding of architects/architecture where the designer was the engineer and the master builder/craftsmen or vice-versa.
Architectural firms must operate with organized frameworks
Architecture has always been a response to and the reflection of the larger life processes. It is influenced by political, economic, social developments of the region. With economic decisions as GST, demonetization; regularizations such as RERA; International Collaborations such as Amravati; Major infrastructure projects (National Railway and Bhopal Metro stations) to be awarded on PPP including design and operation; there is no option but for architectural firms to operate with organized frameworks. Managing resources, timelines, deliverables, coordination becomes essential along with the romanticized visions.
Technology will become a greater enabler
Infiltration of technology is a given. In the recent past, Indian architectural fraternity has embraced 3D printing, digital mapping, robotic arms, BIM, Diva, Dynamo and more. In addition, the application of the tools has been much more mature than ever before. With architectural education and professional practices being more playful with the brewing tools, 2018 would definitely carry a repertoire of projects where the design language is regional yet globally relevant.
Being ethically green
We always support the idea of ‘ethically green’. This is different from the certification requirements of LEED or GRIHA. While, the endeavor of a certification is un-disputed; it is primarily used for bragging rights. If every building respects the region it is built within, by understanding climate and thus, orientations, seasons and festivals and thus, landscaping, demographics and then program decisions, it is tending towards green. Rain water management, harnessing the solar energy, shielding from the harsh weather is ingrained in our traditional roots. While, we are not promoting a degenerative attitude, but ideas such as Gaurav Shorey’s 5waraj have a lot to offer in the coming years.
