Smart Design Conclave & Awards Organises 9th Edition in Lucknow

• October 4, 2024
• By: Syed Md. Ehteshamul Hasan
• EVENTS

The Smart Design Conclave & Awards (SDCA), an initiative by Building Material Reporter (BMR), brought its 9th edition to Lucknow, continuing its mission to recognise and celebrate the efforts of architects, designers, and brands in tier 2 and 3 cities. Curated by Ar. Anupam Mittal, the event emphasised the untapped potential of these cities and showcased innovative design solutions that are reshaping urban landscapes while respecting cultural heritage. 

With key stakeholders such as Alstone Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., Roca Parryware, KEI Industries, Lauritz Knudsen (formerly L&T Switchgear), NewMika (Greenlam Industries), Haique Quartz, Pare, and Capstona lending their support, SDCA Lucknow edition proved to be an influential platform for industry leaders and budding architects alike.

The Ceremony

The event commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by an inaugural address by Sukesh Kumar Singh, Director of Business Mantra Reporter, the parent company of Building Material Reporter. He shared insights into BMR's offerings and future initiatives for stakeholders in the building and design industry.

A Grand Opening with Visionary Leadership 

The welcome address by Ar. Anupam Mittal, Principal & Director of Arinem Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. sets the tone with insightful speech. Known for his innovative approach to monolithic concrete construction, Ar. Mittal emphasised the role of tier 2 and 3 cities in driving future architectural trends. He highlighted the importance of sustainable, disaster-proof design solutions and urged architects to consider the long-term impact of their projects on both the built environment and local communities.

MANTHAN: A Discussion on Cultural Preservation and Redevelopment

The panel discussion, Manthan, revolved around the theme of “Unity through Design: Redevelopment of Awadh While Preserving Cultural Heritage.” Moderated by Ar. Shubhra Mittal, Principal, Arinem Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. the discussion featured a panel of distinguished experts including Dr. Vandana Sehgal, Dean & Principal, FOAP, AKTU; Ar. Sabeena Singh, Chief Architect, UPPWD; Ar. Alok Verma, Architect Planner, UP Housing & Development Board; Ar. K K Gautam, Chief Town Planner, Lucknow Development Authority; Ar. Shikhar Singh, Principal, A Plus UD; Ar. Savita Agarwal, Founder, Muralage; and Ar. Avinash Ghai, Principal, Avishkar & MD, AKIE Pvt. Ltd. 

The conversation underscored the need for a balanced approach to urban development that respects Awadh’s rich cultural history while addressing modern infrastructure needs. The panel concluded with a call to action for architects to adopt inclusive design strategies that celebrate heritage while driving urban growth. Panellists agreed that collaboration across disciplines is essential in creating spaces that honour tradition yet foster innovation.

Pecha Kucha: Showcasing Young Talent

The Pecha Kucha session highlighted the work of four young architects—Ar. Roli Singh, Director, Kaleido Design Innovation; Ar. Chhaya Singh, Principal, Chhatrachhaya; Ar. Juwairia Qamruddin, Founder, Beyond Fika; and Ar. K M Prajapati, Founder, Atelier De North—who presented rapid-fire, thought-provoking projects. 

Their presentations reflected how emerging architects are embracing new technologies and challenging traditional forms. This segment underscored the evolving nature of architecture, where younger generations are increasingly influenced by sustainability, adaptive reuse, and community-centric design.

X-Talks 

The session, featuring Ar. Shree M Naik, Founder, Hazel Earth Studio and Ar. Rajkumar Vaswani, Director, L. S. Vaswani Pvt. Ltd., explored the significance of sketching as a vital form of visual expression in the world of architecture and design. They highlighted how this artistic practice enhances the creative process, helping architects to articulate concepts and narratives more effectively, while bridging the gap between design intention and environmental context.

A Dialogue on Visual Storytelling

This was followed by a dialogue on visual expression in architecture and landscape between these two thought leaders, alongside Ar. Anupam Mittal. They emphasised how sketching is not just a medium of conceptualisation but a form of storytelling. Sketching enables architects to convey emotions, ideas, and narratives that connect users to spaces. In landscape architecture, visual expression becomes a means of integrating natural elements with built environments, crafting spaces that are not only functional but emotionally resonant. The session concluded with a consensus that visual storytelling can transform the way we design spaces, making them more human-centered and expressive.

Presence of Brands

Several leading brands took to the stage to introduce new products and technologies that have the potential to transform the future of architecture and design. Alstone Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. presented its new line of eco-friendly materials that emphasise durability and sustainability, crucial in an era where green building practices are gaining momentum. 

Parryware showcased their latest water-efficient bathroom solutions., designed to meet the increasing demand for smart, sustainable homes. By combining functionality with cutting-edge design, Parryware is staying at the forefront of architectural trends, offering solutions that align with modern sustainability goals and the growing emphasis on eco-friendly, tech-driven living spaces.

KEI Industries presented their energy-efficient wiring and cable solutions, designed to support the growing demand for smart, sustainable infrastructure. With a focus on advanced materials and smart electrical systems, KEI ensures enhanced safety, durability, and energy optimisation, keeping pace with the latest trends in green building and modern architectural design.

NewMika launched its latest folder of surface solutions, featuring a range of laminates designed to offer architects and designers more creative freedom. These laminates are highly versatile, with superior resistance to wear and tear, making them ideal for both commercial and residential projects. The brand’s emphasis on customisation and aesthetic versatility resonated with the audience, as architects seek materials that can adapt to diverse design needs.

Lauritz Knudsen (formerly L&T Switchgear) also unveiled advanced switches that integrate seamlessly into modern interiors, offering designers the opportunity to incorporate tech-driven innovations into their projects. This evolution in building technologies represents a significant shift toward more responsive and intuitive spaces, which is the future of architecture and design.

Haique Quartz showcased durable, non-porous quartz surfaces, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. With scratch-resistant and stain-proof properties, Haique integrates advanced technology to offer stylish, low-maintenance high-end solutions aligned with modern sustainable design trends.

Pare introduced their range of acoustic and decorative ceiling systems that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Offering customizable designs with sound absorption and thermal insulation, Pare’s solutions blend efficiency with contemporary architectural needs. 

Capstona featured handcrafted stone washbasins, mosaic tiles, and sculptures, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Their collection adds luxury and heritage to contemporary spaces, providing sustainable, artistic solutions for unique architectural projects.

These presentations highlighted how the integration of advanced materials and smart technologies is essential in shaping the future discourse of architecture. The brands highlighted the role of sustainability, functionality, and technology in design, offering architects tools to craft spaces that are not only beautiful but also future-proof and environmentally responsible.

Awards & Recognitions: Honouring Excellence

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Prof. Dalip Chand Thapar, whose contributions as an architect and educator have greatly influenced the architectural landscape of Lucknow. Prof. Thapar's four decades of work in academia and practice have nurtured a new generation of architects who are deeply committed to thoughtful, innovative design. His role in shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on both the profession and the cityscape of Lucknow, making him a worthy recipient of this prestigious honour.

Ar. Ashok Kumar, Principal of Arch-En Design, received the Masterstroke Award for his integrity, creativity, and long-standing dedication to the profession. His approach of blending client visions with site functionality has been instrumental in creating spaces that resonate with both users and the surrounding environment.

The Special Mention Award was given to the duo Ar. Sanjay and Ar. Vijay Sinha of Skyline Architects, whose groundbreaking projects have helped shape the urban landscape of Lucknow and beyond. Their ability to bring client dreams to life through innovative design earned them this well-deserved recognition.

The Awardees in Different Categories Were:

ARCHITECTURE

Residential (Villas)
Ar. Anshu Singh & Ar. Prashant Pal Singh
Principal, Abhikarm 

Residential (Group Housing)
Ar. Shubhendra Bajpai 
Owner, Arch Dot Creation 

Healthcare
Ar. ⁠Arvind Yadav 
Director, A. K. & Associates 

Hospitality (Hotel Chains)
Asheesh Srivastava
Principal Conservation Architect, ANB Consultants

Institutional
Ar. Vinay Vishwakarma
Arinem Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd.

Commercial
Ar. Repunjay Patel
Architects Avenue 

Landscape
Ar. Devesh Mani Tripathi 
Icon Architects

INTERIORS

Commercial
Ar. Vaibhav Goel & Ar. Pratibha Goel 
Vaibhav Goel & Associates

Sustained Ecology
Ar. Devyani Dayal & Ar. Amit K Singh
Prayogshalaa 

Hospitality (Bars & Lounges)
⁠Ar. Shipra Singh & Ar. Rohit Parmar
Studio 0522 

Hospitality (Hotels)
Ar. Namit Tandon
Axis Archi 

Residential
⁠Ar. Aviral Aggarwal 
Asimetric Consultants 

Institutional
Ar. Ranjan Shukla
Vision Architects & Interior Designers

Healthcare
Ar. Annkit Kummar & Ar. Sakshi Mathur 
Arch-En Design

Networking Opportunities: Building Connections 

One of the most valuable aspects of the conclave was the opportunity for networking. Attendees, ranging from seasoned professionals to emerging architects, engaged in meaningful discussions about current challenges and opportunities in the architecture and design field. Networking sessions allowed professionals to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore potential collaborations. For architects and designers, events like the SDCA provide a unique platform to build relationships with peers, mentors, and industry stakeholders, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive.

For those attending future editions of the Smart Design Conclave & Awards, the value lies in the diversity of voices and perspectives that the event brings together. From discovering cutting-edge technologies to participating in thought-provoking debates and workshops, attendees leave with fresh insights and practical tools to apply to their projects. The ability to connect with industry leaders and innovators makes SDCA a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of design trends and contribute to the evolving discourse of architecture and urban development.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

The 9th edition of the SDCA in Lucknow successfully brought together key players from the architecture and design community, creating a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration. With a focus on innovation, cultural preservation, and sustainability, the event left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose in their work. As tier 2 and 3 cities continue to grow, SDCA will remain a crucial platform for architects and designers to shape the future of urban landscapes while honouring the past.