SDCA Ludhiana: Celebrating Design Excellence in Punjab

• December 28, 2024
• By: Syed Md. Ehteshamul Hasan
• NEWS

The Smart Design Conclave & Awards (SDCA) Ludhiana, organised by Building Material Reporter (BMR) in association with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Punjab Chapter and the Ludhiana Architects Association, stood as a grand celebration of architecture and design excellence. The event brought together visionaries, dignitaries, and pioneers to honour the transformative power of architecture in Ludhiana and beyond. This gathering illuminated the city’s cultural heritage and contemporary aspirations, fostering a dialogue that bridged tradition with innovation.

A Warm Welcome & Lamp Lighting Ceremony

The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the enlightening power of knowledge. Eminent architects and industry leaders, including Ar. Neelam Manjunath, Ar. Ravinder Singh, Ar. Balbir Bagga, Ar. Arjun Sharma, Aman Anand, Pankaj Malhotra, Ashwani Asija, Sandeep Lathwal, Sukesh Singh and other dignitaries, graced the stage to mark the occasion. Their presence underscored the significance of collective effort in advancing the architectural and design landscape.

Acknowledging Stakeholders & Curators

A heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to the event’s stakeholders—FIMA, Alstone, KEI, Newmika, Lauritz Knudsen, VOX, Lingel, and Simpolo—whose unwavering support made the SDCA Ludhiana possible. Special gratitude was reserved for the curators, Ar. Ravinder Singh, Ar. Balbir Bagga, and Ar. Arjun Sharma, who mentored the event with their expertise and vision.

Ar. Ravinder Singh, co-founder of Living Space Architects, inaugurated the event with an inspiring address. With over two decades of experience, his innovative approach and dedication to blending functionality with aesthetics set the tone for the discussions to follow. Ar. Balbir Bagga, the visionary behind Balbir Bagga Architects brought his extensive expertise in designing iconic spaces that seamlessly integrate tradition and modernity, elevated the event's intellectual depth. Ar. Arjun Sharma, Principal, Arjun Sharma & Associates, further enriched the event with his insights into architectural design's evolving landscape.

Building Material Reporter: A Vision for Collaboration and Innovation

The event highlighted BMR’s commitment to innovation and collaboration through its platforms—magazine, web, and YouTube channel. The SDCA initiative, tailored for tier 2 and tier 3 cities, seeks to recognise design potential, redefine urban landscapes, and foster growth in the architecture and construction industries.

BMR has consistently showcased a vision that bridges the gap between industry stalwarts and emerging professionals, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and collaboration. The SDCA initiative is a testament to this commitment, focusing on cities with untapped architectural potential. Through its events and platforms, BMR aims to inspire professionals to rethink urban landscapes and introduce fresh perspectives to conventional design approaches. By creating a platform for dialogue, the initiative helps bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern innovations.

A short video presentation encapsulated this vision, highlighting how BMR integrates innovation, sustainability, and practicality across its mediums. The presentation not only resonated with the attendees but also underscored the organisation’s role as a catalyst for change in the design and construction sectors. By leveraging its reach across print, digital, and visual media, BMR continues to pave the way for a dynamic and inclusive architectural landscape.

Keynote Address by Ar. Neelam Manjunath

Ar. Neelam Manjunath, Principal of Mansaram Architects, is a versatile architect celebrated for her activism and pioneering innovations in sustainable design. Serving as the Keynote Speaker at SDCA Ludhiana, she delivered an enlightening address that highlighted the transformative potential of bamboo as a sustainable material in modern construction.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Ar. Manjunath emphasised the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary practices to create functional, environmentally harmonious structures. As the World Bamboo Ambassador, she inspired the audience to rethink material usage and design approaches, underscoring the critical role of bamboo and other natural elements in sustainable architecture. Her speech left the audience motivated to embrace eco-conscious practices in their work.

Panel Discussion: Women Transforming the Architectural Landscape

A notable highlight was the panel discussion featuring distinguished women architects from Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. Moderated by Ar. Shweta Khosla, Principal Designer at Avinash Khosla and Associates, the session delved into the transformative contributions of women in architecture. The panellists included:

Ar. Kavneet Grover, Founder of Kre8 Architects, known for her thought leadership and inclusive designs; Ar. Deepti Bhatia, Visionary behind ArchiDes, emphasising thoughtful and innovative designs; Ar. Julie Khanna, Partner at HNH Group, a proponent of sustainability and functionality; Ar. Nidhi Raheja, Creator of Raheja Creations, blending aesthetics and modernity; Ar. Praneet Buber, renowned for integrating sustainability into contemporary designs; and Ar. Sonaly Mahajan, Principal at Acme Architectz, offering impactful urban planning insights. The panel explored diverse perspectives on design, sustainability, and inclusivity, inspiring the audience with their collective expertise.

Panel Discussion: Indian Architecture - A Blend of Contemporary Design and Bold Architecture

The second panel discussion explored the fascinating juxtaposition of India’s rich architectural heritage with modern design innovations. Moderated by Ar. Pritpal Singh Ahluwalia, Principal, Walia Creative Architect, who is also the Chairman of IIA Punjab Chapter and Director of Smart Cities Ltd., a visionary known for his holistic approach to architectural practice, the distinguished panellists provided diverse perspectives on design trends and urban development.

The discussion featured insights from Ar. Vikram Likhy of dezien+, an esteemed architect renowned for integrating traditional aesthetics with modern functionality; Ar. Narotam Vohra of Narotam Singh & Associates, an innovator in the use of sustainable materials in bold architectural designs; Ar. Thakur Udayveer of Space Race Architects, an advocate of blending historical forms with cutting-edge architectural techniques; Ar. Vikas Sharma of Gridforms Design Studio, an expert in urban development and adaptive reuse of structures; Ar. Mani Talwar of Mani Talwar Architects, who is known for redefining contemporary architecture with cultural narratives; and Ar. Kanwarpreet Khurana of Ideal Arch, the visionary integrating art into architecture.   

The panellists highlighted how contemporary architecture could draw inspiration from traditional forms while embracing bold and innovative approaches. From integrating local materials to creating iconic modern structures, the discussion underscored the creative interplay between the past and the present in shaping India's architectural identity.

Technical Presentations and Brand Showcases

The event featured engaging presentations by leading industry brands. Highlighting innovative home furnishings and building materials, VOX showcased its comprehensive product range, including PVC panels and wooden ceilings. Lingel: Dr. Mario Schmidt’s presentation emphasised Lingel’s commitment to elegant workspace and building solutions. Greenlam Industries Ltd. found the paltfomr important enough to launch its NewMIka laminates collections (1.25mm) and demonstrated innovative offerings that enhance architectural possibilities. Fima Carlo Frattini’s Pooja Gaur captivated the audience with their vision of luxurious and contemporary bathroom designs.

KEI Wires and Cables presented their advanced electrical solutions, showcasing their strength and presence not only across the nation but beyond. Simpolo Tiles found the platform important enough to showcase their newly developed tile collections and giving insights into innovative tile designs that elevate architectural aesthetics. While presenting about Alstone, the industry leader in cladding solutions, Pankaj Malhotra demonstrated the company’s expertise in metal composite panels, setting benchmarks in cladding solutions.

Lifetime Achievement, Masterstroke and Special Mention Awards
The event honoured individuals and firms for their extraordinary contributions:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Ar. Avinash Khosla for over five decades of exemplary service in architecture, transforming Ludhiana and neighbouring cities with his innovative designs.

Masterstroke Award: Conferred upon Habitat Architects for their eco-conscious and immersive design approach.

Special Mention Award: Awarded to Living Spaces for their bespoke and client-centric design solutions.

Celebrating Architectural Excellence

The awards ceremony recognized stellar contributions in various categories:

ARCHITECTURE 

Architecture – Residential
Ar. Samridh Aneja, Minimalist Architecture & Design Studio

Architecture – Institutional
Ar. Sanjay K Goel, Designex Architects

Architecture – Hospitality (Hotels) 
Ar. A P Singh, A P Associates Inc. 

Architecture – Hospitality (Bars & Lounges) 
Ar. Sanjeev Aggarwal, Aggarwal Consultants 

Architecture – Commercial (Offices/Industries) 
Ar. Ashok Sharma, Ashok Sharma Architects

INTERIOR DESIGN:
Interiors – Residential 
Ar. Vishal Kakria & ID Rhythm Kapoor, Line & Space

Interiors – Hospitality (Hotels) 
Ar. Gaganpal Singh, Habitat Designers

Interiors – Commercial (Retail Outlets) 
Ar. Shubham Poply, Shubham Poply Design 

Interiors - Public Institution
Ar. Nitin Batra (Special Mention)

Interiors – Healthcare
Ar. Arun Khosla & Ar. Varun Khosla, Ravinder Khosla & Associates 

These accolades celebrated innovation, functionality, and sustainability, underscoring the industry’s potential to shape society.

Conclusion

As the event drew to a close, attendees reflected on the impactful discussions, innovative presentations, and inspiring recognition of talent. The SDCA Ludhiana not only celebrated architectural excellence but also fostered meaningful collaborations, setting the stage for future advancements in design and construction. The networking dinner provided a relaxed forum for continued dialogue and the exploration of potential partnerships.

Final Thoughts: The SDCA Ludhiana exemplified the power of collective effort in advancing architecture and design. By bridging traditional values with contemporary innovations, the event underscored the transformative role of architecture in shaping society. As the industry evolves, such initiatives by BMR promise to redefine the design landscape, inspiring professionals to collaborate, innovate, and build a sustainable future.