ifj

[qodef_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#1d1d1d” background_color=””]I[/qodef_dropcaps]ndia loses pioneer in institutional architecture

CP Kukreja, founder of CP Kukreja Architects, passes away at the age of 80

C P Kukreja’s relentless dedication is noteworthy not only in the architectural legacy he established, but also in the tireless manner in which he worked for the architectural community as a whole.

Having witnessed traumatic experiences due to Partition, he was motivated to make a meaningful contribution to his country. He received his scholarship to attend the prestigious Melbourne University for his Town & Regional Planning degree followed by another scholarship to obtain his Master’s Degree in Architecture from University of Manitoba, Canada.  After having completed his education, he decided to return to the country to work with the plethora of knowledge he had acquired overseas.

His winning entry in the international competition for the design of the Jawaharlal Nehru University established him as a pioneer in sustainable architecture. Using the techniques implemented in this milestone project as an

example, he promoted prioritizing concepts like sustainability, energy efficient design, renewal of natural resources, responding to natural context and blending tradition with modernity which also made his projects contextually relevant. The testimony of the same is held in some of his prestigious works like the Rumtek Monastery (New Delhi), IIM (Lucknow), Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Pathways World School (Gurugram) etc.

His passion reflects in his committed efforts to impact architectural thinking and theorization. He penned down his philosophies for an environmentally sensitive design in his book “Tropical Architecture” (published in 1978 by Tata McGraw-Hill) which is a much celebrated book on Environmental Architecture and is also a popular reference book in the libraries of prestigious institutions like Harvard University and MIT.  Furthermore, he established the first Indian Architectural Magazine titled, Architecture + Design (A+D) in 1984 followed by an interior design magazine, Indian Design & Interiors. He also delivered speeches and lectures abroad in various institutions such as Harvard, talking about his ideas of successfully blending strong architectural and environmental design philosophies with material science and sustainable construction technology. He was also the Founding Governing Body Member of the Sushant School of Art & Architecture.

Kukreja also contributed immensely in the post-earthquake reconstruction work of Gujarat. He has also been the highest contributor, recognized by the Indian Institute of Architects, for his financial contribution to the Tsunami victims. His immense philanthropic efforts include active contribution in various disaster relief campaigns and organ donation drives.

He has been a founding member of the Manav Chetna Kendra which has been instrumental in spreading the words of Swami Paramananda. He had been felicitated by the Former President of India, Shri. K.R. Narayanan for his life time contribution in Architecture and Environment Awareness in the Indian Society.

Prominent projects

Ananda Housing, Noida

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Rumtek Monastery, New Delhi (Also known as the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute)

highest contributor, recognized by the Indian Institute of Architects, for his financial contribution to the Tsunami victims. His immense philanthropic efforts include active contribution in various disaster relief campaigns and organ donation drives.

He has been a founding member of the Manav Chetna Kendra which has been instrumental in spreading the words of Swami Paramananda. He had been felicitated by the Former President of India, Shri. K.R. Narayanan for his life time contribution in Architecture and Environment Awareness in the Indian Society.

Prominent projects

Ananda Housing, Noida

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Rumtek Monastery, New Delhi (Also known as the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute)

Signature Towers, Gurugram

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

The Lalit Hotel, Goa