Need for better urban designs

  “The time is right for green design to become mandatory; however the methods of ratification of the “Greenness” of a building and its implementations have often proved to be controversial or downright inadequate,” says Ar Subir Kumar Basu
Ar Subir Kumar Basu has worked on many housing projects in the state of Kolkata making healthy structures for a sustainable living. Housing project has taken a new meaning for the skyline of Kolkata with Ar Subir Kumar Basu designing projects to suit the requirements of number of people residing in these structures. In an interview with ACE Update magazine, Ar Subir Kumar Basu share what goes into designing and planning of large housing projects.
Inspiration to join architectureBuildings, ubiquitous as they can be, are powerful human creations. The ability and desire of humans to shape their surrounds for shelter, comfort and desired lifestyles is a powerful stimulus. To be a part of this elite group of creative thinkers and doers who build human settlements was the strongest inspiration for me. This is what drew me to architecture as an academic and a professional.
Journey in the field of architectureI graduated from Jadavpur University (J.U.) in 1975 with a B. Arch degree, and followed it up with an M. Arch degree from the same university in 1981. I served as a senior research fellow in the department of architecture J.U. from 1982-1984. Before setting up my own practice I served as an employee of an architecture firm in Kolkata. Practicing for over 3 decades now, trying to follow my own brand of post-modern architecture, and my office currently is dealing with several million square feet of projects.
As a professional, I am serving as an architect member of the West Bengal state level building committee, the Kolkata municipal corporation building committee; high power committee for revision of Kolkata’s building rules etc. I have also been a former member of the state level heritage commission and have had great pleasure of being the chairman of the West Bengal chapter of the Indian institute of architects. Recently, I have been appointed as the member of the technical expert committee of the West Bengal fire and emergency services. I believe in staying true to my roots and giving back to my Alma Mater, I have had the pleasure in being able to teach as a visiting professional/examiner in some of the best architectural Institutions of eastern India.
Comments on proposed amendment of Architect’s Act, 1972Being the elected member representing the eastern states of India in the parent body of the council of architecture and having the responsibility and privilege of being a part of the said amendments. I believe that the new amended version of the Architect’s Act clears many gray areas and gives definitive guidelines for architects. I expect these changes to be ushered in and received well by the members of our profession.Challenging projectsI have been a part of many projects, the most challenging for me has been the project titled “Greenfield City”, where we had to compete professionally with architects and architecture firms from India and abroad. Our firm was selected after presenting to the client the detailed concepts for this 50+ acre project with 100 buildings. At present this is one of the largest projects my office is involved in, we have involved top level experts of various fields in our office to meet the deliverables, several thousand drawings have been issued for construction; the project is being delivered on time and we have already successfully completed the buildings of the first phase and handed them over to the owners of apartments.I believe a close second project in terms of sheer complexity would be the open air theatre building for the government of West Bengal, situated on a complicated plot of land we had to create a single audio-visually suitable gallery for a 2,000 string audience. We also had to generate handsome spaces for 35,000 square feet of a single basement gallery, besides the stage and its peripherals; the super structure consists of media centres, food courts, banquet halls, restaurants, offices and even guest rooms. Fitting in so many types of uses in a single functional design and organising co-ordinated services, traffic planning, emergency services etc. for the same was a huge challenge that we have undertaken, the project is currently under construction and on schedule for completion.Role of green buildings
Architecture has seen several stalwart concepts being introduced in the 20th century, but the one with the most far reaching effect that I foresee is the concept of green design. Architects build in order to add attributes to the surrounds; we either enrich a space or cause detriments through the kind of architecture adopted/produced. It is in the need of the preservation of our planet, its resources and mostly for the sake of our future generations that we must adopt green design principles for today’s architecture. The time is right for green design to become mandatory; however the methods of ratification of the “Greenness” of a building and its implementations have often proved to be controversial or downright inadequate. Perhaps it is essential to form region centric guidelines and codes so that sustainable architecture gains a stronger foothold in the country.
Advice to young architectsIn today’s competitive world it can often be hard for young architects to gain strong footholds, but my advice to the young architects would be to follow your dreams and work hard, it is important for our young architects to realise that there has been a paradigm shift in architecture and mere knowledge of pure architecture does not provide all the solutions. They must have adequate knowledge of allied subjects so as to be able to be in touch with the latest design practices, ranging from latest software and graphics to trends, from structures to services etc. I have seen in practicality; that it is often these inspired young professionals who create breakthrough design solutions. I believe in giving creative freedom to young architects who can come up with strong concepts that prove the benefits of their design approaches. So much so, that my own team of architects in my office is comprised of several young professionals who are dedicated to their work.

29