Review of CPKA : Five Decades of Indias Built Environment

CPKA: Five Decades of India’s Built Environment Documents the history of C.P. Kukreja Architects (www.cpkukreja.com). The book was written by architects Arunima Kukreja and Dikshu Kukreja (published in Roli Books). It documents the rapid growth of the practice from two architects in the late 60s to over 200 professionals today.

C.P. Kukreja is an architect. After completing his education in Australia and Melbourne, Kukreja founded CPKA in 1969. The practice was further developed over the years by a commitment to education and writing. Kukreja was instrumental to the establishment of the Sushant School of Architecture (1989), where he primarily envisions climate-responsive settlements responding to their context.

C.P. was established to address the need for documentation. Kukreja established the Architecture + Design (A+D), that continues to remain a significant magazine, archiving projects since 1984. In 2002, the decision was made to engage in sustainable design. Tropical ArchitectureC.P. Kukreja, published by Tata McGraw Hill in 1978. It became a guide for schools of architecture. Former President of India K.R. Narayanan is a testament to Kukrejas lifetime contributions to society and profession.

Innovation & recognition

Over the past 50 years, CPKA designed a variety of typologies including institutional projects, embassies and industrial complexes as well as housing and residences, educational, and recreational projects. A Harvard University Masters degree and a fellowship at Taliesin Arizona, Ar. Dikshu Kukreja joined the firm to bring dynamism and context perspectives to consolidate a rapidly growing practice.

The trajectory of early projects such Jawaharlal Nehru University (1970), to Gautam Buddha University (2007,) shows the evolution of technology, climate, materials, and function. The firm has received numerous awards over the past five decades for its contributions.

CPKA has created an inter-disciplinary team that is equipped with a range expertise including master planning and design, urban design, interiors and infrastructure planning. The organisational structure includes electrical, mechanical, landscape, and interior design. This increases efficiency in execution.

CPKA was established in the late 70s with invitations for international projects like the Parliament Building in Baghdad (Iraq), a five-star Russian hotel, hospitals in Nepal and Bangladesh, and embassies throughout Africa.

It is a remarkable achievement for an Indian practice to have established offices in the Middle East and Iran in the early 1970s.

Housing is a necessity

In Indian history, the early 1970s were a time when there was a growing need to build housing. It gave the firm an opportunity to assist in the execution of several large townships. The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow and Rumtek Monastery (1980s), were significant CPKA milestones. In contrast, the 1990s saw an explosion in infrastructure and new typologies that responded to globalization’s demands. This phase included CPKA projects. See Sir Banister Fletchers encyclopedia for a reference. History of World Architecture.

Dramatic Changes

Thomas Vonier (former President UIA Paris), praises the practice for its varied experience. Shashi Tharoor’s foreword recalls the dramatic changes that have taken place in India since independence. He also relates his fascination with Aerocity, a planned city by CPKA.

Olivier Vidal is an architect based out of Paris and New York. He recounts his collaboration with CPKA, and its worldwide experience. Sunet Paul, Editor-in Chief (The essayA+DMagazine) gives an overview of the company. The C.P. The C.P.

This publication is valuable to young architects, fraternity members, university libraries, and patrons. Ar. is the legacy of Ar. C.P. C.P.

The reviewer is an architect and writer. He is the Dean of Saveetha College of Architecture, Chennai. He also founded ArtesROOTS Fellowship as a mentor.