Architectural Journalism Competition, India: Series 10 was themed to discuss "Rational Thinking in Architecture".

Concept brief was described in the competition as: Rational thinking in art and architecture refers to following a holistic approach that can incorporate the power of ‘now’ in our architectural endeavors. For taking any rational decision, it is important that all the parameters, which might get affected, be keenly observed. In architecture as well, rationalism comes into play when we need to consider diverse parameters that affect our point of consideration in one way or the other; doing so shall not be possible without architectural journalism. For example, when we have only a small portion exposed, we will not be able to figure out the complete message that it portrays, unless we have all the broader parameters analyzed through some medium like architectural journalism.

Series 9, was themed to discuss ‘Creative Writing in Architecture’

Creative writing is a means of expressing one’s thoughts and ideas in a liberal manner, free from any restrictions or technical jurisdictions. It allows an informal interaction between the writer and the reader, leading to a seamless conveyance of information and ideas. This enables the reader to develop an easy understanding of what is written, as no rigid protocols are followed. Nonetheless, certain guidelines need to be followed. Creative writing, as a means of Architectural Journalism, must acknowledge certain aspects of the field. The presence of an architectural expression is necessary, to begin with. There must be a clear understanding of the subject material, to make the reader grasp it well.

The organization has announced the winning stories and the winners with their abstracts are as under:

Abstracts: Series 10

Student Category Winner: Art of Rational Critiquing By Ruchika Agarwal, B.Arch-III, SCET, Surat; Gujarat.

Abstract- ‘Art of Rational Critiquing’: Every emotion needs to be communicated either by means of action or through language and it is this communication that draws attention to any sentiment that is to be expressed. Likewise, every other masterpiece needs a professional write up for the explanation of the product or its service. Or, in other words, an interpreting document for the design which actually draws communication between the reader and the architect. A well-planned interior and the best design can change the look of a space, but an explanation proficient enough about the design is necessary to establish a proper communication and understanding of design.

"An architectural journalist is probably one who can take you into a journey of fantasy of experiencing the masterpieces, in your coziest drawing rooms, at your leisure with a small effort to bring forth the aspects of architecture and unveiling the path to view the beauty of the art piece speaking volumes and volumes." Architectural journalism is the aspect of realizing buildings, its structures and expressing it with the power of words. This could be done with technical and logical skill and linguistic style based on strong knowledge of technical architectural course. It brings to light the character and nature of the architect, his architectural piece and makes it easy for a common man to understand it’s functional and design aspects. It gives life, in a literary sense, to the documentation of the project with an objective and style.

'Special Mention_1’ for Professional Category’: Creative Configuration of the Rhythmic Rational Reasoning. By: Prof. Mondira Ganguly.

Abstract- ‘Creative Configuration of the Rhythmic Rational Reasoning’:  In Architecture, the concept of rationalism refers to a building committed to a logical, mathematically ordered design. Perception, introspection, and memory have been conceived as experimental sources of justification. Rationalism as a formal ideology began during historical times. Any built form was the design, composed of basic geometric shapes, functional space, and a logical aesthetic. In the current research, it is widely accepted that cultural and socio-economic factors have a profound effect in the shaping of the built environment and user’s preferences and lifestyles are particularly reflected in the space design.

Rationality is a changeable phenomenon. It is our culture that ultimately justifies the changes in both our perception and conception of rationality. There should be no gap between the rational and the creative thinking. Every architectural design should be innovative and creative within the given limitations of the situation. A design concept is commonly related to as ideation, creative synthesis, contextual realization, initial perception and so on, which assist in the creative logical resolution of a spatial issue. The tangible outcome is evolved from this logical reasoning. This transparent approach emphasizes the need to validate and rationalize all activities or stages involved as part of design evolution. The essence of rationalism exists in every aspect of the design process. There should be a balance between performances and aesthetics.

'Special Mention_2’ for Professional Category’: The Dawn of a New Era, By Ar. Mandar Athavale.

Abstract- ‘The Dawn of a New Era’: The whole humanity has laid down its paths in every aspect of making human conducive environments the past present and the future are the units, triggers, and spheres of the whole development process. The need of the hour being intellectual, socially and psychological stable is exploring the new dimensions of creating healing and eco-friendly spaces. The concept of carving out of nature has again found its renaissance after long years and the idea of the road back to nature is the most widely discussed concept amongst people. In this long journey from nothing to something has really seen the emergence of new philosophies and actions based on them. These new philosophies are questioning the earlier one. Architecture has also seen a paradigm shift, from first separating nature and humanity to ecological inclusive environments.

Humans have found a solution first to make barriers and now for the barrier-free living. To look at the section of the society in a holistic manner to flow down the threads of humanity throughout, the rational thinking demands the need of the holistic approach to problems. The problems in today’s world are due to the imbalances created by human interference. Moreover, to it, artificial intelligence is finding its way to compete with human intelligence and is the mere future of the world. The digital era has a greater impact on architecture expanding its horizon; just for example architectural output through computer coding has taken a new route to compete for the challenges. The education system has divided all of us into a number of guilds in which architecture has played an important milestone in shaping our own guild in a specific manner. The guild has been party to one specific branch of knowledge and due to which the ecology and economy have now become the foe of each other. The sustainable architectural development should not merely throw light only on the aspect of ecological living but should also include economic welfare, social existence, and ecological protection.

Series 9.0

'Special Mention’ for Student Category’: ‘Creative Writing in Architecture’. By: Arunabh Mukherjee.

Abstract: ‘Creative Writing in Architecture’: Maybe you have a degree or you don’t. Maybe you are proficient with words or you aren’t. Creative Writing, as per my exposure to the literary world, is a continuous process of rummaging ways and manners of expression, finding words and in this whole routine of experimentations enhancing the basic need of a writer: to reach his/her readership. Amalgamation of different art forms isn’t always easy or even graceful but like the Digital Art when combines with a painter artist, the emergence of a very formidable impact can be witnessed which profoundly increases in doubles or triples with time and creates certain awareness and social inclination towards the kind of art prospering alongside criticisms.

Architecture as a profession is still spreading its syllabus in the different parts of the nation. Cities have risen from dust to high risers but a constant lack of context could be found in the approach, design philosophy and executing construction, the climate, etc. The most challenging aspect to approach in Architecture is the cultural and religious diversity of India. This greatly influences the context and involves multiple points of conjuncture providing a nation-wide open floor to debate, brainstorm and pool-in innovative solutions from all around. Designing and construction may not be a new thing but definitely, design awareness has become the necessity of the current market and also the society, in general.

Jurors for these Series were:

Prof. Krishna Rao Jaisim: Principal Architect Jaisim-Fountainhead

Ar. Pappal Suneja: Freelance Architectural Journalist, India

Ar. Surinder Bahga, Chairperson B&C IIA Punjab and Principal Architect, Saakar Foundation

Ar. Sangeet Sharma, Practicing Architect & Author Chandigarh

Ar. Sarbjit Bahga, Chief Architect Bahga Design Studio, Chandigarh

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Top Image © Pappal Suneja (Sagara Resort, Trivandrum designed by Sir Laurie Baker)

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