Strike a Right Balance Between Aesthetics and Sustainability

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu tells architects to explore new ideas and create a dialogue across design boundaries to help find solutions that can address the pandemic and its aftermath.   Future buildings should strike a right balance between aesthetics and sustainability, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said while virtually addressing an event of the Indian Institute of Architects. He pitched for the use of solar power to make new structures environment-friendly. “The use of renewable energy sources such as solar energy should be promoted in new building projects. There is a need to strike the right balance between aesthetics and sustainability while creating structures. To address the urban flooding and water logging during heavy rainfall, we also have to find ways to ensure an effective drainage system. India is home to many monuments which were created by artisans using local materials and techniques. The professionals should draw inspiration from India''s diverse architecture and take the legacy forward by adopting the designs and concepts that are environment-friendly and best suited to the needs of the people. There is a need to promote culture and heritage of the respective areas as well as involvement of local artists and artisans in the projects. This will not only keep the essence of the culture of the place alive but will also encourage and give employment to the immensely talented craftsmen, who are struggling to keep our culture alive through their work. EIn the current COVID-19 pandemic, the construction sector has been severely affected due to massive decline in on-site works. I call upon the architects and designers to answer the challenge posed by the pandemic. Architects can explore new ideas and create a dialogue across design boundaries to help find solutions that can address the pandemic and its aftermath.”