The architect-fraternity of Kolkata and Ambuja Neotia Group organized the 4th edition of 'Charles Correa Annual Memorial Lecture' in the presence of eminent guests and delegates. Ambuja Neotia Group has planned to continue this annual lecture to commemorate the death anniversary of the visionary architect Charles Correa and pay tribute to his legacy through engaging activities.
This year eminent architects Yung Ho Chang and Sanjay Mohe graced the event. Chang is the Founding Partner and Principal Architect of Atelier Feichang Jianzhu (FCJZ) and the former Head of Department of Architecture, MIT. He participated six times in the Venice Biennale since 2000. Also, he held the Kenzo Tange Chair at Harvard GSD in 2002 and the Eliel Saarinen Chair at Michigan in 2004.
Sanjay Mohe, the founding partner of Bangalore-based architecture firm 'Mindspace', had a working association with Charles Correa in Mumbai. Mohe employs elements of nature, the five senses, and attempts to use 'light and air' as building materials in his designs, attributes which echo Correa's concerns and values.
Correa's connection with the City of Joy is unique and deep set. He exclusively designed the City Centre in Salt Lake, a project developed by Ambuja Neotia. Harshavardhan Neotia shared a special bond with the architect. They carved out an inclusive facility that was open and inviting providing an ideal rendezvous redefining the syntax of Mall design.
The primary idea of the annual lecture in his memory is not only to remember his legacy on a specific day but also to encourage research and practice of his values in Architecture throughout the year.
The master architect had a natural bond with the Group through a shared philosophy of environment – friendly and sustainable architectural development.
Charles Correa's work consisted of ideas formed and expressed by both his aesthetic and visual sensibility as well as his understanding of the cultural, political, social and economic realities of India.
"From Charles Correa we learnt that sustainable architecture should address more needs, be more relevant and engaging to its surroundings. His vision of City Centre highlighted urban sustainability and the location's future efficacy and redefined urban open space" said Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group.