Winning their spurs
Eromitha Ramesh and Suraj Ighe, two students who won Gold at the AYDA India Awards by Nippon Paint, explain the thought process behind their winning entries
he theme for AYDA 2023 by Nippon Paint was CONVERGE: Championing Purposeful Designs, and I was shortlisted under the Architecture category. I got the opportunity to present my ideas at the national level to esteemed architects from across the country. This experience enabled me to engage with them directly, share my ideas and receive their invaluable feedback.
My project, The Cooum Conundrum, explores how we look at ecologically sensitive and vulnerable zones like river edges in rapidly urbanising cities like Chennai, and the role of architecture in
Tthis context. I started out by studying the current state of the Cooum, which got me thinking about the river’s associations with the city in earlier decades and if it had always been like this. This led me to understand that the way we perceive rivers has a huge impact on the way we treat and manage them, and that architecture can influence the way we perceive rivers.
Ideas for change
The project, inspired by Urban Wild Ecology, aims to create a culturescape along the Cooum in Egmore and endeavours to reconnect the river with the city through what can be described as “controlled localised interventions” that are thoughtfully placed at strategic trigger points along the river’s course. It provides an opportunity for people to experience and manage the river edge through a series of six different interventions.
Some of these interventions include a cultural centre, pedestrian bridges and event streets. These programmes act as extensions of the urban fabric not just physically but also programmatically. The architectural realisation of the idea happens through a series of interventions of both built and landscape. Within the architectural framework itself, spaces are designed to be adaptable to changing climate conditions over time and are strategically configured to create zones that facilitate interactions with various species, emphasising the role of architecture in fostering a harmonious relationship with Nature. In select areas, architectural interventions serve as mediators between preexisting structures and the natural environment.
AYDA gave me the opportunity to learn of inspiring ideas and from people from across the country. Winning the gold in Architecture has given me the opportunity to represent India at the international level and I’m really excited for the learning it will provide.
OEducation
he theme for the 2023 edition of the AYDA Awards India by Nippon Paint was Converge: Championing Purposeful Design. My project, The Universal School, aimed to diminish the boundaries of learning and create an allequal platform to ensure quality education. Many students confine themselves within the boundaries of their assigned college, limiting their potential for growth and exploration. Not everyone has the opportunity to attend prestigious colleges. Many face challenges such as limited guidance, insufficient resources, and a lack of awareness during their formative years. This is further exacerbated by the allotted colleges with the basic type of education system with internal problems that remain unattended.
TSharing expertise
To bridge this gap, my proposal was to establish a network of colleges focused on sharing expertise and providing exposure to students. Reputed larger institutions would serve as central hubs, facilitating seamless connectivity within the network through both offline and online channels and offer expertisesharing oppornce a niche profession, tattoo artistry is now a thriving career domain. This art form combines creativity, personal expression, and technical skills, making it an appealing choice for those who wish to pursue a nontraditional artistic career. In recent years, the tattoo industry has witnessed exponential growth driven by a growing demand for meaningful designs, indicating a deeper acceptance and appreciation of tattoos as art. Tattooing, as an art form, offers immense creative freedom, as each artist can develop a distinct style. This sets tattooing apart from other art forms.
Tattoos often carry profound personal meanings for individuals who choose to get them. A tattoo artist, therefore, has the responsibility of creating art that becomes a permanent part of someone’s personal story. This emotional connection often results in a deeply fulfilling experience for both parties. tunities to students from smaller colleges and those studying remotely.
The design employs vibrant colours to accentuate the structure, with a focus on fostering student interactions to share experiences and gain exposure. Utilising a telescopic seating system, the openfloor spaces can transform into large interactive areas, enhancing engagement and improving retention rates. Incorporating the play of light and shadows, along with integrating elements of the surrounding landscape for a Natureconnected learning experience, the open layout and barrierfree spaces seamlessly merge and expand to create dynamic environments.
Mediacentric interventions enable multidirectional learning experiences. A central spine traverses all existing buildings, featuring a vibrant red unified path that energises nodes and facilitates various activities such as demonstrations, plays, courtyard teachings, and spaces for discussions and debates.
Technological advancements such as AR, VR, glass projections, and holograms are harnessed to enhance student connectivity with the remote world. A dedicated server room monitors student data across the network to identify shared ideologies and research interests, fostering collaboration and avoiding redundancy. Students seeking assistance in any field can access valuable expertise from faculty or peers and connect for guidance, both online and offline, at host centres. The digital learning centre includes an immersive psychedelic artistic space to engage students. Transforming the existing college setup, the central spine creates a vast linear space that facilitates the circulation of large crowds during periodic exhibitions, aimed at inspiring younger generations.
The primary objective is to attract renowned international faculty and provide training to students as well as faculty to enhance teaching skills in cuttingedge areas. The overarching goal is to establish a network of colleges where each teacher serves as a guide and each student as a companion, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This project represents a small but significant step towards a brighter future for India.
The experience of interacting with the best from the world and receiving reviews from during the AYDA Awards India was itself a big win. I am looking forward to representing India at the global level and the learning that awaits me there. work, connect with potential clients, and build a reputation transcending geographical boundaries. Some artists specialise in specific styles or techniques, such as realism, traditional, or cosmetic tattooing (like microblading). Specialisation can lead to recognition as an expert in a particular niche, opening doors to a dedicated client base and unique collaborative opportunities.
The global nature of the tattoo industry offers artists opportunities to work in different countries, participate in international conventions, and gain global exposure. This broadens one’s scope and contributes to the ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas within the tattoo community.
Tattoo artistry offers a unique blend of artistic expression, personal connection, and professional growth. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, the future of this industry is full of opportunities for those willing to explore their creative potential and leave a lasting impact through their art. revealed by archaeology, history and geology. It probes the causes and aftermath of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and gives a glimpse of the past. Social life, trade, and livelihoods are woven into the seismic narrative, providing an understanding of the human connection with Earth's dynamic forces. The highimpact earthquakes will happen, but they need not always end up as human catastrophes. A riveting story of the earthquakes, their science, history and impact.
C.P. Rajendran and Kusala Rajendran Penguin ₹599
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