CP Kukreja Foundation For Design Excellence Unveils Landmark Documentary on India's 5-Decade Architectural Journey
New Delhi, May 14: The CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence has presented a groundbreaking documentary that delves into the evolving identity of modern India through its built environment. Five Decades of India’s Built Environment is a meticulous exploration of how architecture has reflected and influenced the country's aspirations, anxieties, and resilience over the past five decades.
The 1-hour11-minute film proposes a profound question: what if architecture were not merely a response to function or form, but an active participant in shaping the social, political, and environmental metamorphoses of India? This documentary is not simply a catalogue of iconic structures or a timeline of stylistic transitions; rather, it is a nuanced meditation on how the built environment both mirrors and makes modern India.
The documentary features insights from Arunima Kukreja, Founding Director of the CP Kukreja Foundation, Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects, and R. Gaur, an architect, archivist, and director of the film. The narrative delves into the impact of colonial dominance on India's architecture during the British Raj era, followed by a transition towards nation-building in post-1947 India.
Throughout the documentary, structures designed by notable architects like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus plan by CP Kukreja Architects are showcased—characterised by a dialogue with nature rather than imposing their will on it. In this way, architecture becomes both an active participant and passive observer of modern India.
Five Decades of India's Built Environment moves into the new millennium, confronting ecological and ethical responsibilities that define contemporary practice. This includes projects like Pathways World School—a platinum-rated green campus in the Aravalli hills designed using sustainable systems.
Lastly, the documentary explores how COVID-19 has revealed vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure, necessitating a re-examination of architectural practices towards promoting mental health, community resilience, and societal equity to cities worldwide.
Watched by architects, planners, students, and citizens alike, this documentary offers valuable perspectives for those invested in shaping India's future through the built environment. Five Decades of India's Built Environment is now available online