Mahacon 2016 churns new ideas on ‘SMART CITIES with SUSTAINABILITY’

Mumbai, 10^th February 2016: The Kalyan-Dombivi centre of Indian Institute of Architects hosted the 22nd Convention of Maharashtra Chapter from 6^th - 7^th February 2016. With the theme of ‘SMART CITIES with SUSTAINABILITY’, the occasion was graced by Hon. Mayor Shri. Dewlekar and Hon. Commissioner K.D.M.C E. Ravindran. The guest speakers present at the event were Ar. Sulakshana Mahajan, Ar. Anagha Paranjape – Purohit, Ar. Pramod Chaugule, Ar. Tushar Bhor, Ar. V. Venugopal, Ar. Rajesh Phadke and Ar. Abhin Alimchandani. The two day confluence became a robust platform of interaction for manufacturers, specialists from the government, students, industry stalwarts and practicing architects to envision the future of smart cities in the country.

The conference was marked by in-depth insights and views of the guests highlighting the broader ‘Smart City’ vision with sustainable development. With emphasis on sustainable public- private participation for a smart city, the speakers also spoke about the challenges including better management of supply and distribution, preventing waste, and dealing with aging infrastructure. “Asaavi Shahare Apuli Chaan”, Ar. Sulakshana Mahajan’s latest book, focusing on Smart Cities was unveiled by commissioner Mr. E. Ravindran.

During the event Mr. Rajesh More Project Sales Head  from Anchor by Panasonic showcased a new model of Sustainable townships of their powerful Japanese parent’s Fujisawa SST.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ashok Gangar, Director Sales & Marketing Anchor Electricals said,”Mahacon is a premium platform for the architects and designers to comprehend on the current scenario and issues in the field of Architecture. We are delighted to extend our partnership to bring together great minds under one roof to discuss how Smart Cities need to be more than a technology solution. With this, we aim to reiterate our commitment ofproviding innovative solutions for Smart & Connected Homes. We are committed towards progress of Maharashtra and would extend our complete support to such a sustainable initiative.”

Architect P. S. Gokhale of Kalyan Dombivli Centre  stated “ Every  Year Maharashtra Chapter convention is planned on a certain theme. Experts are invited to present their extra ordinary works, theory and thoughts so that the assembled crowd goes back with different perspective in mind which helps implement new ideas in practice. Smart city is a new term. There is no definite and clear definition of smart city. This was the right time to create awareness among professionals, students and general public about SMART CITY. Kalyan Dombivali centre IIA has done a great job by organizing the 22nd Maharashtra chapter convention on this theme. The convention was successful beyond expectation as the delegate registration was more than expected, building material stalls were good in numbers with variety in products and the speakers were fabulous. In a low economy scenario, the support from Anchor Panasonic was worth praise.”

As a prelude to this event a competition  was held for architectural college students in Mumbai & neighbouring areas. More than 7 architectural college students participated in the same. They were asked to present on two topics of Greenfield Plot development into Smart Townships & Transforming Existing Local Spaces in Smart Township. Pillai College of Architecture won the competition for Transforming Existing Local Spaces while Rachana Sansad bagged the Consolation Prize. IES College of Architecture bagged 1st prize for for Greenfield development while Sir. J. J. School of Architecture took a Consolation Prize in the said category. The Competition was judged by famous architects Mr. Vijay Sohoni and Sanjay Shirgaokar. All project models were exhibited at the said venue and the winners were awarded with prizes.

Ar. Abhin Alimchandani elucidated on the larger than life role that an architect can play while designing public structures and emphasized on the need of participation of architects in the infrastructure projects like their global counterparts. He also spoke about sustainability in architecture and designing of a structure and the emerging trends in commercial architecture.

Ar. Tushar Bhor presented his views on urban mobility in smart cities while Ar. Rajesh Phadke presented the concept and design of the current under-construction GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) smart city in Gujarat and all of its key sustainable features including Smart Water Management, Smart Waste Management, Smart Entertainment etc.

Ar. Anagha Paranjpe-Purohit expressed her views about sustainable structures, green buildings, design for comfort, natural lighting, building materials, climatic challenges and the use of technology for architecture. 

Ar. Pramod Chaugule opined about making sustainability a key aspect and showcased examples green housing and the impact left with effective resources management. He urged the upcoming architects to work with nature and blend the architectural practice with it.

Ar. Venugopal spoke in detail about the evolution of CIDCO Model and the best practices adopted by it to make it successful.

Lastly Director Crisil Mr. Abhay Kantak showcased a presentation on the ideology, methodolgy and the sustainable initiatives taken for creating the new Kalyan Dombivli Smart City.

The Mahacon 2016 was set out to seek ideas from the enthusiastic young architects to devise solutions to create Smart Cities in close collaboration with government, manufacturers and citizens.