Charles Correa Gold Medal - 2023 edition - Charles Correa Foundation

The Charles Correa Gold Medal is an award initiated in 1998 by Indian architect and urbanist Charles Correa. Through the format of the Gold Medal, the Charles Correa Foundation intends to not only challenge students and schools of architecture to focus on pressing issues, but also to emphasize the role that architects can play in society as “agents of change”.

This year, the Charles Correa Gold Medal focused on thesis projects that addressed climate concerns through architecture design. Charles Correa coined the phrase ‘Form Follows Climate’ and often said “to build in India is to respond to climate”.

Panel Discussion

ARCHITECTURE THESIS PROJECT – WHAT CAN THEY SAY, WHAT CAN THEY DO?

As a part of the Charles Correa Gold Medal 2023, the Charles Correa Foundation organized a panel discussion on the present and future of the graduating thesis projects at architecture schools in India titled, Architecture Thesis Project – What can they say, what can they do?

The discussion was led by Dr. Kaiwan Mehta, and the panel consisted of Suhasini Ayer, Tanuja Kanvinde, Biju Kuriakose and Bijoy Ramachandran.

You can watch the entire event in the video below.

Jury

The jury for the Charles Correa Gold Medal 2023 is Rajmohan Shetty (Architect and Academician), Bhavana Hameed (Co-founder, Playgroup Studio), Sanjeev Vidyarthi (Head of Department of Urban Planning and Policy (UPP), University of Illinois), Mustansir Dalvi (Poet, Editor and Academician) and Manijeh Verghese (Director of Sphere Spaces + Head of Public Engagement at Architectural Association),where they mainly looked for entries that consider the site and context of the proposed project with clarity in formulation and addressal of real-life issues.

Gold Medal 2023 Winner

The project ‘Architecture of Incrementality’ demonstrates a strategic approach to sustainability and incrementality, unfolding step by step. The project’s tool kit stands out for its scalability and context sensitivity. Its innovative approach to construction, focusing on reusing and reinventing elements, resonates deeply with the broader climate context, empowering communities with adaptable components. It tackles a universal issue by offering not just finished buildings, but a versatile kit of parts, enhancing its global significance. This paradigm shift in the architect’s role is truly remarkable and beautifully depicted through its visual representation.

Honourable Mentions

Designing a building inspired by a narrative of time is an intriguing concept. The project prompts us to think about impermanence and the conceptual development of our own ideas as we go through space and time. What sets this project apart is how the project continues to evolve after construction, blending into its surroundings and influencing the locality. Beginning with a bold “what if” premise, it reinterprets Premabhai Hall’s existence, allowing the design to articulate its own narrative. This proposal reintegrates itself into the surroundings and talks about the broader impact that the building would have. The design incorporates climate considerations for longevity, depicted vividly through captivating storyboards portraying the building as a dynamic entity.

The design concept effectively translates the theme of ‘replace’, offering a simple yet elegant solution to a longstanding challenge. Rooted in its use of local materials, community engagement, and multi-species integration, the project demonstrates a strong foundation and contextual sensitivity. With a clear focus on reinventing the vernacular, it showcases a thoughtful approach to addressing local needs through extensive site work and understanding of user requirements. This project represents a modest yet conscious resolution to a significant problem.