CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA) proposal for the Redevelopment of New Delhi’s historic Central Vista has been selected for exhibition at the Oslo Architecture Triennale (OAT) 2022, one of the most coveted global festivals of architecture and urbanism. CP Kukreja Architects reimagines the seat of the Indian government as an inclusive, cultural, and ecological urban center.

To be held from September 22nd to October 30th, the Triennale will spotlight neighborhoods as a place and horizon for rethinking cities. In line with this year’s theme for the OAT – ‘Mission Neighbourhood – (Re)forming Communities’ – CPKA reimagines Central Vista, home to the Indian government and a historically authoritarian precinct, into a landscape for people.

Shortlisted from amongst 383 submissions from around the globe, CPKA’s vision for Central Vista (designed in association with Benoy Limited, United Kingdom) will be a part of the Triennale’s ‘Neighbourhood Index’ – a virtual exhibition showcasing some of the most radical, global experiments in forming neighborhoods today. 

One of the focal areas of CPKA’s proposal for the precinct’s redevelopment is integrating the long-overlooked Yamuna river into the site. This is enabled by extending canals from the banks of the river in the east, spanning through the Rajpath (the central avenue), all the way up to the reserved forest at the Delhi Ridge in the west, beyond the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Residence). The edges of the canals are designed as traditional ghats (steps that lead to a river), with vibrant tree-lined avenues on either side. A subterranean end-to-end mono-rail network eases access to buildings and reduces dependence on motorized vehicles. Together, these interventions catalyze the creation of a vast, vehicle-free public avenue – paving the path for a city that belongs to its people and not cars.

“We are humbled to be a part of the Oslo Architecture Triennale this year. It is an honor for us at CPKA to take Indian design to the global stage,” said Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal at CP Kukreja Architects. “Our proposal for Central Vista seeks to redevelop and transform India’s historical legislative and administrative center for the 21st century. We reimagine the Rajpath as a landscape for people and as a celebration of Indian democracy. Additionally, by anchoring the site to the Ridge and the river, we aim to shed light on the neglected forests and waters of New Delhi.”

About Dikshu C. Kukreja:

Dikshu C. Kukreja is the Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects, one of the world’s largest architecture and urban design firms with offices in India, Japan, Vietnam and the USA. He has worked as an advisor with state and national authorities on post-earthquake reconstruction in Gujarat, post-tsunami reconstruction in southern India, and flood relief in Kashmir. Most recently, he designed the highly-acclaimed India Pavilion at the Dubai Expo. Kukreja will soon be seen in the upcoming ‘A Tale of Two Cities, a revolutionary show to be telecast on WION, where he will travel around the world to engage with global leaders on global and local urban issues, along with potential solutions.

About CP Kukreja Architects:

CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA) is one of the world’s largest architecture and urban design practices with offices in India, Vietnam, Japan and the USA. Founded in 1969 in Delhi by the Late CP Kukreja, and currently helmed by Managing Principal Dikshu C. Kukreja, the award-winning firm’s work is rooted in contextuality and driven by a sustainable approach reinforced through innovative technologies. Over the last five decades, CPKA has left its mark in 30+ countries with 1000+ projects across scales and typologies. The practice comprises 200+ professionals from multiple disciplines working in tandem to deliver holistic, end-to-end solutions for the built environment. 

Firm’s Instagram Link: CP Kukreja Architects

Firm’s Website Link: CP Kukreja Architects