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
Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]
“Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]
In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]