Amity School of Architecture and Planning (ASAP), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida Campus and the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Noida Centre, organized a “One Day Knowledge Session” on the theme “Reshaping future Cities” and associated issues to make our cities liveable, sustainable and safe on the occasion of “World Habitat Day” & “World Architecture Day – 2022”, in hybrid mode.
World Habitat Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October and focuses on the state of human settlements and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It also aims to remind people that they are responsible for the habitat of future generations. On similar lines, World Architecture Day is celebrated every first Monday of October, to appreciate the great architectural works of the ancient and modern worlds and the super brilliant architects who design them.
Highlighting the role of Architecture and Planning, Ar. Goonmeet Singh Chauhan, Founding Partner, Design Forum International, averred, “One must use their conscience along with skills and knowledge for architecture only then you they will be able to deal with the challenges of the future. The vision under smart city strategy entails planting of five times more trees, supplying five times more water and five times safer air along with providing five times more jobs, vibrant governance infrastructure, social infrastructure, besides the engagement of civic infra ecosystem, mobility ecosystem and energy ecosystem. Smart cities should be inclusive, democratic and resilient to climate change. In the first level of making the city smart, all available information should be collected under special parameters which will help in keeping a record of all civic parameters. At the second level, all the collected information should be made using real time, GPS trackers should be installed in all motorized and non-motorized vehicles. At level 3, all the information that is based on real-time, helps in digitally controlling the parameters.”
Sharing his views on the occasion, Mr. Devendra Dhapola, WASH Expert, stated, “Water is not only important for life, livelihood and ecosystem but also helps in sustainable development. The availability of pure water per capita in SN 1951 was at 5177 cubic meters per cubic meter, which fell to 1545 cubic meters in 2011 and further fell down to 1368 cubic meters in 2019 and it is estimated that it will further fall down to 1140 cubic meters by 2050. According to the Sustainable Development Goals report, 1 in 4 health facilities lack basic water services and 3 out of 10 people are deprived of clean drinking water facilities. The increasing trend is constantly ringing alarm bells and it cannot be ignored., therefore, development of urban infrastructure will have to be prepared majorly for water harvesting.”
Addressing the gathering during the Inaugural Session, Dr. (Prof.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, asserted, “The theme of this year’s Programme is very irrelevant considering that it focusses on Sustainable Development Goals 2022 as India’s population will be doubled, impacting all spheres of life, therefore there is a dire need for transformation through careful interventions and adopting a proactive approach.”
Welcoming the guests on the occasion, Dr. Amit Hajela, Director, Amity School of Architecture and Planning, said, “World Architecture Day honors world's architects as well as the great architectural achievements of both the ancient and modern eras and acknowledges the contribution architects make to our society and the value of their work. This year the aim is to highlight the issues relating to cities and habitats and to emphasize the positive impact of design in the local communities and beyond. The focus is to explore how architects may better contribute to the physical, emotional, environmental, economic, and social well-being of people while having a positive impact on the environment.”
During the Programme, four sessions on themes including “Agenda 2030 for Built Environment”, “Housing for All – Challenges and opportunities for Affordable Housing in Urban India”, “Urban Infrastructure – Water, Waste & Air Quality Management” and “Reimagining Cities”, were conducted by expert panelists and the Programme was attended by the researchers, scholars, students and faculty of Amity in large numbers