Latest news with #Ar
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Gyproc India Concludes First Edition of 'Beyond Dimensions' Design Challenge, Empowering Next-Gen Architects
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 4: Gyproc India, a frontrunner in light and sustainable solutions and a brand committed to environmentally conscious construction, celebrated the national finale of its flagship design challenge-- 'Beyond Dimensions with Gyproc'--in Mumbai. The initiative was launched with a clear purpose, to inspire and empower the next generation of architects and interior designers to reimagine the future of building with sustainability at its core. Rooted in the belief that today's youth are the drivers of tomorrow, 'Beyond Dimensions' was conceptualized to nurture sustainable thinking and promote future-ready construction practices among emerging professionals. With a strong emphasis on innovation-led learning and collaboration between industry and academia, the initiative brought together over 800 teams from more than 120 colleges across India. Structured in two stages, the challenge invited over 230 unique submissions and culminated in a showcase of the Top 8 finalist teams, who presented their forward-thinking concepts to a distinguished jury panel: Ar. Kavitha Selvaraj (Trilogue Studio), Ar. Manish Dikshit (Aum Architects) and Ms. Shailee Goswami (Saint-Gobain Research India). Top 3 winning teams: * Anurag Singh & Kashish Gala, Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai * Afeefah Hoda & Keerthi S, RVS Padmavathy School of Architecture, Chennai * Naveen Raja & Mohamed Yahya, RVS Padmavathy School of Architecture, Chennai The winning trio will now embark on an exclusive international study tour to Dubai, gaining firsthand exposure to global best practices in green construction and sustainable architecture. Additionally, all eight finalists will receive access to the IGBC Certification Course on Green Built Environment, empowering them with practical knowledge to further sustainability in their careers. Speaking at the finale, Sudeep Kolte, Managing Director, Gyproc India, said: "'Beyond Dimensions' is a commitment to our vision of enabling next-generation design leaders to embrace sustainable construction practices. The competition has been a platform not just for creativity, but for purpose-driven innovation that aligns with our belief in intelligent, efficient, and environmentally responsible interiors." Gayatri Ojha, Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Gyproc India, added: "We are proud to witness the energy, ingenuity, and impact these young minds have brought to the challenge. This initiative is our way of nurturing a culture of sustainability while reinforcing the transformative potential of drywall technology in shaping the future of interior design." Heena Hasrajani, Head Marketing, Gyproc India, mentioned: "The first edition of Beyond Dimensions focused on performance drywall systems that facilitates lighter and faster construction. The students went into extensive details integrating drywall technology across sectors reimagining hospitality, healthcare and workspaces." Through 'Beyond Dimensions', Gyproc India reinforces its long-standing commitment to green construction, youth empowerment, and community resilience. The initiative exemplifies the company's global purpose to "Make the World a Better Home"--driven by sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth. To learn more about Gyproc India's sustainable solutions and future initiatives, visit: About Saint-Gobain Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME". EUR46.6 billion in sales in 2024 More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
WOArchitect Launches India's First-Ever Career Conclave for Architects
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 13: For the first time in India--and perhaps the world--the architectural community will witness a landmark initiative aimed exclusively at shaping, guiding, and empowering architectural careers. The WOArchitect Career Conclave (WCC) 2025, to be held on Saturday, 14th June 2025 at NESCO, Mumbai, promises to be a transformational event that opens up new horizons for architecture professionals, students, educators, and industry stakeholders. The event will be inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Narayan Rane, Member of Parliament and former Union Cabinet Minister. Curated by visionary architects and co-founders of the WOArchitect platform--Ar. Milind Surve and Ar. Snehal Jagdale Surve, both Directors at Alternate Angle and Alternate Angle Academy--WCC 2025 is a response to a long-standing gap in the architecture ecosystem. While design excellence remains at the heart of architectural education, few platforms truly focus on career pathways, cross-disciplinary opportunities, and strategic professional growth. WCC addresses this need head-on, offering a one-day immersive experience that blends career guidance, job prospects, higher education insights, and rich industry networking. "This conclave was born from a simple yet powerful realisation--that architects in India often lack structured support when it comes to navigating their careers. We wanted to create a space that not only presents options but also enables architects to make informed, inspired choices," said Ar. Milind Surve, Co-Founder of WOArchitect. "Whether you're a fresh graduate, a mid-career professional, or someone looking to diversify into allied fields, WCC is the platform where ideas and opportunities converge." The conclave's agenda spans a full day--from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM--and features keynote addresses, expert-led seminars, dynamic panel discussions, a full-scale job fair with walk-in interviews, and a higher education showcase featuring premier institutions. Eminent speakers such as Ar. Hrishikesh Phadke, Ar. Rupali Gupte, Ar. Makarand Toraskar, and Ar. Amol Shimpi MRICS will share their expertise across domains like technology, research, education, legal frameworks, and management in architecture. Highlighting the uniqueness of the conclave, Ar. Snehal Jagdale Surve shared, "This is not just an event--it's a movement. For too long, architects have struggled alone to discover what lies beyond conventional practice. WCC is our collective call to change that. We are building a holistic ecosystem that supports lifelong learning, upskilling, and the discovery of unconventional yet exciting career tracks. The response from the architecture community so far has been incredibly encouraging." WOArchitect, the platform behind the conclave, already serves over 15,000 members through its online ecosystem that includes career tests, e-learning programs, job boards, and entrepreneurial resources. With WCC 2025, WOArchitect takes a major step forward in creating a real-world space for interaction, inspiration, and industry integration. WCC 2025 is open to architects, students, employers, institutions, and anyone invested in the future of architectural practice and education. To register and learn more, visit or contact +91 86574 34090. About WOArchitect: WOArchitect is a professional platform dedicated to helping architects discover career paths, educational opportunities, and a thriving business network. Through its innovative tools and expert-led initiatives, WOArchitect empowers the architecture community to achieve professional excellence. For media queries, please contact Sonia Kulkarni Hunk Golden and Media Contact Number: 9820184099 Mail ID:
Malay Mail
23-04-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Where stories live: Rediscovering the joy of reading at our National Library — Zuraini Md Ali and Nor Hayati Hussain
APRIL 23 — In an age where attention spans flicker and digital screens dominate, there remains a quiet, enduring magic in the printed word—the crisp turn of a page, the whisper of paper, the rich scent of ink. On World Book Day, observed annually on April 23, Malaysians are reminded that books are not merely objects; they are companions, teachers, and doorways into different times, cultures, and dimensions. This global celebration invites us to pause, unplug, and return to the joy of reading—a joy especially crucial for the younger generation growing up in the era of touchscreens and TikToks. Reading builds more than vocabulary; it nurtures empathy, imagination, and independent thought. Whether it's a graphic novel, a science book, or a retelling of local folklore, each page turned adds a brick to the foundation of a curious, well-rounded mind. In Malaysia, the importance of reading runs even deeper. The very first word revealed in the Quran was 'Read.' This divine command— 'Read in the name of your Lord who created' (Surah Al-'Alaq, 96:1)—reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is a sacred act, blessed by faith and encouraged by culture. Every time a child picks up a book or a student dives into research, they are continuing a spiritual and intellectual tradition rooted in reverence. And perhaps there's no better place to honour that sacred act than the National Library of Malaysia (PNM). The National Library of Malaysia. — Pic via Wikimedia Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the library is not just a building— it is a living narrative, one that intertwines culture, architecture, and national identity. Designed by the late Ar. Ikmal Hisham Albakri, the library's iconic roof mimics the tengkolok, a traditional Malay headgear once worn by warriors and royalty. In this powerful gesture, knowledge is visually tied to leadership, and intellect to heritage. Step inside, and you'll find more than rows of books. You'll discover interactive archives, quiet reading zones, storytelling corners, and exhibitions that showcase rare Malay manuscripts. It is a place where students can trace their roots and imagine their futures —often in the same visit. World Book Day is celebrated here not with hushed reverence, but with vibrancy and fun. Each year, the library bursts to life with storytelling sessions by local authors, cosplay contests, creative writing workshops, book-themed quizzes, and even art projects where children imagine and draw their dream library. Nationwide, schools join the movement with book donation drives, reading challenges, and social media campaigns like #MyBookMyWorld, where students share their favorite reads and why they matter. At the heart of it all is the vision of Ar. Ikmal Hisham Albakri, who once believed that buildings could be storytellers. In designing the National Library, he gave Malaysia more than just a place to read — he gave the nation a symbol of curiosity, intellect, and continuity. Every visitor, whether a child hearing their first fairy tale or a researcher poring over manuscripts, becomes part of that ongoing story. So, on April 23 —and beyond—let us make World Book Day more than a date on the calendar. Let us turn it into a personal ritual, a national movement. Visit the library. Borrow a book. Share a story. Write your own. Because in the end, every great adventure begins with a reader. And that reader could be you. * Sr Dr Zuraini Md Ali is an Associate Professor at the Building Surveying Department, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. She is the author of 'Mubin Sheppard: Pioneering Works in Architectural Conservation in Malaysia' (Penerbit UM, 2016), which won the Anugerah Buku Negara (2021) and Anugerah Akademik Negara (2022). She may be reached at [email protected]. * Datin Dr Nor Hayati Hussain is an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), and an active graduate member of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia. She may be reached at [email protected].
