By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 15: The 35th edition of the JK Architect of the Year (AYA) Awards concluded at Windermere, Shillong, on Saturday, bringing together accomplished architects and emerging talents from India and abroad. Organised by JK Cement Ltd., the ceremony marked over three decades of recognising innovation, sustainability, and excellence in architecture.
The two-day event featured an exhibition of architectural entries, providing students from various colleges an opportunity to explore modern designs.
A jury panel of leading architects evaluated submissions across multiple categories to select this year’s honorees.
Rana Pratap Singh, administrator of the awards, stated that the ceremony reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to celebrating architectural excellence. Architect and professional advisor Aiban S Mawkhroh noted that the exhibition served as a significant educational resource for aspiring architects.
Renowned architect and juror Rajeev Kathpalia highlighted the importance of green buildings and sustainable design. Kathpalia, the architect behind the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj, urged professionals to ensure architectural designs in the Northeast remain in harmony with nature to preserve the region’s unique culture and landscape.
In the major award categories, the Green Architecture Award was presented to Deepak Guggari of Pune for ‘The Street’. The Indian Architecture Commendation Awards were secured by Sunanda AJ Radhakrishnan for Hospitality Buildings (Toit, Bengaluru), Praveen Bayadekar for Public Buildings (University Sports Arena, Hubli), and Avinash Ankalage for Private Residence (Stepped Well House, Bengaluru). Chaitanya Patel received the Young Architect Award, while R Lalrinzuala of Aizawl was named Architect of the Year for his work on the School of Architecture, Mizoram University.
For the Indian State Architecture Awards, Vivek Singh Rathore of Kolkata was named State Architect of the Year, and Milon Dutta received the State Commendation Award. In the Foreign Countries’ Architecture Awards, Md. Ishtiaque Zahir and Md. Iqbal Habib of Dhaka were named Architects of the Year. The Foreign Countries Commendation Award went to Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad of Dhaka, while Mickdady Mchau of Dar es Salaam received the Foreign Countries Young Architect Award.
