National 5 (Spotlight Weekly)

Inspiring Recognition

A young Nepalese architect bags regional award for his unique design and creativity

By A CORRESPONDENT

Buildings don't merely mean cement and concrete. It is a combination of materials and creativity. In the modern era, architects have brought about revolutionary transformations in the way the world looks. From cloud-piercing skyscrapers to breath-taking bridges; from underground tunnel network to astounding fly-overs, they have single-handedly redefined engineering and pushed the limit of imagination.

Pradhan : Aptly awarded

It is the architect who actually breathes life into a still material structure. It is them who are now expected to combine technology with tradition; and environment with ingenuity. Architects, obviously, will need to be in the forefront to transform any nation.

It is, therefore, refreshing to learn that Nepal does, indeed, have a pool of talented architects and designers. As another testimony to this fact, a Nepalese architect Sarosh Pradhan recently bagged 'Young Architect Award for 2004' category.

The competition was held in Chandigarh, India in November this year. He edged out competitors from Bangladesh to win in that category. However, this year's Architect of the Year title was bagged by a Bangladeshi.

Pradhan had won the nomination for the competition from the Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) for 'Tewa' building in Dhapakhel, Lalitpur.

What is more important is that the award was given to the building built purely for the purpose of social welfare. Tewa in fact is a social organization that provides support to underprivileged women. "We hope that such recognition will inspire the whole society," said Rita Thapa, founder of Tewa. In the building, Pradhan has blended tradition with modernism.

The Award, which is instituted by JK Cement Ltd. India, includes a citation, trophy and Rs 40,000 cash. Pradhan will be handed over the award amid a function to be held in Bangalore, India in February, 2005.

The JK Cement holds such competition every year. In the Indian category J.M. Benjamin of New Delhi won the award. It is interesting to note that past recipients from the Indian category have distinguished names of Architects such as Charles Correa (Master Architect Award 1991), B.V. Doshi (Architect of the Year 1992); and Hafeez Contractor (Architect of the Year 1996).

In the regional category, Nepalese architect Tom Crees had won the title 'Architect of the Year' three years ago for 'Riverside Springs Resort.'

"All the architects of the country are honored at this recognition of young talent Pradhan," said Binod Neupane, president of SONA.

Pradhan, a graduate from School of Planning and Architecture, India, has already designed a number of important buildings like Community Center at Bhainsepati, Club Platinum, Sundhara Bakery Café, etc.

After being awarded with the title, Pradhan has a message to all the architects: "In these difficult times, it is important to design structures that give out positive energy."