A VK Group monthly newsletter

- July 2023 -

A Golden Night - Celebrating 50 years of Excellence 

VK:a celebrated its 50th foundation day on 21st July 2023, with an energetic Retro Night. Filled with dance, music, love and laughter, the employees of VK Group took to the stage to showcase their talents beyond their occupations. With Design and Architecture ingrained in the company's DNA, Vishwas Kulkarni and Hrishikesh Kulkarni, the driving force of VK Group, have redefined excellence through a shared vision while embracing their individual identities. To honour this bond, they were presented with bespoke artworks inspired by their DNA, highlighting their unity and uniqueness.

VK Group Badminton Premier League - Season 8    

Reimagining Architectural Work Culture 

In the fast-paced world of architecture, success is not solely determined by the grandeur of designs but also by the people who bring these visions to life. Yet, when is the last time you heard how great the culture is at an architecture firm? "During my journey I came across so many good people, I owe our success to them," says Ar. Vishwas Kulkarni, founder of VK:a. With employees who have been with the firm for decades, you know they mean what they say. What has made the people stay?

20 years back, Bandu Fukde joined as a technician at Vishwas Kulkarni Architects. "Vishwas sir always encouraged us to take initiative and try things ourselves. This increased my knowledge and was promoted to Project In-charge even though I was not an architect. Seeing my involvement and interest in quality control, I was made the Site Quality Control Manager. I am happy to work where I'm recognised and my work is valued."

In the 14 years he has worked with VK, Sachin Doshi has moved up from junior engineer to Associate. "People are approachable, from the directors to the support staff. I enjoy working here because, with the range of projects, there is always something new to learn. When they see that you are capable, they appreciate you and give you more responsibility, which keeps you motivated to do your best. I feel proud to work in an organisation that lifts other people up as well."

"Even though I am a support staff, I have always felt as if I was part of the team" says Hanumanta Manjrekar, who has been integral for the smooth functioning of the daily activities at the office for 12 years. "We are treated with respect. If we have to work beyond our shift, we are paid Over Time. They even enquire about our families and we feel like we are genuinely valued and cared for."

Working as an Admin Staff for 4 years, Vikas Katare says he has benefited greatly in terms of personality development, from the various training sessions and professional client coordination he is entrusted with. Through Mrinal Tippanawar has been working as a Senior Architect only for a year, she says "I like that I get the liberty to handle my projects with support and guidance from seniors without any pressure of doing it only in a certain way."

Ar. Kanchan Sidhaye, now Jr. Partner at VK:e environmental, joined as a junior environmental architect 14 years back. "For me, it was the opportunity for growth and the freedom to explore different tangents that kept me here. The company is ambitious yet practical, so we always have something to look forward to. I think, now the challenge we have is to pass on this culture and ethics with the same intensity as the company grows."

"Have an ethical practice": Ar. Vishwas Kulkarni's advice to architects

During the first session of Baatchit, an educational series launched by AESA, an engaging conversation took place at BNCA on 14th July. Building on the theme of the book launch for "Architectural Inheritance and Evolution in India" by Ar. Apurva Bose Dutta, Ar. Rajiv Raje (Vice President of AESA Pune) delved into a dialogue with the dynamic father-son duo, Ar. Vishwas Kulkarni and Ar. Hrishikesh Kulkarni, the driving forces behind VK Group.

The insightful exchange centered around the unique experiences each of them had during their architectural education and professional journey. On being asked what advice he would give to practicing architects, Ar. Vishwas Kulkarni emphasised the importance of conducting an ethical practice. Hrishikesh reminded the students and young graduates that "there is life beyond Architecture. The profession is often presented in a manner that it must encompass your life. It is not so. Though I read a lot, you will not find a single design or architecture magazine in our house, but we have probably subscribed to every car magazine, because that is a passion Dad and I share. Architecture is an enabler that allows you to have varied perspectives to everything in life."

Dream vs Nightmare - The Influence of Work Culture

Illustration by Stephen Cheetam, Source: Dezeen 

Long hours, late nights, low pay (sometimes no pay), and the glorification of this overwork were things that almost every architect complained about. When my friends and I discussed about it, at times we wondered if the 'Western' world have it better. I was dismayed (but not surprised) while listening to the audiobook of Out of Architecture by Jake and Erin. It assured me that these were international issues of the profession. Many firms claim to be “like a family”, but often “you [find] yourself working harder than you ever worked, contributing to underpaid or free labour to the firm, desperate for some sign of appreciation... like begging for attention from an emotionally unavailable parent ” they write. Young graduates dreaming to do what they love, end up being exploited and demotivated.

50 Years of Epochal Icons

The field of architecture carries significance not only for its impact on the present but also for its lasting influence on the distant future. 

Viewed as an urban sculpture set in a remarkable water-scape, the interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ have roofed the Sydney Opera House for half a century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Danish Architect Jorn Uzton’s winning design is an example of Modern Expressionist architecture. His Pritzker Prize (2003) citation, labelled it his masterpiece and read - ‘It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city but a whole country and continent.’ Its unparalleled design, exceptional engineering and technological innovation was a visionary experiment that has had an enduring influence on the emergent architecture of the late 20th century and continues to inspire young architects globally.

The Original World Trade Center, would have completed 50 years this April, if not for its tragic destruction on September 11th, 2001. The iconic twin towers, constructed using a tube-frame structural system, were the tallest buildings in the world at the time of their completion and were the seminal expression of Ar. Minoru Yamasaki's Gothic Modernist tendencies. Throughout its lifetime, the World Trade Center symbolized power and resilience, surviving various adversities, including fire, a bombing, and a robbery. the footprints. Today, the site of the twin towers houses an underground memorial and museum, alongside a rebuilt complex, serving as a poignant inspiration not only for designers but also for the general public.

Just a year older, was the now demolished Hall of Nations, the world’s largest RCC space-frame structure of the time. With a brief to showcase India’s self reliance through the use of computer-aided design and its massive labour workforce, architect Raj Rewal’s design used the space frame not only for the roof but also for the inclined anchoring walls, while also showcasing the traditional jali pattern.  Although it marked a significant moment in India’s post-colonial architectural history, the structure was demolished overnight. The incident sparked a nation-wide debate on the different perceptions related to architectural heritage in India. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex (Bharat Mandapam) at its place in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

These remarkable projects serve as a testament to the enduring impact of architecture on culture, society, and the world at large.

- Article contributed by Ar. Purva Vichare

From Waste Textiles to 'Green Ceramic' Tiles

Architectural Inheritance and Evolution in India: 

Furthering a Lineage or Building a New Identity, by Apurva Bose Dutta

This newsletter has been edited and compiled by Ar. Athulya Ann Aby, Architectural Writer, VK Group