Kolkata/IBNS: Charles Correa was not merely an architect; rather, he was a philosopher of space, said Australian architect Peter Stutchbury, delivering the keynote address at the 8th Charles Correa Memorial Lecture here on Sunday.

"His commitment to designing with deep respect for the environment, local culture, and human condition mirrors the foundations of my own practice," Stutchbury said.

Organised by Ambuja Neotia in collaboration with the Charles Correa Foundation, this annual lecture honours the legacy of renowned Indian architect Charles Correa.

In his address, Stutchbury paid tribute to Correa’s influence on not just him but many around the world, describing him as a “philosopher of space”.

Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia, said Charles Correa was not just an architect; he was a visionary.

“His philosophy of integrating local context, sustainability, and social responsibility deeply resonates with our group’s values,” he said.
"This lecture serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of architects." Neotia declared.

The programme was anchored by architect and author Ashish Acharya, who serves as the principal organiser of the annual lecture series.

Commenting on Stutchbury’s address, Acharya said, “His work, like Correa’s, is a sensitive response to place and environment. He crafts spaces that breathe with nature and local rhythm.”

Photo: Organisers

Stutchbury's address was followed by the launch of the book Great Expectations—Notes to an Architect, which is a posthumous release of Christopher Benninger.

This book is a sequel to his earlier work: Letters to a Young Architect.

It was officially unveiled by Ramprasad Akkisetti, Managing Director of CCBA Designs, along with Harshavardhan Neotia and Peter Stutchbury.

Speaking of the book, Akkisetti said, “In this latest work, Chris, with his characteristic wisdom and wit, delves deeper into the philosophical and practical challenges of our profession.

It's not just a book for aspiring architects but a reflective journey for all who seek to understand the profound responsibility and immense joy of shaping our built environment," he stated.

Charles Correa was an influential Indian architect and urban planner celebrated for his modernist designs like the Jawahar Kala Kendra, National Crafts Museum, and Bharat Bhavan, which were deeply rooted in local climate, culture, and social needs.

The Charles Correa Memorial Lecture was instituted in 2018 to honour the pioneering architect’s contributions to socially responsive and contextually rooted architecture.

(Reporting by Rishika Sharma)