Editor’s Note
In our previous issue, TheAPN published the first part of our exclusive conversation with Ar. Sanjay Goel, Founder & Chief Architect of Designex Architects and former Director of Ludhiana Smart City Limited, where he shared his professional journey and perspectives on the Smart City Mission and urban governance. We are pleased to present the complete interview in this issue. In this comprehensive conversation, Ar. Goel discusses climate-responsive architecture, the challenges facing Tier-II cities, educational design, emerging construction technologies, the role of professional institutions, Artificial Intelligence in architecture, and his vision for India’s urban future. His insights offer valuable perspectives for architects, planners, policymakers, academicians, and students alike.
TheAPN: With climate change becoming one of the biggest challenges for cities, what design strategies should architects adopt to make buildings and neighbourhoods more resilient?
SG: Climate change is a very important subject. I believe more and more architects should design according to the environment. Our buildings and the built environment must be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Architects and planners should work according to regional conditions, local climate, and local temperatures. We should avoid unnecessary globalization in architecture. The same building should not be replicated everywhere. A building in Punjab cannot be designed in the same way as one in Rajasthan or any other region.
We should work according to local climatic conditions and use local building materials wherever possible. That is the best way to guide the younger generation. We should not move away from our traditions but instead learn from them while designing for the future.
TheAPN: From your experience, what are the biggest planning challenges facing Tier-II cities like Ludhiana, and how can they be addressed?
SG: The biggest challenge is that many Tier-II cities have grown rapidly after Independence without adequate planning or the proper involvement of architects and planners. As a result, cities have expanded in an unplanned manner, with mixed residential, commercial, and industrial development.
I believe these cities need long-term Master Plans that look at least fifty years ahead. Only then will we be able to achieve sustainable urban development. The cities that are Tier-II today will become metropolitan cities in the coming decades because of increasing urbanisation and population growth.
More and more people are migrating from villages to urban areas. I have often suggested that we should also focus on developing smart villages. If our villages and rural areas become smarter and provide better opportunities, migration to cities will reduce. Otherwise, the increasing population pressure on urban areas will continue, making it even more difficult to develop smart and liveable cities.
The Government is working on rural development through various initiatives, but I feel the pace of development in rural and semi-urban areas needs to be much faster. At present, most of the attention is focused on the hundred Smart Cities, while migration to these cities continues to increase, placing additional pressure on their infrastructure and services.
TheAPN: Your award-winning design for Nankana Sahib Public School reflects a strong focus on learning environments. What role does architecture play in improving educational outcomes?
SG: Nankana Sahib Public School is one of the projects that gave me immense satisfaction. I had the opportunity to plan and design the school according to the requirements of the institution, and the project was executed successfully.
The design was inspired by the architectural character of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, and the elevation reflects that inspiration. The building is open on all four sides and is organised around an internal courtyard. It is an administration-friendly building, carefully planned to create a comfortable learning environment.
Although the classrooms are air-conditioned, the courtyard is naturally ventilated. We selected the building materials very carefully and paid equal attention to planning, design, and construction. As far as possible, we wanted the building to be environmentally friendly.
The project received an award from the Indian Concrete Institute, which was a proud moment for our entire team. In addition to this school, we have also designed several other educational institutions and hospitals across the region.
TheAPN: How have client expectations changed over the years, and how has your practice adapted to these evolving demands?
SG: Clients today expect a great deal from architects. They look to the architect for everything—from understanding the site and planning the project to completing its execution. Their expectations have increased significantly over the years.
At the same time, I am happy that the role of architects in society has also grown. When I graduated, there were fewer than 15,000 architects in the country. Today, the number is approaching two lakh. Even then, I believe India still needs another four to five lakh architects to meet the growing demands of urbanisation and development.
Land has become extremely expensive, and because of that, more people—including those from rural areas—are seeking professional architectural services to make the best use of their land. As a result, the role and responsibility of architects have increased considerably.
I have always felt that architecture deserves greater recognition at the government level. We should have a dedicated Ministry for Architecture because architects play a vital role in planning cities, designing buildings, and shaping the entire built environment. Once the planning and conceptualisation are completed by an architect, engineers and other professionals take the project forward. That is why I believe the architect’s role is fundamental in every development project.
My best wishes are always with the architectural fraternity, and I hope the profession continues to receive the recognition it deserves.
TheAPN: Which emerging building materials or construction technologies do you believe will significantly influence architecture over the next decade?
SG: I strongly believe that safety should be our highest priority. I appreciate buildings that are designed to be earthquake-resistant and resilient. Recent earthquakes around the world remind us that our built environment must be as safe as possible.
All professionals should design and construct buildings in accordance with the National Building Code. At the same time, we should adopt the latest construction technologies, innovative materials, and modern techniques that improve the safety, durability, and performance of buildings.
Only by embracing new technologies and materials responsibly can we provide something innovative and meaningful for future generations. That is my approach towards the future of architecture.
TheAPN: How can organisations such as the Indian Institute of Architects and the Council of Architecture contribute more effectively to improving the quality of architecture and urban development in India?
SG: The Council of Architecture (CoA) is the statutory body established under the Government of India through the Architects Act, 1972. The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), on the other hand, is a professional organisation working under the Societies Registration Act. Both organisations have important roles, but their responsibilities are different.
I believe the Indian Institute of Architects should expand its membership and encourage greater participation from architects across the country. At present, it has fewer active members than the Council of Architecture. A stronger membership base will enable the Institute to organise more professional activities at the city, chapter, state, and national levels.
The Council of Architecture should continue strengthening architectural education and professional standards. At the same time, there should be a more balanced distribution of architecture colleges across the country. Today, some cities have ten or fifteen architecture colleges, while other large cities with populations of over four million have only one. This imbalance should be addressed so that students across India have equal opportunities to study architecture.
I also believe that architecture schools should ideally be located in urban centres rather than remote areas. Institutions situated within cities provide students with greater exposure to significant buildings, infrastructure, and professional practice. When students learn in such environments, they gain better practical understanding and become better architects.
Ultimately, both the Council of Architecture and the Indian Institute of Architects should continue working together to strengthen architectural education, professional practice, and the quality of urban development in India.
TheAPN: What do you envision for Indian cities by 2047, and what role will architects play in achieving that vision?
SG: I hope that by 2047, in line with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, India will become a developed nation with world-class cities.
To achieve this vision, more architects must contribute to urban development. At the same time, the Government should provide architects with greater opportunities to participate in urban planning and policymaking. Architects should be included in Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and city-level planning bodies.
Local architects understand their cities better. They can contribute valuable ideas and suggest practical solutions to improve infrastructure, public spaces, and urban facilities. I believe their involvement will play an important role in achieving the vision of developed Indian cities by 2047.
TheAPN: Could you share some of the key projects or initiatives your firm is currently working on?
SG: At present, Designex Architects is working on a wide variety of projects. These include hotels, auditoriums, hospitals, schools, and around thirty to forty high-end residential projects.
We have a dedicated team of nearly twenty architects. Although our primary work is in Ludhiana, Punjab, and Chandigarh, we are also involved in projects across North India.
We are designing more green buildings, and I am happy to see that clients today are becoming increasingly aware of sustainable and environmentally friendly architecture. This awareness has made it easier for architects to recommend innovative planning and design solutions that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
TheAPN: Rapid Fire
One architect who inspires you?
SG: Charles Correa, Raj Rewal, and B.V. Doshi have all inspired me. Among them, I am particularly impressed by the work of B.V. Doshi.
One city you admire for its urban planning?
SG: Chandigarh has inspired me since my childhood, and it continues to do so. I believe every architect, planner, and government official in India should visit Chandigarh to understand its planning and learn from it.
One building you wish you had designed?
SG: (No specific building was mentioned during the interview.)
One book every architecture student should read?
SG: The Fountainhead.
One lesson architecture has taught you about life?
SG: Life keeps us busy, and we should continue working irrespective of the results. Keep working, keep learning, and continue serving humanity.
TheAPN: What message would you like to share with architects, planners, policymakers, and students who aspire to create better and more sustainable cities?
SG: Students should focus seriously on their studies and devote sufficient time to learning. They should read books, follow the guidance of their teachers, professors, and principals, and make the best use of the opportunities available to them.
Today, students have access to mobile technology, the internet, and vast online resources. When we studied architecture, there were no mobile phones or digital platforms. Today, the world is literally in their hands, making it much easier to learn.
However, I encourage students to work sincerely and understand every aspect of architecture and town planning. Never rely only on copy-and-paste methods. Observe your surroundings carefully, understand the rules and regulations, and always design according to the building bylaws and the National Building Code. Only then will you be able to plan, design, and execute projects responsibly.
If you are dedicated to learning and continue improving your knowledge, you will become a better architect and a responsible citizen.
TheAPN: Artificial Intelligence is becoming an important part of architecture. How do you see its impact on the profession?
SG: Artificial Intelligence is beneficial, provided it is used properly. Students and professionals should learn as much as possible from AI, ChatGPT, and other digital tools. These technologies can help us acquire knowledge quickly and improve our efficiency.
However, at the end of the day, you must use your own knowledge, your own judgement, and your own creativity. Technology should support your thinking, not replace it.
When I graduated in 1993, there were no mobile phones, social media platforms, or AI tools. Everything had to be done manually, and learning was much more challenging. Today’s generation has many more opportunities, and I hope they make the best use of them.
AI is a powerful tool, but it should be used responsibly. I also believe educational institutions should guide students in using these technologies wisely so that they become better architects rather than becoming dependent on technology.
This interview by TheAPN is part of its ongoing eff ort to facilitate professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and encourage critical discourse on sustainable urban development among its readers. TheAPN extends its sincere gratitude to Ar. Sanjay Goel for sharing his time, experiences, and valuable insights. We hope this conversation encourages professionals, students, and policymakers to engage more actively in creating cities that are sustainable, inclusive, and designed for future generations.
Also Read Part 1: Building Smarter Cities Through Better Architecture: A Conversation with Ar. Sanjay Goel
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