The 2nd edition of RAF has outnumbered the first edition in terms of participation. Organizing an event on such a large scale has logistical, admin, security, and other challenges. So, how would you evaluate the success of RAF 23 in terms of seamless implementation, quality participation, vendor support, visitorship, and the wide-ranging topics for panel discussions?
It’s been quite an exciting journey. The growth in participation for RAF 2023 was incredible. To evaluate its success, we need to look at various aspects. It was no small feat, but we meticulously planned every detail to overcome logistical and administrative challenges. The positive feedback from participants and visitors shows that we managed to execute it smoothly. We can’t stress enough how important the support from vendors and sponsors was. It enabled us to offer a diverse and enriching experience to our attendees, ensuring they had access to the latest products and innovations in the field of architecture.The high number of visitors was a testament to the festival’s reach and impact. We carefully chose the topics for presentations and panel discussions. The intention was to tackle contemporary architectural challenges, encourage knowledge sharing, and inspire innovative thinking within the architectural community for a better future.
We set out to create an event that would leave a lasting impact, and we’ve achieved that and more. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, our participants, and our supporters who all made this event an extraordinary success.
Events like RAF play a significant role in shaping the professional landscape for architects and builders, who come together to share their experiences and ideas. Such a collaborative environment promotes professional growth and innovation, fostering a strong sense of community within the industry.
Tushar Sogani, Principal Architect, TSDPL
How do events like these impact the architect and the builder community at large?
Events like RAF play a significant role in shaping the professional landscape for architects and builders. They serve as a platform for learning, networking, and staying updated with industry trends. It’s a hub of knowledge sharing where professionals can learn from each other. Architects come together to share their experiences and ideas. This collaborative environment promotes professional growth and innovation, fostering a strong sense of community within the industry.What is the larger role of the Architects Association of Rajasthan?
The Indian Institute of Architects – Rajasthan Chapter - has always played an active role in uniting and representing architects in the state. We aim to provide opportunities for architects to learn and grow in their careers, offering resources and support for their professional development. The Association actively engages with government bodies, stakeholders, and the public to influence policies and decisions that impact the architectural field in Rajasthan. We advocate for the advancement of the profession.How has the Rajasthan IIA Chapter grown and expanded over the years? Please tell us about some recent developments/achievements.
The Rajasthan IIA Chapter has witnessed significant growth and expansion over the years, and we’re proud of our achievements. We’ve seen a growth in membership, which is a positive sign of the chapter’s appeal to architects in the region. We’ve successfully organized large-scale events like RAF, which have garnered a lot of attention and interest. We’ve engaged in collaborations with different architectural organizations, broadening our horizons and bringing new perspectives to our members. We have also actively participated in advocating for architectural issues at regional and national levels, raising our voice on matters that affect our profession.What are the challenges faced by the Architect fraternity of the Rajasthan IIA Chapter and how would you like the state government to intervene by way of formulating policies or a regulatory framework?
The best part of IIA Rajasthan Chapter is that the state government has taken the Indian Institute of Architects committee in every crucial committee regarding the policies related to the building bylaws and overall structure development of state. The 80 architects of the Institute have been given the power to approve the maps and to release occupation and completion certificates.There is a lot of responsibility on architects to build spaces that resonate with public demands, lifestyle aspirations and requirements; so, what collaborative efforts are being taken by the architect fraternity at the national and regional AAI levels, and the government authorities/bodies to design and build spaces that meet user expectations?
Architects, together with national and regional AAI levels, as well as government authorities, are taking collaborative efforts to design and build spaces that meet user expectations. By setting industry standards and promoting best practices, architects aim to ensure that spaces are safe, functional, and responsive to users’ needs.Architects advocate for policies that encourage innovation and sustainability in architecture and construction. This includes supporting environmentally-friendly designs and user-centric spaces. Architects, builders, and authorities are collaborating to facilitate better communication and cooperation, ensuring that the final spaces meet the requirements and expectations of the people who use them.
RAF is already having a far-reaching impact within and outside India. So, is the next edition set to become bigger and better?
Absolutely! The next edition of RAF is set to build on the success of RAF 2023. We’re planning to make it even more significant. We aim to have more participants, covering a wider spectrum of ideas and experiences. We plan to have even more interesting topics for debates and discussions to keep the conversations engaging and inspiring. Our goal is to make RAF even more influential and accessible to a broader audience, spreading the love for architecture far and wide.What were the key takeaways of RAF 23?
RAF 2023 was a remarkable journey that revolved around the theme, “Architecture for a Better Future.” This overarching theme shaped our entire event and led us to some profound takeaways:Our discussions on the metaverse, mathematics in architecture, parametric architecture, trends, and technology were instrumental in highlighting several essential aspects. At the heart of it all, we realized that architecture is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about creating spaces that can enhance our world and the lives of the people in it. It’s about innovation and pushing the boundaries of what architecture can achieve. The event emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration and the power of bringing together diverse fields. Architects, when working alongside professionals from other disciplines, can lead to groundbreaking solutions that benefit society as a whole.
RAF 2023 was not only about showcasing architectural work but also about inspiring others and fostering lifelong learning. It underscored the importance of building a strong and supportive community among architects, encouraging innovation and growth.
Ultimately, the event reaffirmed that architecture should be user-centric, designed to meet people’s needs and aspirations, and contribute to a better future. It’s a call to action for architects to prioritize people, sustainability, and innovation in every project they undertake.
