Ahmedabad: The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDC), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has partnered with the CEPT Advisory Foundation (CAF) of CEPT University to organize a workshop on the sustainable design of administrative buildings for 12 newly approved greenfield industrial smart cities. Held at the CEPT University campus in Ahmedabad, this first-of-its-kind workshop spotlighted sustainable architectural principles, including biophilic architecture, energy efficiency, and inclusive planning, which will shape these futuristic cities.
The workshop gathered Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and state officials to discuss national and global trends in sustainable design and emerging technologies. In the first session, experts highlighted the role of well-designed, functional workspaces, with architects like Aparna Khemani of Gensler and Bedanta Saikia of Edifice showcasing exemplary projects and discussing the latest design trends and practical challenges.
The second session, led by the CAF team, focused on transparent architectural procurement practices. Prasad Jasti of Jacobs and Avanish Pendarkar, Center Head at CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation, emphasized the balance of quality and cost in commissioning architectural services.
NICDC CEO and MD Rajat Kumar Saini underscored the importance of these cities as future industrial hubs, emphasizing the NICDC’s mission of creating eco-friendly zones that bolster industrial growth and improve logistics. He commended the collaboration with CEPT University and CAF for their support in developing resilient, iconic administrative structures for these smart cities.
CAF Director Darshan Parikh echoed this vision, stating, “Together, we aim to bring the best design competencies to develop these iconic buildings, advancing NICDC’s sustainable urban vision.”
The workshop provided valuable insights into the complexities of sustainable design and showcased the role of architecture, planning, and technology in India’s mission for a Viksit Bharat. NICDC’s ambitious smart city initiative is part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, focusing on manufacturing-driven economic growth in greenfield urban landscapes.