Bhopal : The Design Appreciation Awards 2025 (3rd Edition) organized by The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Bhopal Center was successfully concluded at The Grand Lotus, Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal. The event saw large participation from architects, academicians, and professionals from Bhopal and surrounding regions.
Architect Akshay Selukar, Chairman of the IIA Bhopal Center, stated that this annual award aims to recognize outstanding architectural works in the Bhopal region and provide a shared platform for local architects.
Keynote on Social Responsibility: A powerful statement on the social responsibility of architecture was delivered by eminent architect Naresh Narasimhan (Venkataramanan Associates). Expressing concern over the lack of necessary facilities for Disabled Persons in India, he stressed:
"It is the moral responsibility of us architects to include disabled persons in architecture for their betterment. Mandatory Ramps and specific spaces must be turned into reality."
He clarified that architecture must prioritize human needs and inclusive access, moving beyond mere aesthetics.
The highlight of the program was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Architect Prerna Kothari for her long-term contribution and influential role in the field of architecture.
The Design Appreciation Awards 2025 honored 23 architects, including Architect Kamal Roop Singh, Gaurav Upadhyay, Deepa Agarwal, Divya Singhal, Ishaan Ahluwalia, Ashutosh Nema, Shailendra Sharma, Jaya Jain, Apurva Kumar Gupta, Kulveer Singh, Anuj Sharma, Deepak Kumar, Aman Jain, Ritu Goyal, Sarthak Mandlik, Manish Gupta, Akshat Jain, Rishi Sahu, Ashmita Das, Shubhranshu Upadhyay, S. M. Wasim, Rahul Tiwari, Sandeep Sankat, and Garima Tamrakar.