Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Hosts “CHIAROSCURO 2024” to Address Sustainability, AI, and Cultural Heritage in Architecture and Design
Chennai : The School of Planning, Architecture, and Design Excellence at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) hosted its prestigious annual symposium, CHIAROSCURO 2024 – “TRAVINZA.” Centered on the theme “India 2050: Weaving Traditions into Tomorrow’s Urban Fabric,” the symposium highlighted the critical importance of sustainability, cultural preservation, and the evolving role of AI as an essential tool in architecture and design. It provided architecture and design students with a unique platform to explore how the integration of tradition and modernity can effectively shape the future of urban design and interior spaces.
At the event, Chief Guest Ar. Dean D’Cruz, co-founder and principal architect at Mozaic, and a leader in innovative and sustainable architecture, paid tribute to Laurie Baker’s legacy in his keynote address. He focused on the use of sustainable materials and the importance of climate-responsive design. He emphasized the urgency of balancing rapid urbanization with cultural preservation, introducing concepts such as “form follows climate” and “form follows energy,” while also exploring the potential of AI in architecture.
Guest of Honor Dr. Benny Kuriakose, head of a prominent architectural and conservation consultancy firm, discussed AI’s growing role in design, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and the integration of traditional practices in addressing environmental challenges.
Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor of HITS, said, “We are dedicated to embedding technology, sustainability, and cultural nuance into our approach to architectural education, equipping students to integrate these critical elements seamlessly into design and planning. This symposium, convening leaders across design, architecture, and industry, is structured to drive strategic dialogue and thought leadership, ensuring we remain at the forefront of leveraging emerging trends to shape a forward-thinking, sustainable future in architecture and design.”
He also applauded the department’s efforts in hosting an event that brought together distinguished architects and speakers, offering students a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange that will broaden their horizons.
The event commenced with opening remarks by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. (Col) S.N. Sridhara, emphasizing the value of such events in enhancing students’ knowledge. During the event, contemporary architect and HITS alumna Ar. Krithika reflected on her educational journey, emphasizing Vaastu Shastra and the need to merge traditional principles with contemporary sustainable methods.
The panel discussion, moderated by Ar. Vigneswar V.S. and Ar. Lakshmi Swaminathan, explored the intersection of tradition and innovation in urban design, community engagement, and future architectural trends. Day one concluded with workshops led by Ar. Divya and Ar. Afrid, which encouraged participants to explore the use of AI in design.
Ar. Eugene Pandala from C.S.B.N.E, Kochi, delivered a keynote address titled “Weaving Traditions into Tomorrow’s Urban Fabric,” presenting a case study of an Odisha project that demonstrates biodiversity integration in design. In the inspiring valedictory speech, Dr. Ponni M. Concessao of Oscar Ponni and Rahul Architects, Chennai, discussed cultural heritage preservation and women’s empowerment in architecture.
Ar. Balaji Rajasekaran from DMAC, Kumbakonam, followed with a presentation titled “Roots and Codes: Global Computational Thinking Towards Local.” A workshop by Ar. Thirupurasundari Sevvel from Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai, Chennai, addressed the ethical challenges in heritage conservation.
From AI-driven design to heritage conservation, and from computational thinking to community-centered restoration practices, CHIAROSCURO 2024 covered the entire spectrum of modern architectural discourse. The symposium provided valuable insights for students entering the fields of architecture and design.