- The exhibition will open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until August 11th, 2024 at Lilavati Lalbhai Library, CEPT University, Ahmedabad
- The exhibition by CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, curated by Vishal K Dar, celebrates the legacy of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, 50 years after its inception
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 27
An exhibition with a difference, ‘The Masterplan,’ presented by CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence celebrated the architectural achievements of the late architect CP Kukreja through his seminal work on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The event was held at the Lilavati Lalbhai Library, CEPT University, with the inauguration onFriday. Following the inauguration, the exhibition will open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until August 11th, 2024.
The inauguration event featured an introductory note by Arunima Kukreja, Director of the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, and an address by Dr Meghal Arya, Professor, Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University. The highlight of the evening was an insightful dialogue between Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects, and Dr. Meghal Arya, discussing the retrospective of JNU. The evening concluded with the formal opening of the exhibition and a reception.
Blending modern innovation with traditional wisdom
Curated by artist Vishal K Dar, ‘The Masterplan’ marked the 50th anniversary of JNU and offered an in-depth exploration of how the university’s architecture influenced and mirrored India’s post-independence identity. The exhibition provided a comprehensive view of the intersections between architecture, environment, and nation-building.
‘The Masterplan’ delves into the early days of JNU, showcasing how its design reflected India’s democratic aspirations and national policies. It explores how C. P. Kukreja’s vision transformed the university into a sanctuary within the Aravalli hills of New Delhi, harmonizing with its geological and ecological context. This retrospective highlighted the role of JNU’s architecture in nation-building and its legacy of blending modern innovation with traditional wisdom.
CP Kukreja implemented a climate-responsive approach
Speaking with the media, Dikshu C Kukreja, Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects and son of CP Kukreja said, “CP Kukreja implemented a climate-responsive approach using architectural devices to integrate natural light and round-the-clock ventilation. The School of Computer and Systems Sciences, completed in 1981, has screen walls designed to facilitate passive cooling. It was originally intended for computing equipment. This building played a major role in CP Kukreja winning the campus design competition.”
JNU is a symbol of Indian modernism
“JNU is a symbol of Indian modernism. The architecture encapsulates the values of growth, learning, and innovation through its spatial and earthly design,” said Arunima Kukreja, director, CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence.
This exhibition aims to challenge longstanding stereotypes about Indian architecture, repositioning it on the global stage while underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. It seeks to inspire and engage the community, particularly students, architects, and designers, by showcasing the evolution of architectural thought in India.
