The Unknown Craftsperson Trophy (UCP), launched by Virasat Foundation at NASA in 2012, bridges students with India’s rich craft traditions. Rooted in our belief that responsible design prioritizes resource efficiency, contextual relevance, and traditional wisdom, the initiative fosters hands-on engagement with indigenous building techniques. The growing enthusiasm reaffirms its role in sustaining heritage and craftsmanship in contemporary practice.
Heritage conservation is often seen as restrictive rather than enabling, creating resistance among residents. To be effective, it must align with their aspirations, improving quality of life through better infrastructure, hygiene, and sustainable growth. Our approach focuses on identifying and preserving the Heritage Fabric of the Walled City, ensuring conservation supports development rather than hindering it. By facilitating congruent growth, addressing structural integrity, and integrating essential services, we aim to instill pride in heritage while fostering a thriving, livable environment.
The buzz around ‘Green Buildings’ has turned sustainability into a marketing tool, with awards and certifications often prioritizing optics over real impact. Flooding the market with ‘Green’ products promotes planned obsolescence rather than lasting solutions. India’s adoption of global green standards without considering local contexts has led to resource-intensive practices. ‘Hamare Wala Green’ redefines sustainability as a direction, not a checklist, advocating a Bottom-Up approach that minimizes resource consumption from the outset and integrates local materials, climates, and real user needs for truly sustainable built environments.
Abhikram is dedicated to responsible architecture, integrating sustainability, heritage conservation, and traditional wisdom into contemporary design. Our mission is to create contextual, resource-efficient environments that prioritize functionality, comfort, and cultural continuity.
