The CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, in collaboration with the National Association of Students of Architecture India (NASA), hosted the final jury for the 3rd edition of the NASA-CP Kukreja Design Trophy 2024-25 at the prestigious School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. The event brought together luminaries from the architectural and cultural realms to ignite discussions and celebrate innovation under this year’s theme, “Urban Harmony: Reimagining Community Spaces.” The competition challenged students to rejuvenate underutilised urban spaces into dynamic, sustainable hubs that foster community engagement and inclusivity.
A special highlight of the event was the unveiling of the CP Kukreja Trophy Publication, a vibrant compendium showcasing the visionary entries from the CP Kukreja Design Trophy 2022-23. This collection celebrates the creativity of architecture students from across India, each reimagining iconic public spaces with ingenuity and cultural insight. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of student-led design in shaping the future of urban spaces.
Speaking about the event, Arunima Kukreja, Founding Director of the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, said, “The CP Kukreja Design Trophy exemplifies how young minds can redefine urban spaces with bold, innovative ideas. This platform not only fosters creativity but also encourages students to think critically about the role of architecture in addressing societal challenges. Through initiatives like these, we aim to inspire students and young professionals to prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and community impact in their designs.”
The event was graced by an esteemed panel of dignitaries like Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, inaugurated the proceedings as Chief Guest. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda, and Architect Ashish Gupta, Chairman of the IIA - Northern Chapter, joined as Guests of Honour. Their presence underscored the importance of cultural exchange and architectural dialogue in reimagining urban landscapes.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on “The Interdisciplinarity of Design” was moderated by Dikshu C. Kukreja, Director of the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence. The panel included Architect Shhilpi Sinha, Architect Manu Mahajan, Jamal Sheikh, Architect Tapan K. Chakravarty, and Artist Jatin Das, who shared fresh perspectives on the convergence of art, architecture, and urban design, inspiring a future-forward narrative for public spaces.