The 18th edition of the CONSTRUCTION WORLD Architect and Builder (CWAB) Awards and international conference, based on the theme of ‘Responsible design’, was organised by the FIRST Construction Council and as expected from an event of this magnitude, was a scintillating, opulent affair with top dignitaries and top brass from multinational companies from across India and the world in full attendance. Every year after a meticulous process that recognises architectural and building firms for their excellence, the design-build fraternity comes together to celebrate their achievements in different categories. This year before the awards could be handed out, a discussion on sustainable urban development unfolded with a rich exchange of insights from key industry experts. In a gathering brimming with visionary perspectives, professionals from various domains illuminated the challenges and opportunities of building a greener future for our cities.

Pratap Padode, Founder and President, FIRST Construction Council, sounded a subtle word of caution that seemingly-small lapses could lead to deadly disasters and lamented how, “Lack of design integrity can have far-reaching consequences which can not only blemish a nation’s image in delivering precise and dependable results but can also cause death and destruction. The Leaning Tower of Pisa built over 199 years suffered and tilted due to negligence in soil examination, the architect of Citigroup Centre in New York made a blunder by not calculating the strength of the structure to withstand winds beyond 125 kmph and similarly poor road designs in India are causing nearly 500 deaths a day due to road accidents. The FIRST Construction Council is constantly working to raising the construction standards by creating awareness through its research and events.” 

About design, in keeping with this year’s theme, he added a point to ponder over that, “Good design is harder to notice since good design fits our needs.”     

Speaking at the event here’s what some of them had to say: Umesh Kank, Assistant VP Marketing, KEI Wires & Cables, said, “We anticipate this particular event CWAB 2023 to be a great platform to connect and that it will be beneficial for each and every participant.”

Manoj Kumar Rustagi, Executive VP and Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, JSW Cement, remarked, "The CONSTRUCTION WORLD event has been excellent. I think it is a fantastic initiative to bring together building material suppliers, architects and builders to discuss challenges and work together to create a sustainable environment and healthier, more sustainable urban living.

“CWAB,” Atul Shirke, Deputy MD, Turner Project Management Services, opined, “is actually a fantastic platform that encourages various stakeholders and we feel that this encouragement has to continue.”

In agreement, Sebi Joseph, President, OTIS India, said, “We are proud to be associated with CONSTRUCTION WORLD and I congratulate the team on its illustrious journey of over 25 years.”

“The CWAB Awards,” Vijay Sharma, Director - Corporate Affairs, Jindal Stainless, remarked, “have been very educating and enlightening with new opportunities. Being a juror for the architects, I can say that the selection process has been very robust and I wish CONSTRUCTION WORLD all the best and look forward to newer synergies.”

Perceiving it to be an experience of sorts, Piyush Nahar, Senior GM - Solution Business, Tata Bluescope Steel, said, “The CWAB Awards have been a fascinating and great experience for me as a juror. Witnessing marvellous designs and projects from all corners of the country with respect to sustainability, I believe that we are on the right track to leaving a greener future for the next generation.”

Bhavik Bhandari, CSMO, Ashwin Sheth Group said, “The CWAB Awards have been a great platform for the recognition of players in the construction segment across the various verticals of the business. A brilliant initiative, it is recognition for excellence in our individual spheres of influence and it is a massive morale booster.” 

At the event, which was nothing short of epic in scale, over 25 awards and firms received recognition. Speakers at periodic intervals addressed an enthralled crowd on a variety of subjects and panelists engaged in spirited discussions that spanned continents, languages and schools of thought. 

Excellence in construction celebrated 

Most of the awardees after winning their awards and during their acceptance speeches concurred that they were collecting the awards on behalf of their teams saying it would not have otherwise been possible. The one common uniting thread was the comment that the CWAB Award, referred to by SP Patki, Principal Architect, PG Patki Architects, was “the Oscars of the Construction industry.” It has set a high benchmark by honouring excellence and innovation in construction for nearly over 20 years. The golden statuette, symbolising a pinnacle of achievement, was praised as a representation of acknowledgment for the relentless dedication put forth by the winners. 

Christopher Charles Benninger, Principal Architect, CCBA DESIGNS offered a thought-provoking perspective in his acceptance speech. He refuted the conventional notion of constructing the tallest or grandest buildings as the ultimate goal. Instead, he advocated for a shift towards investing in education and learning. Benninger cited the example of a 40-story student complex to illustrate that the true value of architecture lies in its contribution to education and personal growth.

As the event concluded, a prevailing concern lingered in the minds of many award recipients regarding environmental responsibility. The subjects of carbon footprint reduction, green steel utilisation, net-zero buildings and sustainable construction techniques dominated post-event discussions. Amidst the diverse range of topics covered – spanning urban planning, sustainability, skill development, and architecture inspired by art and nature – a common theme emerged. Attendees were captivated by the event's infectious zeal for shaping a brighter future and fostering a positive aura.

The CWAB Awards ceremony stands not only as a celebration of architectural achievements but also as a platform for dialogue on critical issues affecting the design-build community. The event's impact is set to reverberate throughout the sector, inspiring professionals to strive for excellence while keeping sustainability and education at the forefront. The event brings together prominent architects, designers, and industry leaders to recognise exceptional contributions and inspire a collective drive towards a better tomorrow. 

Read on….to know the names of the winners in their individual categories…

List of winners

Top Challengers Brigade Group
Top Challengers Godrej Properties
Top Challengers Vascon Engineers

NOTEWORTHY – GENERAL

Residential - Independent Homes (Tie) - Tiku Farm in Surat - Parekh Collaborative
Residential – Buildings - The Reserve in Kolkata - PS Group
Commercial (Tie) - Lubi Industries HQs in Ahmedabad - DSP Design Associates
Commercial (Tie) - Surat Diamond Bourse – Morphogenesis

NOTEWORTHY – INTERIORS

Residential - Embassy Lake Terraces in Bengaluru - Embassy Interiors
Commercial - Castalia, House of Hiranandani Group, Mumbai - Drishti Architects, Interior Designers
Hospitality - Restoration & Upgradation of Willingdon Sports Club, Mumbai - Abha Narain Lambah Associates
Retail - Le Salon Virsella, Embassy Boulevard Bengaluru - Embassy Interiors

REGIONAL AWARDS

West Architect Blocher Partners India

West Builder  Vascon Engineers

North Architect Priyanka Arjun Associates

North Builder  Parsvnath Developers

South Architect  i2A Architect Studio

East Architect  Ayan Sen Architects East Builder Merlin Group

NATIONAL - BUILDERS

Ambuja Neotia Group
Brigade Group
RMZ Corp
Rustomjee
Sobha

NATIONAL - ARCHITECTS

Abha Narain Lambah Associates
CCBA Designs
Deependra Prashad Architects and Planners
INI Design Studio
Morphogenesis
PG Patki Architects
Salient
Sanjay Puri Architects
SJK Architects
Sthapati