TACKLING CORRUPTION IN ARCHITECTURE

Debmalya Guha, architect and urban designer with Pace Consultants, helps us understand how architecture, today, extends beyond the creative designing process into a darker labyrinth of bureaucratic obstacles, archaic regulations, and pervasive corruption.

Conscious Design is integral to our practice, and it is predicated on an approach that celebrates local resources, cultural influences, a keen attention to detail, and an inclusive process. For example, when we were commissioned to design Krushi Bhawan, a facility for Odisha's Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, we wanted to explore how a government building could embrace the local context and craftsmanship and become a vital part of the social infrastructure.

Debmalya Guha, an acclaimed architect and urban designer with Pace Consultants, Kolkata, unveils the intricate and often overlooked complexities of working within India's rapidly urbanizing economy. As Guha explains, while architecture carries a romantic allure, it also harbors a dark side fraught with numerous challenges. These hurdles, particularly pronounced in the construction industry, extend beyond the creative process into a labyrinth of bureaucratic obstacles, archaic regulations, and pervasive corruption. Guha sheds light on the intricate dance of obtaining necessary sanctions and clearances, a process that can stretch from six months to over a year, often complicated by inconsistent rule interpretations and shifting bureaucratic personnel. Despite these obstacles, he remains committed to maintaining integrity, navigating the thin line between adhering to official procedures and resisting the pressure to engage in corrupt practices. Guha's insights provide a candid look at the realities architects face in a rapidly evolving yet challenging urban landscape.

What are the challenges that you, as an architect and an urban designer, face while working on projects within this rapidly urbanising economy of India?