In a significant recognition for Indian design philosophy, a Bengaluru-based architectural firm has been honored with a prestigious international award for its profound, human-centric approach. Snehal and Smita of Snehal Smita Architects have been announced as the winners of the Royal Academy Dorfman Award 2024, a global prize that celebrates architecture's future. Their win underscores a powerful shift towards empathy and community engagement in the built environment.
Award Celebrates the Future of Architecture
The Royal Academy Dorfman Award, instituted by the Royal Academy of Arts in London, seeks to identify and support architectural talent from across the globe that points towards a new direction for the field. This year, the award's focus was squarely on architecture that embodies empathy, resilience, and a deep connection to local context and communities. The jury, comprising eminent figures like architect Lesley Lokko, selected the Bengaluru duo from a shortlist of four international finalists, highlighting their work as a beacon for the future.
For Snehal and Smita, this accolade is a validation of a core belief: that architecture must serve and uplift people. Their practice is built on the principle of 'thinking through making' and maintaining a close, collaborative relationship with craftsmen, clients, and the community. This approach moves beyond mere aesthetics to create spaces that are sensitive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in their cultural and social milieu.
Blending Heritage with Modern Needs
The work of Snehal Smita Architects is a testament to their philosophy. A standout project that captured the award jury's attention is the restoration and adaptive reuse of a 150-year-old heritage structure in Bengaluru's Basavanagudi area. Instead of demolishing the old building, the architects meticulously revived it, transforming it into a vibrant community library and activity center.
This project exemplifies their empathetic methodology. They engaged with local residents to understand their needs, preserved the original character and materials of the heritage building, and introduced modern elements only where they enhanced functionality. The result is a space that honors the past while actively serving the present community, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among its users.
Their portfolio extends to various projects across Karnataka, including:
- Sensitive residential designs that respond to climate and family dynamics.
- Institutional buildings for educational and cultural purposes that prioritize human interaction.
- Heritage conservation projects that breathe new life into old structures without erasing their history.
Impact and the Path Forward
Winning the Royal Academy Dorfman Award brings with it a £10,000 prize and a major opportunity for global exposure. More importantly, it places the spotlight on a design ethos that is increasingly crucial in rapidly urbanizing contexts like India. As cities expand, the question of how to build inclusively and sustainably becomes paramount. The work of Snehal and Smita offers a compelling answer: listen to the land, listen to the people, and build with care.
Their achievement is a proud moment for India's architectural community, demonstrating that values of empathy and contextual sensitivity can resonate on the world stage. It challenges the notion of architecture as a purely monumental or commercial endeavor, repositioning it as a vital, humane practice essential for societal well-being. This award will likely inspire a new generation of architects in India and beyond to prioritize people and planet in their creative visions.
