CP Kukreja Trophy (2022-2023)

‘C.P. Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence’ and NASA jointly conceptualized a student design competition, “C.P. Kukreja Trophy” aimed at gathering innovative ideas for designing public spaces. The competition was a part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to create a dialogue around sustainable building practices and inspiring the next generation of architects. Renowned architect, C.P. Kukreja’s eponymous NASA competition, established itself as NASA’s most popular till date. Beginning only in 2023, the competition which was open to all students of architecture gathered an overwhelming response of approximately 800 entries, which, as NASA attests, is the first time ever for a trophy in its very first year of induction. The winning prize for the competition was Rupees 1 lac.

The 2022-2023 theme, 'Redefining Urban Spaces for Sustainable Futures,' urged participants to reimagine cities for sustainability, functionality, and inclusivity. It prompted innovative solutions addressing urban challenges aligned with global sustainability goals, emphasizing green infrastructure, community engagement, resilience to climate change, and urban well-being.

The Final Jury took place at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi - featuring an illuminating exhibition of entries from 20+ colleges. With thought-provoking remarks by Ar. Dikshu Kukreja and a reflective discourse by H.E. David Puig, the event also hosted a themed panel discussion expertly moderated by Prof. Dr. Anil Dewan. This esteemed panel included Ar. Punit Sethi, Ar. Ashutosh Agarwal, Ar. Tanuja Kanvinde, Ar. Sohrab Dalal, and acclaimed artist Kanchan Chander. Their collective insights underscored the Foundation's commitment to design innovation, uniting industry leaders, guests, and emerging talents to explore design's transformative potential.

Livable Cities for the Future (A Think 20 initiative)

"Within the G20, the compendium, 'Livable Cities for the Future' presented by CP Kukreja Foundation, global scholars converged to explore the paradigm of urban livability. Showcasing insights from diverse experts, this compendium delved deep into the discourse surrounding sustainable urban development, emphasizing the critical elements for creating livable and resilient cities.

Featuring esteemed scholars such as Guilherme Lassance from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Saskia Sassen from New York, US; Sara Roversi from Bologna; Tetsuo Kidokoro and Norihisa Shina from Tokyo, Japan and more. This collaborative effort underscored the need for holistic urban planning, addressing factors like environmental sustainability, community well-being, infrastructure innovation, and social inclusivity. The compendium serves as a milestone in promoting international dialogue and shaping actionable strategies for crafting cities that prioritize livability and sustainable futures"

Deciphering Design with Dikshu Kukreja

Deciphering Design with Dikshu Kukreja,’ a Talk Show initiated by the CP Kukreja Foundation, showcased a captivating exploration into the realms of design. Led by Architect Dikshu Kukreja, the Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects, the series brought together thought leaders from diverse sectors, offering engaging conversations that transcended conventional boundaries.

Featuring insightful dialogues with leaders in heritage, culinary arts, fashion, entrepreneurship, and design, this series, broadcasted on prominent media channels, like Disney+Hotstar propelled design discussions into the mainstream. By fostering interactive and thought-provoking exchanges, the series aimed to inspire a wider audience while highlighting the transformative power and multifaceted impact of design across various industries.

Some of the guests that Master Architect Dikshu C. Kukreja was seen in candid and raw conversation were - Sussanne Khan, Tarun Tahiliani, Gautam Singhania, Manish Mehrotra, Jay Panda, Sunil Munjal, His Highness Shri Yaduveer KC Wadiyar, Maharaja of Mysore, and His Excellency Mr. Andre Aranha Correa do Lago, Ambassador of Brazil.

CP Kukreja Trophy (2023 - 2024)

The CP Kukreja Trophy, named in honor of the renowned architect CP Kukreja, is a prestigious award that celebrates innovative architectural solutions and design excellence in India

Organized by the Foundation forDesign Excellence and NASA India in its 66th year, this edition of the trophy focused on the 'Revitalization of History.' Participants were challenged to reimagine India's iconic historical structures, aiming to infuse new life into our cities while preserving their heritage.The winning prize was secured by Swabhanu B, Suneha Chandrashekar, and Prasuna Chandrika Yeleti from the School of Planning and Architecture, Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University.

The second place went to Nandana Menon, S Sruthi, and Vishnu K Saseendra from SCMS School of Architecture, while the third place was awarded to Joyron Carvalho and Srushti Joshi from DY Patil School of Architecture, Pune.In addition to the winners, special mentions were also accorded to outstanding entries, recognizing their creativity, originality, and community-centric design thinking.

The competition highlighted the importance of honoring the past while envisioning modern, purposeful uses for historical structures, encouraging community involvement in the process of revitalization.

The jurors, including Jayendra Shah, Bhawna Dandona, Divya Kush, Sapna Srivastava, Prashant Sutaria, and Marius Andreas Ryrko, provided valuable insights and expertise in evaluating the submissions, further enriching the dialogue on architectural innovation and heritage preservation in India.

Tale of Two Cities

Tale of Two Cities with Dikshu Kukreja, a groundbreaking initiative of the Foundation, unfolded captivating dialogues between Urban Planner and Architect Dikshu Kukreja and global leaders. This unique TV show, aired on WION, paired 8 international cities with 8 Indian counterparts, delving into discussions encompassing culture, history, policies, urban planning, and future visions.

Featuring Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Mayors from across the globe, this series embarked on an insightful journey, emphasizing the value of shared knowledge and collaborative urban development. By exploring similarities and differences between paired cities, the show illuminated diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of urban evolution and its global interconnectedness.

The series featured eight Indian and eight international cities along with their representatives, including the likes of Iván Duque Márquez—the then President of Colombia, Edi Rama—Prime Minister of Albania, Sally Capp—Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Federico Pedini Amati—Minister of Tourism, San Marino, and Fabio Righi—Minister of Industry, San Marino, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo—Mayor of Mexico City, and Ahmed Aboutaleb—Mayor of Rotterdam

An Immersive Discussion with the International Union of Architects (UIA)

During the Dubai World Expo, Dikshu C. Kukreja was engaged in an immersive discussion with the International Union of Architects and the students at Amity University, Dubai, wherein he delved into the 'Five Decades of India's Built Environment'.

Reinterpreting India’s Five Decades of Built Environment through a fashion show by students of Apeejay School of Art and Architecture and Sushant School of Architecture

CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence presented a vibrant event at FOAID.The event marked the launch of the CPKA compendium, 'Five Decades of India’s Built Environment,' drawing renowned figures from the design and architecture spheres.

The event kicked off with an exhibition tour themed 'Five Decades of India’s Built Environment,' followed by an engaging Q&A session between TV anchor Ms. Manisha Natarajan and CP Kukreja Architect's Managing Principal, Mr. Dikshu Kukreja. A notable panel discussion featured personalities such as CoA President Mr. Habeeb Khan, Ms. Abha Narain Lambah, and Prof. Vivek Sabherwal (Director, Apeejay College of Architecture). Additionally, students from Apeejay College of Architecture and School of Art and Architecture, Sushant University, mesmerized the audience with an impressive fashion walk. The theme of the fashion was Reinterpreting India’s Five Decades of Built Environment.

A Podcast on 'Five Decades of India's Built Environment' at COA Social

In a compelling conversation hosted on COA Social, Dikshu Kukreja, the managing principal, delved into the timeless essence of architecture. Engaging with Durganand Balsavar, he explored the intricate relationship between architecture and its enduring impact on the physical world. The focus of the dialogue centered on 'Five Decades of India's Built Environment', a comprehensive archive chronicling five decades of the firm's architectural practice. Through this retrospective journey, the book illuminates the evolution of the firm against the backdrop of India's transformative phases. Kukreja offered insights into the process of documenting this architectural legacy, unveiling the ethos that sustained relevance amid evolving architectural landscapes

A Conversation on India's architectural revolution between Mughdha Sinha and Dikshu Kukreja

The unveiling of the book, "Five Decades of India’s Built Environment," authored by Dikshu Kukreja and Arunima Kukreja, unfolded as a significant event at IIC New Delhi. Mr. Kukreja passionately showcased pivotal projects by CPKA that have sculpted India's architectural landscape post-independence. These projects served as cornerstones, shaping the nation's urban fabric.

The event transcended the book unveiling to host a stimulating panel discussion. Mr. Kukreja, joined by Mugdha Sinha, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Manoj Mathur, a distinguished Professor at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, engaged in a multifaceted exploration of India’s architectural evolution. Guided by Rajiv Mehrotra, a celebrated writer and Secretary at the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of H.H. the Dalai Lama, New Delhi, the conversation delved deep into the diverse aspects of India's built environment, fostering a rich dialogue among luminaries in the field.

Presenting the coffee table book, 'Five Decades of India's Built Environment'

Dikshu Kukreja and Arunima Kukreja, the coffee table book to the Honorable Vice President of India. Venkaihah Naidu and Mr. Hardeep Puri, the Honorable Minister of Petroluem and Natural Gas and the Minister of Urban Affairs.

London Festival of Architecture

CP Kukreja Foundation was invited to showcase at London Festival of Architecture (LFA), a renowned event celebrating architecture. The exhibition, "Five Decades of India’s Built Environment," held at the Old Headmaster's Room at The Lalit, London, highlighted CP Kukreja Architect's (CPKA) influential projects over 50 years. Dikshu Kukreja, CPKA's Managing Principal, emphasized the global recognition of contemporary Indian architecture. The display featured ten pivotal projects, demonstrating India's architectural evolution. Renowned figures praised CPKA's use of local materials and sustainability practices, challenging Western stereotypes of Indian architecture.

The event also featured a stimulating discussion between Amish Tripathi, Author and Director of Nehru Center, London; Rosa Regina. Director, London Festival of Architecture and Dikshu C. Kukreja.

CP Kukreja Photography Awards (2018)

The CP Kukreja Photography Awards (2018) marked a celebration of visual storytelling and artistic expression, recognizing talent in the realm of architectural photography. The awards ceremony honored photographers who exhibited outstanding skill in capturing the essence of varied projects of CP Kukreja Architects. These awards celebrated the power of visual expression, inspiring photographers to push the boundaries of their craft and leave an indelible mark in the world of photography. The winning prize for the competition was 50,000 rupees.

The Jury Members included- Prof. Manoj Mathur, SPA; Mr. Hardev Singh, Ace Photographer; Mr. Suneet Paul; Ms. Sunaina Anand, Art Curator; Mr. Olivier Vidal, Architect; Mr. Nayan Raheja, Architect; Ms. Shazia Ilmi, BJP; Mr. Sharat Sharma, Photographer.

The Winner of the Award was Mr. Satish Kumar.

The Special Mentions- Shivam Arora, Yash Jeena, Vivek Aggarwal.

CP Kukreja Awards for Design Excellence (2015)

The CP Kukreja Awards for Design Excellence, a prestigious design competition conducted by the Foundation for Design Excellence in 2015 where the entries were required to highlight the adverse effects of unsustainable and uncontrolled development while emphasizing the benefits of shaping cities in harmony with nature. The competition served as a platform for aspiring innovators to propose visionary solutions, aiming to foster sustainable, nature-centric urban environments and drive transformative change in urban design. The winning prize of 50,000 rupees was presented to the winner by Mrs. Suman Kukreja, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Member of Rajya Sabha and Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Member of Rajya Sabha.

The Jury Members included - Mrs. Kiran Nadar, Owner of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art; Mr. Javier Quintana, London-based Architect; Mr. Olivier Vidal, Paris/New York-based Architect; Dr. PSN Rao, Chairman, DUAC; Prof. AGK Menon, INTACH; Mr. Dilip Cherian, Owner, Perfect Relations; Prof. K.T. Ravindran, SPA; Ms. Mili Majumdar, TERI; Mr. K.S. Radhakrishnan, Artist.

'Strung Course: Life and Works of CP Kukreja' at the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Delhi

The exhibition 'Strung Course: Life and Works of CP Kukreja' showcased the architectural journey of C.P. Kukreja, a retrospective curated by the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Ansal University with the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence. It featured iconic projects like Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Lalit Hotel, Indian Institute of Management, and other landmarks that illustrate Kukreja's pioneering architectural vision and contributions in India's built environment.

Panel Discussion with Aditya Thackerey and Dikshu Kukreja at the Kala Ghoda Festival, Mumbai

The Foundation organized a panel discussion with Aditya Thackrey, Member of Maharashtra Assembly and Dikshu Kukreja at the Kala Ghoda Festival where they discussed urban development and initiatives. Sneha Ullal Goel, a design culturist and educator, skillfully moderated the conversation.

CP Kukreja Design Trophy 2024-25

The CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, in collaboration with NASA, kicked off the 3rd edition of the NASA-CP Kukreja Design Trophy at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, with an electrifying showcase of creativity! This year's theme, "Urban Harmony: Reimagining Community Spaces," challenged students to breathe new life into neglected urban spaces, turning them into vibrant, sustainable community hubs.

With Chief Guest Mr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and Guests of Honour H.E. Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda, and Architect Ashish Gupta, Chairman of the IIA - Northern Chapter, the event was a celebration of innovation. The jury panel-featuring Architect Shhilpi Sinha, Architect Manu Mahajan, Mr. Jamal Sheikh, Architect Tapan K. Chakravarty, and Artist Jatin Das-led a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Interdisciplinarity of Design, moderated by Dikshu C. Kukreja, bringing fresh perspectives on the future of urban spaces and design!

The Masterplan at India Art Fair

'The Masterplan', an Exhibition which was commissioned by CP Kukreja Foundation and curated by Vishal K Dar, celebrated 55 years of Jawaharlal Nehru University and the work of Late Master Architect, CP Kukreja. The exhibition captivated its audience with narratives that have been integral to India's architectural evolution. Seamlessly blending art, architecture, and design, it unveiled the history of Modern India through original hand-drawn sketches, architectural models and archival documents.

Jawaharlal Nehru University rose to prominence in the 1970s. The retrospective exhibition guided visitors through various chapters of its evolution, illuminating the intersections between architecture, citizenship, and nationhood. At its heart, the exhibition delved into the beginning of the first South Asian endeavor to forge a truly Indian university archetype. Envisioned as a microcosm within the southern foothills of New Delhi's Aravalli range, the institution symbolized India's aspiration to have correspondence with the world. It unraveled the architectural intricacies of JNU, contextualizing its symbiotic relationship with the surrounding ecology. A standout feature was a sprawling, ten-foot hybrid exhibit, projecting JNU's Masterplan.

Arunima Kukreja, Director at CPKF and the ideator behind the exhibition, remarked, "This marks a milestone as CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence's inaugural exhibition dedicated to Jawaharlal Nehru University. Securing this monumental project through a national competition in 1969, Architect CP Kukreja laid the foundation for Indian Modernism. Spanning over a thousand acres, the university stands as a testament to growth, learning, and innovation, embodied within its spatial and earthly design."

Jaipur Literature Festivals

The coffee table book, “Five Decades of India’s Built Environment” authored by Dikshu Kukreja & Arunima Kukreja was launched at the Jaipur Literature Festival by H.E Hans Jacob Frydeulund, Ambassador of Norway. The event took place at the Durbar Hall, Hotel Clarks Amer. Ambassador Jacob addressed the audience with the key speech about how the book has glorified the Indian culture & its architecture. He also highlighted the architect’s response to climate change and sustainability.

The book launch was followed by a discussion between Sanjoy K. Roy, Director of Arts, and Ar. Dikshu Kukreja, Principal Architect, CP Kukreja Architects.

An Odyssey of India's Architecture at Polytechnic University of Tirana

The exhibition "An Odyssey of India's Architecture", curated by the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, was inaugurated at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania. It offered a comprehensive overview of India's architectural journey over the past five decades, with a special focus on the contributions of CP Kukreja Architects in tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainable urbanization. Supported by the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania and the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, the exhibition was inaugurated by Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation. This event underscored the importance of cultural and architectural exchanges between India and Albania, fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration in the realms of design and sustainability.

Reimagining Architectural Transformations in Post-Independent India at Nehru Centre, London

The much-anticipated exhibition Reimagining Architectural Transformations in Post-Independent India concluded successfully on 30th September 2024, with an engaging evening at the iconic Nehru Centre, London. Hosted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the High Commission of India in London and CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, the event highlighted five decades of India's architectural journey, post-independence, offering attendees an immersive exploration of the country's evolving built environment.

The event was graced by a keynote address from Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE, Chief Executive of RIBA.

An insightful dialogue titled "Empire to Expression Transition from Colonial to Independent Architectural Styles" featured Mr. Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects, alongside Ar. Sumita Singha OBE, RIBA Trustee, Architect, and Author. Moderated by Anmol Ahuja, Features Editor at STIR, the discussion delved into the critical shifts in India's architectural identity.

watch the exhibition film Here

The Masterplan at CEPT University, Ahmedabad

'The Masterplan' delve into the early days of JNU, showcasing how its design reflected India's democratic aspirations and national policies. It explored how C. P. Kukreja's vision transformed the university into a sanctuary within the Aravalli hills of New Delhi, harmonizing with its geological and ecological context. This retrospective highlighted the role of JNU's architecture in nation-building and its legacy of blending modern innovation with traditional wisdom.

The event was held at the Lilavati Lalbhai Library, CEPT University