Benoy Design Director, Gregory Kovacs, had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB’23) New Delhi, held at the historic Red Fort from December 9th to 15th. The Red Fort, located in the Old Delhi neighborhood, is a renowned 17th-century fort in India. On the second day, centered around the theme ‘Architecture of Communities’, Gregory Kovacs delivered a captivating lecture entitled ‘Adaptive Reuse: The Architecture of Not Building.’
The lecture emphasized sustainable practices and the transformative potential of retrofitting buildings. Kovacs showcased notable projects, including Wuhan Huafa City Hub and Yongchuan Li in China, Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi in Vietnam, and Cross Street in Singapore.
This momentous occasion marked the first-ever collaboration between Avid Learning and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The event served as a precursor to India’s participation in the Venice Biennale 2024, bringing together a diverse community of creative practitioners and professionals. It provided a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering a cultural dialogue, and showcasing the rich talents within India’s art, architecture, and design landscape.
Gregory Kovacs was invited by Avid Learning to deliver a lecture as part of their curated programs and speaking sessions. His presentation on ‘Adaptive Reuse: The Architecture of Not Building,’ featured compelling case studies and best practices in sustainable architecture, emphasising the transformative potential of retrofitting and redeveloping often overlooked everyday buildings. His insights provided fresh perspectives on the creation of environmentally conscious spaces.
During his presentation, Gregory emphasised the significance of adopting a global perspective in architectural practices, drawing valuable insights from China and other Asian countries to enhance the architectural landscape of India. Kovacs advocated for a holistic sustainability approach, seamlessly integrating environmental, economic, and social considerations to craft well-balanced and livable spaces. Furthermore, he shed light on India’s distinctive opportunity and responsibility to preserve and seamlessly integrate its rich local culture and history into contemporary designs. This fosters a seamless connection between culture and architecture, providing a profound sense of identity and historical continuity.
IAADB’23 served as a dynamic platform, uniting vernacular artists with contemporary visionaries. Curators, designers, architects, and influential thinkers converged to explore the intersections of art, architecture, and design. This collaborative effort aimed to showcase the diverse talents within India’s creative landscape and lay the foundation for the country’s participation in the prestigious Venice Biennale 2024.
At Benoy, we are always committed to industry development and the exchange of new ideas. Our participation in events like IAADB’23 signifies our dedication to fostering the growth of the art, architecture, and design sectors. By sharing our expertise, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and pushing boundaries
