In partnership with the Charles Correa Foundation, Ambuja Neotia held the eighth Charles Correa Memorial Lecture at the Royal Bengal Room in Salt Lake City Centre. Honoring the legacy of the renowned Indian architect Charles Correa, the event brought together prominent figures and members of the architectural and design community.

Renowned Australian architect Peter Stutchbury, who is well-known throughout the world for his poetic, environmentally conscious, and contextual design philosophy, gave a riveting keynote address that evening. “It’s an immense honor to deliver the 8th Charles Correa Memorial Lecture in the very city where a part of his extraordinary vision came to life. Charles Correa was a philosopher of space in addition to being an architect. The fundamental tenets of my practice are reflected in his unwavering dedication to designing with profound respect for the environment, local culture, and human condition,” said Stutchbury.

“My sincere appreciation is extended to Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia and the Ambuja Neotia Group for their outstanding vision in maintaining this important conversation. Charles Correa’s essential ideas will continue to influence architecture in the future, thanks to their commitment to spreading his legacy through these lectures,” added the Australian architect.

The event also saw the formal launch of the Late Christopher Benninger’s much-anticipated book, ‘Great Expectations – Notes to an Architect’, the sequel to his seminal work Letters to a Young Architect. The launch was one by Ramprasad Akkisetti (MD, CCBA Designs), Harshavardhan Neotia, and Peter Stutchbury.

“With his characteristic wisdom and wit, Chris delves deeper into the philosophical and practical challenges of our profession in this latest work. It’s a book for anyone who wants to comprehend the great responsibility and immense joy of creating our built environment, not just aspiring architects,” said Ramprasad Akkisetti.

Ashish Acharjee, the architect, author, and main organizer of the Annual Charles Correa Memorial, expertly led the evening by bringing depth and narrative coherence to the occasion. Charles Correa’s philosophy of creating environments that are in tune with their surroundings and profoundly sensitive to local rhythms and natural forces is aptly reflected in Stutchbury’s body of work. Like Correa, he responds to places with thoughtful, sensitive designs.

Priyanka Dutta