Meet Dr G. Shankar: The “People’s Architect” Championing Green Architecture and Sustainability as a Jury Member at THE WADE ASIA 2024

Meet G. Shankar: The “People’s Architect” Championing Green Architecture and Sustainability as a Jury Member at THE WADE ASIA 2024

Gopalan Nair Shankar, known as G. Shankar, is an architect from Kerala, India, renowned for his advocacy of using locally available materials, sustainability, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. He has received three national awards for green architecture, slum resettlement, and eco-city design. His commitment to "green architecture" has earned him the title of "people's architect." 

  • Name: Padma Shri Dr G Shankar
  • Firm Name: Habitat Technology Group
  • Location: Kerala
  • Top Projects: Vellinezhy Kalagramam, New homes for Kerala flood victims, in collaboration with Aster Homes.

Master mason and people's architect G. Shankar has been tirelessly dedicated to social development through architecture. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Asia, Kathmandu, a Tier 1 university in international rankings. Recognizing his distinguished services in science and engineering, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, in 2011. 

He founded Habitat Technology Group in 1987, which has grown to become the largest NGO in the shelter sector in South Asia. As an advocate for cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable building technologies, he has led numerous mass building projects, including townships built after calamities and the redevelopment of slums. Homes have been constructed in Latur, Bhopal, Gujarat, and Orissa following natural disasters, and significant projects have also been undertaken in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Palestine, and Haiti.

Noteworthy accomplishments include:

Vellinezhy Kalagramam: A small hamlet on the Kunthipuzha banks in Palakkad, known for its rich variety of thriving art forms.

Rehabilitation Homes: New homes for those affected by last year’s Kerala floods, in collaboration with Aster Homes.

With an architecture degree from the College of Engineering Trivandrum (1982 batch), an M.S. from Birmingham School of Architecture, UK, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism, G. Shankar has introduced much-needed qualitative changes to the shelter sector in India with his concept of green architecture.

Excited to meet Padma Shri Dr. G. Shankar at THE WADE ASIA, a premier event recognizing the outstanding achievements and excellence of women in architecture and design.

ABOUT WADEASIA

THE WADE ASIA, established in 2016 began with the objectives of creating a platform for recognising the contribution of women in design and to provide a large national platform for the entire community to celebrate women-led development.

Started with a small group of people, today THE WADE ASIA is the largest award platform for women in design, architecture, interior design, construction, engineering, art, and photography.

Come prepared to witness the following at THE WADE ASIA from 22-25 August 2024

  1. 200 LIVE presentation of India’s Top selected projects in Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retail, Landscape, Public Building, Sustainable spaces, etc The schedule of the live competition WADE ARCHIDESIGN NATIONAL COMPETITION will be shared soon
  2. THE WADE ASIA Architecture conference - Two days of talks and discussions by top industry influencers and experts. Hall 2
  3. MATERIALS ADDA - Innovation zone where 40-50 products are showcased
  4. Art & Photography Zone
  5. MATECIA EXHIBITION- Largest exhibition of decorative surfaces, Panel products, architecture and interior products and more.
  6. Launch of the book “The Top Angle” by The WADE ASIA with insights from 9 years of surveys and research on women in design & architecture.

THE WADE ASIA is a national platform. More than 50000 people from all over India and 20 other neighbouring countries visit WADE and concurrent Exhibition MATECIA each year. THE WADE ASIA had participation from Nepal. Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia Dubai (UAE), London, providing an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.

THE WADE ASIA created a world record by contributing to water initiative and creating the largest W human-shape on ground in record time which was awarded ASIA BOOK OF RECORDS medal, a testament to its outstanding contribution to the industry.

It was also awarded "The Unique Show" by the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2022 in partnership with UFI (global association for exhibition excellence).

Soon THE WADE ASIA will open opportunities for women in creative pursuits to become members and multiply the initiatives as well as position themselves with stronger network & connections.

LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE WADE ASIA Architecture Event : https://www.wadeasia.com/visitor-registration/

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