In an exclusive conversation with Vertica Dvivedi, Editor-in-Chief, SURFACES REPORTER® (SR) Rafael Acosta, Country Head of AEDAS in India, shares insights into the key milestones of significant projects he has led at AEDAS since 2010, the current building activities in the Indian subcontinent, and the unique capabilities that AEDAS brings to any project.
Please share the key milestones related to significant projects you have led at AEDAS since 2010.
There are numerous projects which come to my mind. T he Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in Singapore is one such project. This iconic complex was designed by Moshe Safdie and Associates where I was part of the original design team- with AEDAS as the local architect. It is a great example of architectural ingenuity and a symbol of Singapore’s ambition to become a global hub for tourism, culture, and commerce.
Further east, in the heart of Jakarta, the SinarMas Land headquarters demonstrated AEDAS’s ability to develop cutting edge and sustainable architecture. The project, one of the first LEED accredited buildings in Indonesia, also achieved Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum certification.
In the same city, the Ciputra International Mixed Use project was another great achievement by AEDAS. This ambitious project redefined the skyline of Jakarta and set a new standard for sustainable urban development in the region, blending modern architecture with the city’s rich cultural heritage by the use of Nusantara principles that informed the façade patterns.
Back in Singapore, the Integrated Transport Hub at Jurong East reflects AEDAS’s expertise in creating spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. A marvel of engineering and design this project had its unique set of challenges.
Challenges included fitting the ambitious program by adding the Jurong Region Line MRT to the existing station, a bus interchange, shopping mall, national library, Sports SG, People’s Association Community Club, and an office tower for the LTA Headquarters in a relatively small site that had stringent restrictions in terms of mixed fire codes, setbacks, security, efficiencies, buildability and productivity regulations, and a mandate to provide 100% landscape replacement.
The large renovation projects in Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, particularly the Hotel Towers 1 and 2 involved a change in unit mix to create larger keys and elevate the user experience by adding more VIP and VVIP suites. The casino was another significant breakthrough with the renovation of the VVIP areas designed in challenging phases to keep the casino operations live - avoiding disturbances to the customers.
These projects demonstrate AEDAS’s ability to renovate and rejuvenate existing structures.
Currently as the Country Head of the Indian subcontinent, tell us which are the regions within the subcontinent with the maximum building activities and why?
Delhi and Mumbai have been historically strong markets. Mumbai, once a bustling hub of construction activity, has seen a slowdown; while Delhi NCR, Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad are currently experiencing a surge in building activities. In South India, Hyderabad saw a big spike of activity a few years ago, but is currently in a plateau. Meanwhile the state of Gujarat is picking up, with a growing interest in urban development and major infrastructure projects.
What are the current projects you are leading at AEDAS in India?
Currently, AEDAS is leading multiple projects in India, several for Signature Global, including the high-end residential DeLuxe DXP, in Sector 37D, Gurugram that was marketed in spectacular fashion and sold out practically overnight; several rail stations in Gujarat; an ultra-luxury residential development, and a mixed-use project in Sector 66, Gurugram; a commercial office building in Sector 140, Noida; a large residential development in Maharashtra; and a hotel in Kerala.
These projects are not just about constructing buildings; they are about creating great design, that can only be delivered by people with a deep understanding of the specific social & cultural subtleties of the communities they are designed for.
AEDAS designed the Pragati Maidan project which also served as the venue of the G20 summit, can you share some of the key challenges you faced in managing and delivering the project and how did you overcome them?
The Pragati Maidan (Bharat Mandapam) project in Delhi garnered a lot of attention. Managing and delivering this project was not without its challenges, including the controversy surrounding the demolition of the Hall of Nations, the limitations of the EPC contract, and evident budget constraints. AEDAS overcame these challenges by incorporating features in the design that paid homage to the lost Hall of Nations, and provided a solid design that met the diverse requirements of multiple stakeholders.
The project necessitated a proper segregation of the ‘open for all’ public zones and highly secured and restricted VVIP areas. The design concepts included the extension of the Lutyens geometry in central Delhi, the analogy of the Yamuna River as the pedestrian circulation, and elevating the main plenary hall to create a Window to Delhi.
Having worked globally, where do you see India in terms of world class building design & technology?
India, despite its rich history and cultural heritage, faces challenges in terms of world-class building design and technology. While there are local firms that produce good design quality in small buildings, large-scale project and complex developments present more challenges. The technology sector needs to develop further and utilize skilled laborers. Building and fire codes also need updating and modernization, while keeping safety as the paramount concern.
As one of the world’s leading architecture & design practices, what are the unique capabilities that AEDAS bring to any project?
As one of the world’s leading architecture and design practices AEDAS brings unique capabilities to any project. The firm can consistently provide great design, thanks to the intentional diversity in the design teams, providing talents with worldwide experience and education. AEDAS also takes pride in keeping and developing deep understanding of the social and cultural context of each project locally. The firm’s excellence in delivery is evident by the implementation of strict QA/QC processes, including their proprietary ADS (Architectural Delivery System) that apply to all projects.
Driving business growth is fundamental to your role. What is your outlook for financial year 2024-25 for AEDAS in the Indian subcontinent? What are your plans to drive the growth?
Looking ahead, AEDAS is optimistic about the financial year 2024 25 and beyond in the Indian subcontinent. The firm sees thriving markets in Delhi NCR, an expected resurgence of Mumbai, and growth in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. AEDAS is developing strategic relationships to identify key projects, focusing on quality, over organic and un-planned growth.
Finally, what is your message for SURFACES REPORTER® Magazine????????
Keep up the excellent work! Wishing you continued success for the next 20 years and beyond.