Architect of the Year Award (AYA)
Architecture was more or less identified with housing & more so with elite housing. However, many countries have used
architecture effectively for public structures also, such as highways, metro rails, factories, harbours & any other public
facilities. These projects/structures shall consume lot of building materials. If these structures have to look pleasing,
relevant architecture has to be applied in their designs.
The subject of challenges to architecture vis-a-vis town planning, infrastructure development & affordable housing is being
discussed in various countries through various forums. Mr.Yadupati Singhania, Managing Director, J.K. Cement Ltd., thought that we could contribute to this cause by encouraging
outstanding talent in the profession of architecture as a continuous process & thereby set an example for others in this
profession to do better & better.
This is how Architect of the Year Award (AYA) began way back in the year 1990 (1st Architect of the Year Award). Awards
were subsequently extended to architects of neighbouring countries from the year 1996 (7th Architect of the Year Award). To
encourage state level architecture, State Architecture awards were also introduced from the award year AYA-98 (9th
Architect of the Year Award).