Construction & Architecture Update

Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti in dialogue with Construction & Architecture Update magazine, December 2024 Issue.

1. Could you share a bit about CCBA and your journey in architecture and what inspired you to enter this field?

CCBA Designs is an intellectual design house, mentored by Harvard and MIT educated, late Master Architect Prof. Christopher Charles Benninger; one of India’s great modernists. My journey into the field began unexpectedly at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, one of the most prestigious medical colleges in India. Around my third year, I began to realize that I wanted to pursue a different path—as an artist, a thinker, or a designer. I met Prof. Benninger during the same time. His work and philosophy deeply inspired me. I knew then that I had to follow this new calling and so made the bold decision to leave medical college and immerse myself in this newfound passion.

Together with Professor Benninger, we founded CCBA Designs and since then, we've had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, both in India and abroad. Architecture, as they say, is the mother of all art forms, and it holds immense power. Prof. Benninger always believed that as architects, we have the ability to create cities, homes, and spaces that shape people's lives. Since his passing, I have dedicated my life in continuing his legacy.

2. What are some of your most significant achievements or projects that you are particularly proud of?

Initially, we started with small-scale projects. Now our immense body of work ranges from master planning of international cities and new towns to housing developments and complexes, hotels, resorts, educational and institutional campuses, corporate headquarters and healthcare projects.  

We have designed campuses and buildings for over twenty universities including the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Azim Premji University in Bengaluru, the New Academic Block in CEPT University in Ahmedabad and Bajaj Institute of Technology among others. We have also designed industrial spaces with the Forbes Marshall group, a clinic for mentally challenged children, and the Suzlon One Earth Global Corporate Headquarters that became globally known for its zero energy consumption and is platinum LEED certified as well has a Griha five-star green certification. 

Presently, we are working on the National Capital Complex in Burundi, Central Africa and a Brain Research Centre in Shanghai, China. Our primary focus has always been on contextuality, sustainability and the human scale. Our designs yearn for timelessness. 

3. How would you describe your design philosophy, and how does it shape the projects you take on?

As an intellectual ‘design house’, we seek to bring out the poetry in the place, the lyricism in the built forms, and the vibrancy in the inhabitants’ lives. We endeavour to create environments, ambiences, and milieus that enrich our clients’ lives and make living a meaningful experience. Context is the heart of our process—every project is shaped by its unique environment, climate, materials, and the people who will inhabit it. Prof. Benninger's Principles of Intelligent Urbanism (PIU), is used by us in the formulation of our urban projects. At CCBA Designs believe that good design has the power to improve not just the spaces we inhabit, but also the lives we lead.

4.  What is the most difficult thing about the profession of architecture?

Not everyone understands the importance of good design. Many times patrons fail to advocate for good architecture, resulting in buildings that are uninspiring and nonfunctional. Any great civilization is measured by the quality of its architecture. Our heritage boasts of architectural marvels such as palaces, temples and even city planning that have stood the test of time. It is not just important but critical that good architecture be prioritised as we march into the future. This also acts as a catalyst for creating a vibrant society and is more sustainable than creating buildings and infrastructure for the short term. As architects who have the power to shape the built environment, we need to understand that the buildings we make are our lien on eternity. 

5. What is the future of Indian Architecture?

The future of Indian Architecture will find its roots in more inclusive, more efficient and democratic urban structures, centred on pedestrianizing urban systems, integrating strolling spaces and pedestrian corridors into the nodes of mass transit arteries, functional water supply, storm drainage, energy sharing, sewerage management and solid waste management, while celebrating nature, integrated within these new forms of urban fabric. 

Architecture will be more closely linked to planning natural ecosystems, bio-sensitive parks and water bodies, where it will find its roots. Building fabrics will grow out of these organic living systems, rather than sustainability being an "add on" or a new less toxic set of specifications. Instead of star architects, we will have true professionals who work for communities.

6. What does it mean to you to be a Jury member for the ERA Fame Awards 2024?

Being a jury member for the ERA Fame Awards 2024 is an honour and a responsibility I hold with great pride. For me, it is an opportunity to engage with and celebrate the work being done in architecture and design today. I see this as a chance to contribute to the wider architectural conversation and to inspire emerging talent by identifying and celebrating the excellence in our industry. It’s about recognizing the transformative power of design and its ability to elevate lives and communities.