AP asks Japanese firm to improve designs of govt buildings

Andhra Pradesh government today asked a world-renowned Japanese architectural firmto come up with an "improved concept" or develop a new one for designing various government buildings to be built in the state's new capital Amaravati.
Maki and Associates, which designed some of the world-famous iconic structures like the United Nations Consolidation Building (New York), Tower 4 of World Trade Centre Redevelopment (New York), Media Corp (Singapore), Bihar Museum (India) and Shenzen Sea World Cultural Arts Centre (China), had submitted a set of designs to AP Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) on March 25 for the proposed government buildings.
But, its design of the Legislature complex in particular drew widespread criticism as the structures resembled the "cooling towers" of a thermal power station.

Besides, it looked similar to the Chandigarh Legislature building, prompting netizens to ridicule Maki's designs.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who initially heaped praise on Maki over the designs, later said the government was "yet to approve" the designs following public criticism.
State Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana held a meeting with the in-house architectural consultants of the CRDA here today to review the designs.

"We told Maki to come up with an improved concept or develop a new one and submit the new designs within three weeks. The designs should be in tune with the aspirations of the people of the state and reflect the Telugu culture," Narayana told reporters after the meeting.

"We will finalise the designs by this month-end or early next month," he added.
Makiwas chosen by a jury of six renowned architects from the three shortlisted firms --Makiand Associates (Japan), Richard Rogers (England) and DV Joshi Architects (India) -- who submitted their designs for a contest conducted by the Andhra Pradesh government.
Makiwas expected to design the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Legislature Complex, High Court, Raj Bhavan and other important government buildings in the capital Amaravati.
Of these, the Legislature Complex and the High Court were proposed to be built as "iconic structures".
The buildings and the residential complexes for government officers and staff will come up in 900 acres in the capital region.