Odisha’s Krushi Bhawan has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival Award 2019. This sustainable architectural building has been selected alongside other iconic structures like the International Olympics Council in Lausanne. The distinct vis visual identity of Krushi Bhawan has been derived from regional materials and vernacular narratives expressed in a manner that is responsive to the local climate.
“We are really happy and proud that Krushi Bhawan has been selected among the best architectures in the world. Krushi Bhawan broke the general public perception of government offices, which are generally dark and dingy with restrictions for the general public. The beautiful ambience of Krushi Bhawan has helped in creating a better work culture for the employees at the same time bridged the distance between government and people,” said Arun Sahoo, Agriculture Minister.
The building has a unique ventilation system and a high thermal mass to keep the building naturally cool and make it energy efficient. The façade of the building has a brick-louvered screen that acts as a solar shading device and expresses itself in the pattern of Ikat weaves, its colours representing the geographical diversity of the region, said sources in Studio Lotus.
Along with the Krushi Bhawan, 12 more Indian projects have been shortlisted in the final list of awards. The World Architecture Festival will be held on the 4-6 December at the RAI Amsterdam.