Dr. T Brajakumar Singh urges Manipur architects to shift to climate-resilient designs during ‘Architects’ Meet.’
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IMPHAL — The time has come for architects to pivot toward climate-resilient design and construction materials to create buildings that can withstand, adapt to, and recover from the intensifying impacts of climate change.
This was suggested by Dr. T Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment & Climate Change, Manipur, while making a presentation on ‘Role of architects in combating climate change’ during a day-long Architects’ Meet held at City Convention Centre, Imphal, to mark the Foundation Day of the Manipur Architects’ Forum (MAF) on Monday.
The event was organised by the Manipur Architects’ Forum in association with the Town Planning department.
Dr. Brajakumar also said that the state had been experiencing frequent floods due to various factors, including intense rainfall. At the same time, more than 50 percent of the natural springs in the state are drying up due to various factors. Above all, the maximum temperature is also on the rise as the global population had witnessed 2025 as the warmest year.
Considering all these factors, apart from using climate resilient construction materials, the architects of the region also have an important role in making residential complexes and other premises liveable and comfortable, he felt.
Chief Town Planner N Benju Singh also delivered insightful presentations on the respective topics, highlighting the critical role of architects in sustainable development and regulatory compliance during his presentation on ‘Role of architects in enforcing development control regulations.’
Earlier in his remark, Joint Secretary of Tribal Affairs & Hills, Ngangom Uttam Singh highlighted that the role of architects goes beyond aesthetics and includes ensuring legal compliance with building bye-laws, zoning regulations, and safety norms.
He stressed the importance of consulting architects at the initial stage of construction to avoid future costs and legal issues. Emphasising climate change concerns, he called upon architects to design climate-responsive, green, and seismic-safe buildings, considering Manipur’s vulnerability to earthquakes and heavy rainfall.
The day's meet included distribution of prizes, including cash awards and citations for the World Architecture Day essay writing competition; felicitation of senior MAF members, and deliberations on the role of architects in combating climate change and enforcing Development Control Regulations (DCR); special award to architect Benson for being the first architect to adopt the Online Building Permit System (OBPS) in Imphal Municipal Cooperation, conferred by the Town Planning department.