The Talk
Hyderabad badly needs a mass transport system. The government has been moving ahead with the Metro Rail Project. Is this the right system? Are there better alternatives? What will the Metro do to Hyderabad – good and bad?
The speakers, both experts, and having done extensive study of the metro project, expose us to the various facets of the issue enabling us to form our own opinions.
PS : This talk has no video.
G Shankar Narayan, Architect and C Ramachandraiah,Dr, Prof
G Shankar Narayan
Shankar Naryana is an architect in practice since 1987 and has come to be known for innovative design, cost effective and eco friendly techniques of construction, professionalism and financial integrity.
Academics, Awards and Publications:
Bachelor of Architecture (1985), Bangalore University, Bangalore. Graduation thesis on ‘Multi-functional Spaces’.
Visiting faculty at School of Planning and Architecture, JNTU.
Awarded “State Architect of the Year Award – 2004” by JK Cement Award for Mana TV Studio project.
Author of fortnightly column “Nothing Concrete – Musings on Architecture” in Deccan Chronicle newspaper for the period 2004-05.
Featured in magazines such as “Indian Architect and Builder”, “Inside Outside” etc.
Member of the Jury for INTACH Heritage Awards 2005.
Conceived and curated the exhibition “Metro Impact – view from the Street” in association with Indian Institute of Architects and Goethe Zentrum.
Presented papers at various for such as Indian Institute of Architects, Indian School of Business, SPA New Delhi etc.
Architectural Projects
Institutional and Public:
- “Shilparamam” Crafts Village, Hyderabad – (Value Rs.5 Crores).
- Henry Martyn Institute of Islamic Studies, Hyderabad – (Value Rs.4 Crores).
- Earth Station and Studio at Hyderabad – (Value Rs. 4 Crores).
- Government School buildings – 30 nos at Hyderabad for Naandi Foundation – Value Rs. 5 crores)
- Multi Modal Transport System for Hyderabad – (Value Rs. 3 Crores).
- Multipurpose Cultural Centre Hyderabad (Value Rs. 5 Crores).
- Secunderabad Railway Station (Value Rs. 3 Crores).
- Blue Cross Animal Welfare Centre, Hyderabad. (Value Rs.50 lakhs).
- Industrial Campus for Polartech India Private Limited at Hyderabad – (Value Rs.5 Crores).
- International Institute of Information Technology at Hyderabad –(Value Rs. 12 Crores).
- Heritage Valley Residential School at Hyderabad – (Value Rs. 2 crores)
- Delhi Public School, Nacharam Campus, Hyderabad – (Value Rs. 6 crores)
- Local Architect for 100 storey tower for Reliance/Sobha – Bid has been won
- Station Designs for Hyderabad Metro for Reliance ADAG group
- HMRI Campus for Satyam Foundation.
- Industrial Campus for R.R.High Energetics Ltd.
- Coffee Processing Plant at Araku for Naandi Foundations
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Madhapur, Hyderabad
- Urban Design and conservation proposal for Monty’s Hotel, Secunderabad
Residential Designs:
- Residence for Pradipaks at Hyderabad (featured in Inside Outside) and design for more than 50 other residential buildings for varied clientele follow the principles of user friendliness, use of materials in natural state, climate control through architectural details and open spaces planning for effective use.
Interior Design Projects:
- Oxford University Press at Hyderabad, Bangalore and Madras.
- Corporate interior for Naandi Foundation, German Centre, Hyderabad
- Rail Tel Corporation of India – Corporate Interior at Secunderabad.
C Ramachandraiah
Dr. C. Ramachandraiah is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad. He obtained a Masters Degree in Geography from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, M.Phil and Ph.D degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He worked as a Lecturer in Geography in Bhutan during 1991-93.
His research interests are urban environment, drinking water, information technology and cities. Currently he is working on the processes involved in land allotments and land auctions, displacement of people from lands, urban transport etc. in and around Hyderabad city.
Publications/Presentations:
- Book: (co-edited with Guus van Westen and Sheela Prasad) is High-Tech Urban Spaces: Asian and European Perspectives, Manohar Publishers, New Delhi, 2008.
- International and Indian Journals/Articles in Edited Books: 35
- CESS Working Papers: 5
- Paper Presentations in India: 21
- Articles in Newspapers (Telugu & English): Over 80
International Conferences/Visiting Fellowships:
- Paper Presentations: 13
- Visiting Faculty in Netherlands and France: 4 times
- Forthcoming: Selected by the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany for a 3-month exchange scholarship to work on Climate Change and its Linkages with Urban Transport and Water.
Social Activism:
In addition to academic research, he is also a social activist and takes part in issues of public interest. He played active role in imposition of higher water tariff to Coca Cola by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewage Board (HMWSSB). He is one of the founders of the Forum For a Better Hyderabad.
Currently he is involved in a campaign for better public transportation (and against the proposed metro rail project) and formed a coalition of civil society organizations and individuals under the banner of Citizens for Better Public Transport in Hyderabad.
