Kolkata, June 28, 2025:
In a powerful celebration of architectural legacy and visionary thought, Ambuja Neotia, in collaboration with the Charles Correa Foundation (CCF), hosted the 8th Charles Correa Memorial Lecture at the Royal Bengal Room, City Centre Salt Lake. The event honoured the memory and philosophy of Charles Correa, one of India’s most influential architects, and served as a vital platform to engage with contemporary architectural thought and sustainability.
The evening’s keynote was delivered by acclaimed Australian architect Peter Stutchbury, globally recognized for his environmentally attuned and poetically expressive design philosophy. Stutchbury paid rich tribute to Correa’s enduring influence, stating:
“Charles Correa was not merely an architect; he was a philosopher of space. His deep respect for the environment, culture, and human condition aligns profoundly with my own design ethos. To speak in his honour here in Kolkata where much of his vision materialized is a privilege.”
Stutchbury also acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia and the Ambuja Neotia Group, praising their role in sustaining and sharing Correa’s architectural philosophy through this annual lecture series.
Adding further gravitas to the evening, the event also witnessed the formal launch of ‘Great Expectations – Notes to an Architect’, the final work by the late Christopher Benninger. The book, a philosophical and practical sequel to his earlier classic Letters to a Young Architect, was jointly launched by Ramprasad Akkisetti (Managing Director, CCBA Designs), Peter Stutchbury, and Harshavardhan Neotia.
Ramprasad Akkisetti, speaking at the launch, shared,
“Chris’s voice lives on through this book wise, reflective, and refreshingly honest. It’s a must-read not just for architects but for anyone who appreciates the responsibility and art behind shaping the spaces we inhabit.”
In a moving special address, Akkisetti also remembered Charles Correa as a mentor and guiding force, stating,
“He transcended the realm of structures to capture the soul of India through his work.”
Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia, emphasized Correa’s deep-rooted influence on Indian architecture:
“Correa was a visionary whose work was grounded in humanism, sustainability, and cultural context. His principles continue to inspire us at Ambuja Neotia. This lecture series is our humble effort to keep those ideals alive and relevant.”
The event was eloquently anchored by Ashish Acharjee architect, author, and principal organiser of the Charles Correa Memorial Lecture. He described Stutchbury’s keynote as a seamless continuation of Correa’s philosophy:
“Like Correa, Stutchbury designs with deep awareness of place, nature, and spirit. His works are quiet revolutions in spatial poetry.”
Link: www.ambujaneotia.com
