Runner Up
Excellence – Commercial – Architecture
Prerna Kaleru, Studio Ardete, Panchkula
Prerna Kaleru, an alumnus of IIT Roorkee, founded Studio Ardete in 2010 with the belief that every problem has the capacity to inspire unique and creative solutions that motivate growth. Her vision is to design spaces that would evolve into art, enriching the lives of people inhabiting them. With a passion for creating something distinctive and a taste for experimentation, she has completed various projects in India and abroad. Having designed in parts of Asia and Europe, including Japan, Italy and France, she believes in a more analytical approach. Incorporating new techniques like parametric modeling and customised design elements, unique to each project and striving to use materials available on site, make her projects sustainable.
Do you think architecture has the power to build better communities? How?
Expressive art, especially in the form of architecture design, is a powerful medium that can bring significant social changes. To state an example, Chandigarh city which is built for higher civic order has impacted the lives of its residents. Today life happens whilst it flirts with the boundaries of orderly spaces. As a constant reflection of the culture as architects, we are able to communicate our ideas to the public while sourcing inspiration from the inspired itself.
How important it is to network for professionals?
For professionals, networking and knowledge is the key to success. Today, women from all walks of life are doing exceptionally inspirational work and to recognise them and to bring them together on a single platform is a great initiative.
As a WADE Woman which is the area you would contribute?
Our motto is- ‘to inspire and be inspired’. Laying down a precedent by upholding the standards of our work and providing a flexible and supportive work environment for women at Studio Ardete will hopefully inspire the next harvest of architects and my peer studios.
Your opinion on WADE ASIA and its objectives.
When we start developing mentorship-cultures like
“The energy I felt at WADE awards felt truly dignifying and comforting. I enjoyed the company of my fellow colleagues and I am glad that we women are getting the much-needed recognition.”
WADE, it can surely answer some of the collective issues. I am glad that such competitions have made a point to appreciate the hard work of designers and artists. I congratulate Vertica Dvivedi for visualising such a concept and making it a reality.
How is coming together of Women in Design, Art, Architecture, Engineering as a community building up the fraternity?
WADE Asia is able to transform the way we look at women in the otherwise man’s world. The energy I felt at WADE awards felt truly dignifying and comforting. I enjoyed the company of my fellow colleagues and I am glad that we women are getting the much-needed recognition. Such mentorship environment surely is the right step in building a strong fraternity.
Note: This article was originally published on Surfaces Reporter December 2019 Issue.
