siliconindia | | December 201919PONNI'S BRAINCHILDIt was in 1996 Ponni moved back to India, and laid the foundation for her firm ­ Oscar & Ponni Architects along with her husband & architect ­ Oscar Concessao. At this firm, she spearheads projects right from absorbing the brief from client, visiting sites that influence concept generation, design presentation till design development, and ultimately monitoring buildings built under specific timeframes. In fact, she draws paramount inspiration from nature, historical context and the infinite cosmos, besides client's brief, site conditions and contextual factors. While vesting deep-rooted trust in contextual architecture, Ponni also believes in amalgamating technologically allied designs with elements of Indian heritage, sustainability and contextual factors. Moreover, on a personal level, teachings of Adi Sankara, the Vedas, and global & Indian women leaders in business, politics and social services, are her biggest sources of inspiration. With specializations in Urban Design, Architecture and Interior Design, Ponni's Oscar & Ponni Architects undertakes projects such as institutions, hotels & resorts, IT parks, government building complexes, housing projects (100+ acres), luxury homes and all types of commercial projects. Across all these projects spanning 99 cities of India & abroad, the primordial focus of her firm is adhering to Green Building norms and promoting sustainable architectural design. Ponni adds, "It is now we have to take the responsibility of making our cities not only smart, but also sustainable, and can no longer afford to hide behind our designs and desks. We ought to integrate construction technology with effective planning, besides adopting affordable housing". Oscar & Ponni Architects has also been involved in the PM's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and constructed noon-meal centres, toilets for underprivileged girl students as well as schools for Leprosy afflicted patients. AN EXEMPLAR OF INSPIRATION! Speaking of challenges, Ponni faced many, especially gender bias for hailing from the construction industry. Yet, she overcame them with extreme support and encouragement from her parents, spouse and son. Intrinsically a workaholic, she spends most of her time at office and at challenging construction sites, while also spending quality time with her architect son ­ Rahul M.C. To stay abreast of the latest innovations in materials, automations and technologies in architecture, Ponni attends international architecture conventions, exhibitions & events, besides discussions on pressing topics. Further, she regularly mentors students and young architects by being on the thesis panel of Anna University & others, and also on the Governing Council of some universities. Adding to her wall of fame are her keynote speeches at several national & international conferences on the current state of architecture and role of women architects in India. WHILE VESTING DEEP-ROOTED TRUST IN CONTEXTUAL ARCHITECTURE, PONNI ALSO BELIEVES IN AMALGAMATING TECHNOLOGICALLY ALLIED DESIGNS WITH ELEMENTS OF INDIAN HERITAGE, SUSTAINABILITY AND CONTEXTUAL FACTORSPONNI M CONCESSAO, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, OSCAR & PONNI ARCHITECTSA highly experienced architect, Ponni currently stands as the beacon of inspiration & support for her firm ­ Oscar & Ponni Architects, which has bagged 114 International, National & State Awards for Architecture & Interiors. FAVOURITE PASTIMES: Reading, Travelling to International Heritage Sites, and Oil Paintings on Hindu Spirituality Theme, wherein some of them were exhibited to raise funds for Leprosy Eradication.FAVOURITE CUISINE: South Indian Food & Tandoori FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS: Temples of India, Angkor Wat, Pyramids of Egypt, Chateaus of France, Castles of Italy, Institutional & Historic Buildings & Palaces of the US, and Cathedrals of Russia & England.
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