ENTRY OF FOREIGN ARCHITECTS IN

INDIA

Since 1900s

Changing landscapes across

A BACKGROUND
Globalization
Technology improvements
Blurring of boundaries
Specialized niche markets- seeking specialization with regard
to typology
Downturn of economies of countries abroad
Rapidly expanding Indian real estate economies
Reciprocation- opportunities for Indian architects abroad

COA Guidelines
Project specific permission of the Central Government to
practice in India (MHRD, Labor and Home Ministry) on the
advice of COA
Register with the COA as per Architects Act 1972
Follow the laws of land
Registered in their country of origin
RBI regulations and Taxations

The case of RSP Architects, Singapore

The tiff between Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB)
and COA

Economic factors
Revenue- MNCs entering India
International recognition for the country

FOR

Threat to livelihood of local players

The capacity of Indian architects to take on
complex responsibilities have been proven
Reducing opportunities
Pushed to meager projects
Under-utilized talents

AGAINST

Unifying global architectural aesthetics

Era of confusionism
Bringing together various architectural
styles
India becoming a part of the global
architectural movement

FOR

The Indian Identity

Installing the West in the East
Lack of appreciation of the crafts of
building, largely prevalent in Indian
architects
Ignoring environmental clearances
Lack of understanding of social
requirements

AGAINST

Landmark spaces and Branding

Projects become focal points in the urban
fabric- star power and international quality
Branding due to foreign collaborations are
an added incentive for buyers
A new aesthetic always stands out of the
norm

FOR

Familiarity
Loss of an architectural identity of the
place
Disrupted skyline
Lack of sense of place and context

AGAINST

Bringing in New Processes

Tried and tested processes
Exchange of information- creates an
opportunity for professionals from varied
fields with regard to construction to interact
in an international forum
Exposure to international standard
Understanding and application of global
materials

FOR

Mismatch of proposed and available tech

Indian construction technology is not at par
with the best International level.
Assumption of acquiring similar quality
What is conceived is not achieved
Ultimate suffering of the building and the
user

AGAINST

Experience
The ability to handle large projects
Innovation at various scales

FOR

Made in India? But designed by foreign

Not workable in most cases- hire locals
Foreign Indian collaborations often violates
the Act and undermines the discipline of
architecture.
Local architects sign the submission
drawings for planning permits
The local architects carry the liability for the
project, even when they are not legitimate
authors of the design

AGAINST

Promoting strong bonds- Indias role in

international forums: reciprocation
Promotes tie-ups
Promotes a good relation with countries
abroad
Economic and social bonds are hence
strengthened
Indian architects may also be included in
important global architectural summits
Indian architects get reciprocated:
opportunities abroad

FOR

Scope for Indian architects abroad

The capacity of Indian architects to take on
complex responsibilities has been proven
However the reciprocation has not been very
good till date
It is essential that international bodies like
RIBA, and regulatory bodies in USA, Europe,
UK, Singapore, etc recognize an equitable
reciprocal arrangement of equivalence of
Registered Architects in India
NEED TO SHOW GREATER INTEREST

AGAINST

Multi-cultural dimension
Indian firms get an opportunity to understand
and respond to different work cultures

FOR

Hundred Hands
+
Allies & Morrison

Hundred Hands
+
Allies & Morrison

Allies & Morrison

+
Hundred Hands

Hundred Hands
+
Allies & Morrison

Schwartz Architects + Gensle

Chennai Airport

Fallen!

Schwartz Architects + Gensler

Chennai Airport

The Judgement
It will help us in some ways, it will also harm us in
some ways.
Ultimately the fittest will survive