Pune: BNCA Students Win National Award for Rasta Peth Redevelopment Study Project
Pune: BNCA Students Win National Award for Rasta Peth Redevelopment Study Project
Pune, February 6, 2025: The Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women (BNCA) has been honored with a national award in the prestigious Urban Studio Research Project (USRP) competition, organized by the Council of Architecture, India’s leading authority in architectural education. The award-winning project focused on the cluster redevelopment of Rasta Peth, a historic neighborhood in Pune, and was collaboratively developed by faculty members and 40 female students.
The award was presented at a recent event in Bengaluru by Architect Abhay Purohit, President of the Council of Architecture. BNCA’s project was among the top three at the national level. The study, led by Dr. Vaishali Anagal, included contributions from Dr. Sharvay Dhongde, Dr. Sujata Karve, Prof. Chaitanya Peshwe, Prof. Sonali Malvankar, Prof. Deva Prasad, and Prof. Siddhi Joshi.
Dr. Anagal highlighted that Rasta Peth’s rich architectural heritage and cultural significance were central to the project. The team focused on preserving the area’s unique urban fabric while proposing sustainable redevelopment models. The study addressed factors such as population density, unified development control regulations (UDCPR), and livability standards.
In April 2023, the proposed redevelopment model was presented to local residents through workshops featuring display boards, 3D models, and virtual reality simulations. The insights and feedback from these workshops, along with suggestions for modifications to UDCPR guidelines, will be submitted to the state government for consideration in future redevelopment projects.
BNCA Principal Dr. Anurag Kashyap praised the project as a model for urban development, emphasizing that it provided students with valuable real-world experience by engaging directly with the community.
