GOVERNMENT OF AP SCRAPS THE DESIGNS SUBMITTED BY MAKI FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CAPITAL

The decision to select an internationally-reputed architect to design the iconic structures in the seed capital city suffered a major set-back after the government of Andhra Pradesh scrapped the designs submitted by Maki and associates of Japan. The Chief Minister directed the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) to call for fresh tenders to invite better designs before taking up the construction of government complexes in the capital city. This virtually means that the works on the iconic structures will not begin anytime soon.

 

According to the sources, it would take at least 3-4 months to complete the process of selection of architect as the government wants to doubly ensure that the designs are not copied or out of sync with local culture and traditions. The decision to go for global tenders afresh was taken at a high-level meeting held in the chief minister’s office in Vijayawada late on Tuesday night. Interestingly, the CM met representatives of renowned architect firms Roger Stirk Harbour and Partners (RSHP of the UK) and Hafeez Contractor on Monday. RSHP was one of the three shortlisted designs along with Vasthu Shilpa (India) before the government zeroed in on Maki and Associates in March.

 

Although the designs submitted by Vasthu and RSHP were considered better, the government went ahead with Maki with a vision on enlisting financial support from Japanese agencies like JICA. “After singing paens in favor of Maki’s designs for iconic structures of assembly and High court as the best in the world for six months, the government has suddenly found them outdated and decided to scrap,” sources said.