Steel can adapt in any form, thus offering solutions for any aesthetic and complex creative vision. Steel structures are also sleek and improve space efficiency. Steel thus becomes an ideal material for all kinds of construction, says, Ar. Nivedita Bhattacharjee, Architect, The Design Matters
Q. What are the major advantages of using steel vis-à-vis conventional materials?
A. Steel is extremely flexible, light in weight reduces construction time and related logistics, can be factory-made, has ease of construction; and, most importantly, increases the range of possibilities in the Architectural and Design spectrum. It also increases the speed of construction dramatically, thus reducing the time and cost of construction.
Q. How structural steel can be innovatively used in construction to provide design aesthetics and at the same time offer an economical solution?
A. Steel is a versatile material and thus greatly enhances the design forms and possibilities. Quality control and timeline management are some other key advantages of the use of steel. Steel can adapt in any form, thus offering solutions for any aesthetic and complex creative vision. Steel structures are also sleek and improve space efficiency. Steel thus becomes an ideal material for all kinds of construction.
Q. What is your take on the variety of sections/grades provided by our steel producers for various demands of creativity?
A. It’s great to have a variety of products. We also need the know-how of steel construction, with well-trained and skilled construction people. General awareness and knowledge are some of the key factors to further widening the usage of steel.
Q. What trend are we going to witness in the next 5-7 years, as far as designing structures with steel is concerned?
A. As we approach a more modern and sustainable construction approach, Steel will become a major player in the industry across all formats. We have already mentioned the advantages.
Any new construction in the cities with dense settlements and existing buildings will also benefit greatly by using Steel as a building material. Steel blends very well with the modern look of the design and enhances space utilization as well.
Q. What should be the strategy of the industry in promoting structural steel construction in India?
A. Firstly, the awareness regarding Steel construction and structure must greatly increase. SSMB is playing a key role in this direction and leading from the front. Such initiatives are needed.
Additionally, improve my knowledge and have readily available information regarding various steel building materials. Most importantly the Consultants, Structural designers, all related Team people; and of course the construction workers, all need to be equipped with the right technical knowledge of their part to design/ execute the projects in steel.
Q. Which are the iconic steel-specific projects executed by you?
A. I have been part of many steel constructions. To mention a few would be Warehouse in Bantala, West Bengal; Forum Atmosphere An Iconic High end luxurious Residential Development with the Sculptural Sky bridge Deya in Kolkata. The project I presented at SCS Kolkata 2022, Unimark Asian, is a landmark Commercial project with Steel and RCC composite structure, at the heart of Kolkata city.
Interestingly, if I may mention: often projects do have one or two features – be it the entrance Gateway, the Pool trellis, or Landscape feature elements, which give a signature identity to steel.
