Peter Stutchbury delivers keynote at 8th Charles Correa Memorial Lecture hosted by Ambuja Neotia

Ambuja Neotia, in collaboration with the Charles Correa Foundation, hosted the 8th edition of Charles Correa Memorial Lecture at the Royal Bengal Room, City Centre Salt Lake. The event, held in memory of the legendary Indian architect Charles Correa, brought together eminent personalities and members of the architectural and design community to celebrate Correa’s enduring legacy.
The evening featured a captivating keynote address by renowned Australian architect Peter Stutchbury, known globally for his contextual, environmentally sensitive, and poetic design philosophy. Reflecting on Correa’s influence, Stutchbury remarked, “It’s an immense honour to deliver the 8th Charles Correa Memorial Lecture in the very city where a part of his extraordinary vision came to life. Charles Correa was not merely an architect; he was a philosopher of space… His unwavering commitment to designing with deep respect for the environment, local culture, and human condition mirrors the very foundations of my own practice.”
He further added, “My deepest gratitude goes to Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia and the Ambuja Neotia Group for their remarkable vision in sustaining this crucial dialogue. Their dedication to propagating Charles Correa’s legacy through these lectures ensures that his vital principles continue to inspire the future of architecture.”
The event also marked the formal launch of Late Christopher Benninger’s much-anticipated book, ‘Great Expectations – Notes to an Architect’, the sequel to his seminal work Letters to a Young Architect. The launch was carried out jointly by Ramprasad Akkisetti (MD, CCBA Designs), Harshavardhan Neotia, and Peter Stutchbury.
Speaking about the book, Ramprasad Akkisetti said, “In this latest work, Chris, with his characteristic wisdom and wit, delves deeper into the philosophical and practical challenges of our profession. It’s not just a book for aspiring architects, but a reflective journey for all who seek to understand the profound responsibility and immense joy of shaping our built environment.”
Delivering a special address, Mr. Akkisetti also reflected on his personal and professional relationship with Correa, “For me, Charles Correa was more than an architect; he was a mentor and a guiding force whose work transcended structures to embody the soul of India.”
Speaking on the occasion, Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia, said, “Charles Correa was not just an architect; he was a visionary who profoundly shaped modern Indian architecture with his human-centric and eco-sensitive designs. His philosophy of integrating local context, sustainability, and social responsibility deeply resonates with our Group’s values. This lecture serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of architects and continue the dialogue on how design can enrich lives and build better communities.”
The evening was seamlessly anchored by architect, author, and principal organiser of the Annual Charles Correa Memorial, Ashish Acharjee, who added narrative continuity and depth to the event. Reflecting on the keynote, he said, “Stutchbury’s body of work perfectly embodies the spirit of Charles Correa – crafting spaces that resonate with their environment, deeply attuned to natural forces and local rhythms. His designs, much like Correa’s, are intelligent, sensitive responses to place.”