Importance of building brands
Building brands for architects and their firms isn’t just about having a beautifully designed logo. When promoting your architecture firm, a distinctive brand is fundamental to communicating what makes your firm unique and different. Portfolios and showcases of work are not enough to market a firm in the current architecture and design market. Such firms can use their unique qualities and values to stand out from their competitors by creating an appealing identity. An authentic brand story that makes an emotional connection with its target audience can be set up to build a sustainable connection of trust and loyalty.
Genesis of Abha Narain Lambah Associates
Standing as a beacon of architectural excellence, Abha Narain Lambah Associates established in 1998, specializes in architectural conservation, building restoration and retrofit, museum design, historic interiors and preparation of urban and regional level conservation management plans. The firm’s endeavours have spanned across historic sites located all over India ranging from Buddhist sites, 15th-century temples, medieval mosques, palaces, forts and caravan sarais in Rajasthan, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Mumbai.
Abha Narain Lambah stands as a luminary architect who has meticulously woven a narrative that blends the past with the present. For over 2 decades, her work has transcended conventional boundaries, encompassing not only restoration but also a profound commitment to community engagement and adaptive reuse. The firm’s values are guided by the ethos of societal contribution by prioritizing sustainability and resilience in every project.
Branding through Design Values
The design approach of Abha Narain Lambah Associates believes in the practice of promoting sustainability by offering various design solutions that help to maintain a delicate balance between traditional and modern sensibilities. Their firm makes sure that the design restoration of public spaces resonates positively with the diverse communities they serve.
The firm has been pivotal in conserving 19th-century Victorian landmarks and precincts located in Mumbai. Projects like the restoration of the Royal Opera House, Town Hall and Asiatic Library, Elphinstone College and advising on urban guidelines for historic precincts showcase their commitment to preserving the city’s rich heritage. Beyond conservation, the studio contributes to urban infrastructure and planning. From illuminating the Walled City of Jaipur to advising on projects like Mumbai Metro and Jaipur Metro, their involvement reflects a holistic approach toward shaping vibrant urban landscapes.
Overcoming Challenges as a Brand Identity
India has a poor archival programme, which means Lambah’s firm had very few references to work while determining the building’s original appearance. Restoring a building has a challenge in harmonizing the contemporary needs of today’s audience with the intrinsic spirit of place. As per the design is concerned, the firm had to make the old structures relevant to 21st-century visitors by means of introducing modern amenities like Air- conditioning, top-notch MEP services and international acoustics. While most of their colleague firms from architecture field are busy creating new buildings and shaping urban India, Abha Narain Lambah Associates is busy working with dilapidated buildings to put a new lease of life in them.
Finding funds is a major challenge, especially for non-governmental buildings and its implementation is not an easy task. For instance, Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue took 10 years to find a sponsor for restoration as most people were wary of touching religious institutions. Lambah suggests to resolve or overcome such funding challenges, India could look to other parts of the world for lessons in best practices. For example, England has a national lottery fund that releases money for conservation each year and in Venica, many tax breaks and credits are offered if the citizens willingly help to restore a building.
Achievements to Set Market Trends
Abha Narain Lambah Associates has won 9 UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for conservation projects including the Award of Excellence for 15th century Maitreya Buddha Temple at Ladakh. The firm has also been listed among the Top 50 Architects and Designers for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and Top 100 of South Asia 2018 by Architectural Digest and CNBC Architect of the Year 2017. Personally, the Principal Architect, Mrs. Abha Narain Lambah has received the Sanskriti Award, Eisenhower Fellowship, Attingham Trust Fellowship and Charles Wallace Fellowship.
Outreach Strategies and Programmes
Mrs. Abha Narain Lambah along with its multi-faceted team has even donned the garb of a writer as she has authored various books on Conservation Issues and Medieval Islamic Architecture. She is also a visiting faculty member at JJ School of Architecture, Mumbai. Apart from being a writer, she is also a consultant to ICCROM, UNITAR, World Monuments Fund, Global Heritage Fund, and ASI and has served on various heritage committees of Delhi and Mumbai.
The firm’s social media and digital media presence is embarked through a wide range of activities spanning from creating press notes to producing films and documentaries for information dissemination. On their initial journey in the early 2000s, when public relations overpowered social media presence, the firm would conduct a mix of informative sessions, displaying films and indulging in local treats to foster community understanding and involvement. This includes personal meetings with villagers and participation in local village meetings.
The architectural tapestry that Abha Narain Lambah Associated has woven as a firm reflects not merely bricks and mortar but a profound intertwining of history, culture and community. The firm’s work is a testament to the enduring power of architecture to shape narratives, connect generations and leave an inedible mark on the cultural landscape.
References:
- Embarlingon a cultural journey- Exploring the architectural tapestry of heritage preservation with Abha Narain Lambah Available at : https://foyermagazine.com/embarking-on-a-cultural-journey-exploring-the-architectural-tapestry-of-heritage-preservation-with-abha-narain-lambah/
- https://www.anlassociates.com/about-us/
- Art Deco Mumbai- In candid conversation with Abha Narain Lambah. Available at : https://www.artdecomumbai.com/in-candid-conversation-with-abha-n-lambah-part-1/
