Chennai architecture academicians win prize at GRIHA
Five architecture academicians from Chennai's MEASI Academy of Architecture won first prize and a ₹1 lakh cash reward at the national-level "Indian Streets Reimagined Design" competition for their sustainable, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly redesign blueprint of Wallajah Road.
The Winning Team: Muzakkir G. M. Bijli (Associate Professor), Silivinus Clisson Pragash, Anusree, Anjana Lakshmi, and Sangamithra from MEASI Academy of Architecture.
Event & Organizers: Conducted by GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) in collaboration with the Council of Architecture (CoA) during the 18th GRIHA Summit 2026 at the India Habitat Centre on November 3–4, 2026.
The Challenge & Observation: Tasked with rethinking space distribution across people, vehicles, commerce, and landscape, the team noted that despite being a wide thoroughfare, Wallajah Road remains largely underutilised outside of IPL matches and major events.
Core Design Pillars (Activity, Ecology, and Mobility):
Bullet Public Activity: Revamping underutilised spaces beneath the MRTS line near Wallajah Road to include community amenities like a pickleball court.
Mobility & Ecology: Creating dedicated pedestrian lanes with shaded seating areas under tree canopies.
Bullet Cultural Identity: Installing public art elements inspired by Kolam patterns and Islamic architecture at the Quaid-e-Millath Road–Wallajah Road junction.
Next Steps: According to Associate Professor Muzakkir G. M. Bijli, the team plans to pitch their blueprint to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) or the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), noting that the national award provides strong leverage for real-world implementation.
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