Bangalore-based architect Alok Shetty named 'leader of tomorrow' by Time


Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (RJP)

Bangalore, Sep 21: Alok Shetty, a 28-year-old architect based in Bangalore has been named as "young leader of tomorrow" by Time magazine for his pioneering work in designing affordable flood proof houses for slum dwellers.

A native of Kundapur, Alok Shetty is among "leaders of tomorrow" who are "working hard to change their worlds today," Time said as it named six inspirational young persons in its first class of "next generation leaders".

Time lauded Shetty for building hope in India as an architect who is finding simple solutions to complex problems.

Shetty, working with the Bangalore-based non profit Parinaam Foundation is designing homes for hundreds of slum dwellers whose houses are affected during floods. These places also become breeding grounds for diseases like malaria.

Shetty studied Masters in architecture at Columbia University and has been working in Bangalore's LRDE slum that is home to more than 2,000 people.

"Shetty came at the problem with an approach he brings to all of his projects -- marrying smart design with a commitment to sustainability. Shetty epitomizes a growing breed of young leaders and entrepreneurs in India who are committed to finding solutions for a country undergoing rapid social and economic changes, some of which can leave India's poorest straggling behind," Time said.

He designed flood-proof houses costing less than Rs 20,000 out of discarded scaffolding, bamboo and wood. The houses are affordable, easy and fast to set up. Unbelievably it takes only four hours to erect and dismantle these houses. Shetty is seeking government assistance to bring the price down further to help those who cannot afford the houses.

"In my travels I saw vast stretches of rural India where infrastructure for health care and education was severely underdeveloped. Building facilities in these areas is not impossible but is time consuming. Adaptive architecture can be an extremely effective solution to help address our developmental problems, Often the simplest solutions are the best solutions."
Shetty says in the Time report.

The Time list of “next generation leaders" includes Israeli social entrepreneur Adi Altschuler (27), China's Zhao Bowen (22) who works on improving medical testing and Ikram Ben Sayid (34) an activist who founded 'Aswat Nissa' in Tunisia dedicated to women's rights, Jamal Edwards (24) online music video mogul, British-Nigerian Ola Orekunrin (28) the founder of the first emergency air ambulance service in the country.


With PTI inputs

  

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Comment on this article

  • mahesh s kotian, mlr/smg

    Mon, Sep 22 2014

    Cloud burst.,sunami,tornado can happen anywhere at any time. so it is better to construct houses like Japanese which will save your hard earned money. Mr Shetty should design such houses for middle class people. wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • DENZIL FERNANDES,MANGALORE, mangalore

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulations Alok - great job. Where are all our other youngsters like you ?? Alok has shown selfless spirit to serve the downtrodden. May God bless him and his family. May we have more like Alok coming out to help our countrymen.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ranjith Shetty, Nonal /Jordan

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulation to this young kind hearted person. Helping poor by using his education, talent and business. All the best to become one of the best in social service as well as business.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravi Shetty, Puttur/Qatar

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulations .You have made whole nation proud with your brilliant Professional talent dedicated to the upliftment of the poor.God bless you to succeed in your noble venture.

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. burckhardt berty, Muloor

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulations...........

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.M. Nawaz Kukkikatte, Dubai

    Sun, Sep 21 2014


    Great Honour, Congrats Alok
    Keep it up.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robert, Bangalore

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    While congratulating Mr. Shetty for his wonderful job, I would request readers, to read the article and comment. Somebody disagreed Mr. Ismail comments because he is congress supporter? and if Mr. Jeevan comments disagree because he is BJP supporter? Don't bring politics and disagree when they comment non-political issues.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • D.P.SHETTY, Bahrain

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulation to Mr.Alok Shetty by your wisdom in India even the poor can have shelter to live. Our govt should encourage him & good luck

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    It would have been apt to show few pictures of his design or models of the housing. Poor people other than flood effects may benefit from Alok Shetty's designs. Congratulations Mr. Shetty and keep it going!

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilson, Kinnigoli

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    great work.. congratulations.. and all the very best..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maria, Bajpe / Dubai

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Great Work.. Keep it up! God Bless u

    DisAgree Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Well wisher, India

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulations! Good solution for flood affected places.

    But my question is why do we need to retain slums in the first place? I think govt. should give proper housing for slum people as well.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Congratulations Dear Alok Shettre….. I wish you good luck in your future endeavors too. Any work which helps poor especially in India….means you are always blessed by GOD for sure too

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL K PERINJE., PERINJE.

    Sun, Sep 21 2014

    Engineer ALOK SHETTRE,

    Congratulations and proud of you.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Bangalore-based architect Alok Shetty named 'leader of tomorrow' by Time



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