G. SHANKAR –Touching The Lives of People  

            The world of architecture and design is never static. New ideas evolve; homes and workplaces are built, renovated, creativity finds myriad ways of expression. However, sometimes our attention is caught by something simply beyond the ordinary, away from the realm of commonplace. Few are the occasions when we come face to face with someone exceptional ,making a real difference G. Shankar is one such person. Commitment, enthusiasm, passion, and an eye for beauty – these are the elements that add a special touch to Shankar’s architecture. The structures thus designed are the result of a complete understanding and trust between Shankar and his client. Started as a lone crusade, architect Shankar’s concept of green architecture has brought about a much-required qualitative change to the shelter sector in Kerala, India. A socially concerned architect, his initiative turned out to be the most effective effort in bringing about a momentous change in the habitat culture of Kerala, which thereafter spread, to other parts of India. The 1980’s saw the Gulf money boom in Kerala. The middle class ignorant of what was to be done with the large amount of money that flowed in from the expatriates working in the Persian Gulf countries finally decided to revert it for building large mansions. The gulf boom brought forth an economic imbalance in Kerala. This was when Shankar came forward as the propagator of nature friendly and cost effective building technology. Shankar’s dedication and social commitment finally saw results as the balance tilted towards eco-friendly architecture. With the middle class realizing the fallacy of building unreasonably huge houses, Shankar’s concept of Green Architecture gained statewide popularity and buildings, which epitomized this architect’s creativity, began to dot Kerala’s landscape. ’Shankar, who draws inspiration from architect Laurie Baker, took up the mission to involve the people in every step of the building process. His sensitivity to the needs of the common man, the marginalized, the fisher folk, the slum dwellers and the tribal earned him the title of ‘People’s Architect’ . ‘’ My most satisfying work have been the homes I built for the fisher folk ‘’, says Shankar. The spirit of innovation and commitment to quality are the hallmarks of G.Shankar’s style. Shankar finds contentment not in building opulent structures but in constructing cost effective homes for all strata of the society. Shankar has won many awards for his endeavors par excellence; he is also a member of a number of National level bodies, both official and non- governmental. G. Shankar is the founder and chief architect of Habitat Technology Group.

His achievements: