Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited(OBCC) has moved forward with the ambitious project to develop Buddhist heritage precincts across the State of Odisha.
This initiative aims to establish a world class Buddhist circuit in Odisha by providing integrated master planning and design services for historical sites.
A total of thirteen world class firms are competing for the prestigious Odisha Buddhist circuit project, bringing global design expertise to the state’s heritage precincts.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Works and Chairman of the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited, is happy with the high quality of international participation.
Shri Singh is truly an ace Buddhist in mind, as he has been deeply involved in the beautification of the Bodhgaya Shrine, Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site during his tenure as the District Magistrate of Gaya.
Shri Singh is known as an honest and hardworking mandarin, his leadership is driving this initiative to establish a world class spiritual destination.
The participants who have submitted their tenders include Morphosis Design Studio (OPC) Private Limited with Zaha Hadid Limited from the UK, and Architects Studio collaborating with PTW Architects of Australia and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop from Italy.
Other contenders are HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd., as well as Aadharshila Designs Private Limited partnered with Kengo Kuma and Associates Inc from Japan.
The list continues with Abha Narain Lambah Associates working with Steven Holl from the U.S., and Tractebel Engineering Pvt Ltd with RSP Architects Planners and Engineers Pte Ltd from Singapore. Further participants include DDF Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Ecofirst Services Limited with United Network Studio from the Netherlands, and ILF Consulting Engineers (India) Pvt. Ltd. with ILF Consulting Engineers Austria GMBH.
The competition also features Arup India Pvt. Ltd, Ingenious Studio Private Limited with Gerber Architekten International GMBH from Germany, Geo Designs and Research Pvt. Ltd., and INI Design Studio with Pei Cobb Freed from the U.S.
The credentials of the competing firms are extraordinary, representing a collection of the world’s most decorated architectural talent including Pritzker Prize winners and specialists in iconic heritage conservation.
These global giants, along with specialist conservationists ensure that Odisha’s Buddhist legacy will be reimagined through a lens of both historical reverence and modern architectural excellence.