A Kochi-based architecture student won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal in Mumbai on October 22, 2026, for the undergraduate thesis project “Energy Commons: Reimagining energy infrastructure as a place for civic engagement.” The annual award recognises outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects that address challenges in the built environment. The 2026 edition centred on “Equitability through Design” and the question “Who are we designing for?”
Purpose and 2026 theme
The Charles Correa Gold Medal was initiated in 1998 by Indian architect Charles Correa. The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) has administered the award annually since its inception. Its focus is on undergraduate architectural thesis work engaging with the built environment. The 2026 winning project examined energy infrastructure as a setting for civic engagement. The edition’s theme, “Equitability through Design”, framed the submissions around the intended users of design. The winner received a cash prize of ₹25,000.
Eligibility and submission schedule
From 2022, the medal has been open to architecture colleges across India. Before that expansion, eligibility was limited to colleges in Mumbai and Goa. Applicant colleges must be approved by the Council of Architecture (COA). Registration for the 2026 edition opened on April 16, 2026. Colleges had to submit registration forms by July 3, 2026, and deliverables by August 21, 2026. The COA is India’s statutory body for regulating architectural education and the profession under the Architects Act, 1972.
Earlier editions and related events
The 2025 award ceremony took place on September 16, 2025, at IFBE in Mumbai, with “Equitability through Design” as its theme. At the ceremony, Amit Chandra launched “Designing Equitable Cities”, the proceedings of the Z-axis 2018 Conference. The 2023 medal recognised an undergraduate architectural thesis on “form follows climate”. Its award ceremony was held online on May 9, 2024.
Important Facts for Exams
- Charles Correa initiated the Charles Correa Gold Medal in 1998.
- The Charles Correa Foundation administers the medal annually.
- Since 2022, architecture colleges across India have been eligible to apply.
- The Architects Act, 1972, provides for the Council of Architecture.
The 2026 winning thesis was titled “Energy Commons: Reimagining energy infrastructure as a place for civic engagement”. The Council of Architecture regulates architectural education and the architectural profession in India.</final
