Future Cities Design competition won by APJ school

New Delhi, Jan 19 : The project designed by students of Apeejay School, Noida has bagged the top honors in the Future Cities India 2020 competition.

The award was presented by Union Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, Kapil Sibal, at a ceremony here today. The Ministry of Science and Technology and Bentley Systems had launched the programme in 2006.

In his address, Sibal urged Bentley Systems and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to organise a competition to develop the historic stretch from Fatehpur to Lal Quila into a truly world-class heritage site.

Terming Chandni Chowk as one of the most unique living heritage sites, Sibal expressed concern over the fact that it is rapidly losing its unique character.

In all, 14 teams representing 10 high schools participated in the competition. DAV Public School, Gurgaon won the second place.

On his experience during the five-month long competition, Apeejay School Team Leader Ajaypat Jain said: "Future Cities India 2020 gave us an opportunity to serve our country in a special way - and it was an opportunity we did not take lightly. We are truly fortunate to be part of this initiative as it has given us practical experience for our future endeavors."

Distinguished experts from the infrastructure community judged the project presentations based on five criteria: project design solution report, computer model, expenditure summary report, physical model and team presentation.

The competition encourages students to use their design skills, along with Bentley's software for the world's infrastructure, to help prepare India's cities for the year 2020 as it is estimated that more than 50 percent of India's citizens will live in the country's largest cities.

All submissions provided a plan for the future redevelopment of the Commonwealth Games 2010 international zone, which will consist of temporary structures - everything from media centers, entertainment facilities, and practice grounds to a commercial center and transportation system - that will be dismantled at the conclusion of the Games.

The Science and Technology Ministry had opened the design competition to all 11th class students from Delhi and the National Capital Region.

ANI