CEO Insights Magazine

The construction industry, by its very nature, is a big user of natural resources. But with growing concerns over climate change and the finite nature of these resources, there is an unavoidable need to install technologies to construct spaces that would reduce their impact on the environment. Understanding this need of the hour, Bharat Thej Dogga, the Head of Structural Engineering Division of Urban Shaastra Smart Build, proposed the idea of adapting technologies in constructing buildings that are able to get the most work out of the available energy and reduce waste emission. He believed that the benefits of this technological transformation are greater than its challenges. This was only possible because of his passion for advanced technology and the urge to innovate everything around him. He possesses a variety of skills that enable him to be successful at bringing to life innovative ideas and reinvent things that bring competitive advantage. He is a man of vision who constantly keeps reimagining the business world in creative ways that are more effective and efficient in nature. Bharat's technological research and futuristic engineering techniques not only aim at industry growth, but also socioeconomic equity. Below is an excerpt of CEO Insights' exclusive interview with Bharat.

What was the inspiration that led you to venture into the architecture & designing industry?
I started my career by pursuing civil engineering from IIT Madras. After which I was placed in the ENR top ranked company as a structural engineer. During this period, I was associated with massive projects of those times, few being the `Clock tower in Mecca',(the third tallest

building in the world), Dubai Airport expansion project and FIFA 2022 Soccer stadiums. I was based in Lebanon, Pune & Egypt where I received wonderful mentorship from my department heads who encouraged me to lead the project, coordinating with different trades. This not only gave me a huge client exposure but also updated me with advanced technologies that were used for the construction of the project. Soon after, not only in the Middle East, I was fortunate enough to experience the technological revolution in construction globally, which mesmerized me to a large extent. Being an Indian, it struck to me, if other countries can implement such technologies, why can't India? With this intention in mind, I came back to India, researching technologies that could address the needs of the construction industries here. The fast growing technology and the wonders that it could do in architecture and design was my utmost inspiration to grow in this domain.

Take us through the inception story of Urban Shaastra and its unique proposi tions.
We formed the company back in 2014, prior to which we spent almost five years practicing with multiple architecture firms in the city and handling projects in search of what was truly required by the society in terms of architecture and design. What we actually learnt from the experiences was, the traditional construction of buildings that are extremely energy intensive, generating high waste quantities, and very much expensive. This drawback led us to form Urban Shaastra with the motive to build projects that would consume less energy, throwout the carbon little, and should be recyclable in nature. It would not only be cost effective but also sustainable. Also our core expertise remains in structural steel high rise buildings and cold formed steel buildings. Soon I proposed these technologies to our clients, though it took some time for them to realize its advantages, but once

they did, our journey became easy.

What was your response to the challenges posted by the pandemic and the need for new strategies?
Pandemic hit the construction industry at large. We too were the victims of the situation. But understanding the need of the hour, we shifted our strategies from building commercial spaces to fast track infrastructure projects. This pandemic offered us opportunities to build rehabilitation centers for covid patients in a very short span of time. And being a fasttrack company, using all possible latest technologies, we were able to build many such projects which not only earned us revenue but also gave us satisfaction of standing by the country in the time of need.

In the course of your professional journey what are the milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction?
Urban Shaastra has always followed the philosophy of building affordable and sustainable social dwellings to tackle urban poverty around the world. Hence, it gives me immense satisfaction when I look back to the days when we had built affordable housing clusters for the needy in Chennai and Kerala when the states were hit by natural calamities.

What are your future goals for Urban Shaastra? How do you plan to apply your experiences in benefitting the company?
India is a growing market with a lot of technologies and innovations coming up every day. We aim at being the preferred company to address special high rise structures, sustainable dwelling, fast track infrastructure projects and maintain loyalties with our clients. We look forward to expanding technologically and offer diversified services to our clients.

Bharat Thej Dogga, Structural Engineering Division Head, Urban Shaastra
Bharat is a structural engineer widely experienced in constructing light gauge steel framed buildings and structural steel high rise buildings.