An Architect with Revolutionary Prospective
3 min read
Shimla, Dec. 18 – Ritanjali Hastir
A society that fails to harness the energy and creativity of its women is at a huge disadvantage in the modern world. It would not be wrong to say that when women are empowered, they immeasurably improve the lives of everyone around them—their families, their communities, and their countries.
One such woman achiever, Richa Bansal from Himachal has made her presence felt by her extraordinary outlook towards the world of architecture and construction. An architect by profession, Richa completed her technical education from NIT Hamirpur and recently got awarded by IOV (Institute of Valuers) during Indian Valuers Congress 2021 held at Bangaluru early this month for her exceptional views on “Various Technological Developments for updating Land & Building Records & Automated process of Valuations”. More than 300 articles were submitted out of which only four articles were chosen for the award including hers.
“There is a dire need to bring transparency in the land record in the current times. There are so many cases of “Benaami” properties that simply reflect upon the corruption in the country. If by any means transparency is enforced, there will be a positive push towards financing properties and with such system verification of documents will be reinforced”, expresses Richa while sharing her inspiration behind the award-winning article.
“Even the single clearance window system has failed to provide with any solution for the people at large as it still lacks the required transparency and hence makes a dream house of many nothing but a distant dream”, she adds.
When it comes to exposure, she feels that being a hilly state, construction in Himachal is more challenging in aspects of structure and space allocation in terms of usage which compels one to think out of the box. Himachal does not lack in technology but the limitations make it practically difficult to implement.
As the nation faced the demonetization challenge same way our assets worth millions can turn to ashes if not evaluated at the right time feels Richa as she shares, “Property evaluation might seem unimportant to many but it definitely reduces risk at the time of investing as various aspects like market trends, a property appraisal is brought into light that can help in making a right and practical decision.”
When it comes to Artificial Intelligence & Automated Valuation Model Vs Human Richa feels, “Though technology is the future and should be given its due. However, when it comes to automation in this field then there is no comparison between onsite physical analyses done by a human. It is similar to diagnosing a patient physically and virtually. That satisfaction for both the parties cannot be achieved.”
While talking about the myth that males are better architects than females Richa says, “We do not need to see the world through tinted glass all the time. When it comes to deliverance it’s entirely about our understanding about the purpose of the assignment, functionally, economically, location wise and budget of the investor at the most and I feel gender takes the back seat in such situations.”
As for the future plans she says, “10 years from now, if I am still working then I must have successfully understood peoples’ requirements practically and if I am continuing as a valuer too then I didn’t lose while swimming against the tide and have understood market trends as well.”
“Hiring and promoting talented women is the right thing to do for society and it is an economic imperative. However, everything comes with a price and it is for you to decide how far you are willing to go and where to draw that line. For females, it’s very important to be independent and honestly speaking balance between work and family management is an illusion so compromise is the harsh reality of life. We can only hope to have the right kind of supportive people around to save that illusion from breaking”, says Richa as her message to other aspiring females.
About IOV
IOV has marked its presence around the globe in alliance with countries like The USA, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Romania. Being the first national professional valuation society, IOV has the global status of a leading valuation institution achieving membership of over 30,000+ valuers.
“ IOV imparts, encourages and arranges for the training of the valuation and survey work of all types. It also hosts its semi-annual Valuation Conferences and seminars to discuss advances in methodology and public valuation policy.”
