KalimNews | Kalimpong | July 26, 2025 : In a defining moment for Indian architecture, the Babina Wellness Centre—an innovative and culturally-rooted civic space nestled in the serene landscapes of Manipur—has won the Asia’s Best Civic Building Architecture Design Award 2025. The prestigious recognition was announced at the Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) held on July 25 at the renowned Shilla Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.
Themed “Vibrant Asia,” this year’s awards celebrated architectural excellence that harmonizes heritage with innovation, and Babina Wellness Centre stood out as a shining example of that balance. Conceptualized and executed by Huidrom Design Studio, based in Manipur, the Centre was honoured for its exemplary blend of biophilic design, sustainable architecture, and social consciousness.
More than a public facility, Babina Wellness Centre is conceived as a sanctuary for mental wellness and community healing. Embracing the principles of biophilic design, the building integrates natural elements and indigenous materials such as bamboo, olive, and neem—each symbolizing healing, calm, and cultural significance. This deliberate design creates an immersive, serene experience that fosters inner peace and emotional well-being.
The architecture emphasizes sustainability at its core, incorporating features such as:
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Passive ventilation and ample natural lighting that dissolve the boundaries between interior spaces and the surrounding natural environment.
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Eco-friendly, lightweight materials, notably glass-fibre-reinforced concrete, enhancing structural efficiency and sustainability.
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Integrated water and energy conservation systems that reduce environmental footprint.
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Intricate craftsmanship that draws from local traditions and reflects the biodiversity of the region.
This achievement also marks a historic third consecutive win at AADA for Huidrom Design Studio, making it the first Indian architectural firm to secure three awards at Asia’s most prestigious design forum. Their influence extends well beyond Asia, with prior recognitions at the World Architecture Festival, IDEA Awards, iFDesign Awards, German Design Awards, and the Red Dot Design Awards.
According to Principal Designer Suresh Huidrom, “We envisioned a space where architecture heals—where the built environment becomes a bridge to inner peace and community resilience.” His words resonate in every corner of the Babina Wellness Centre, which reimagines civic infrastructure as a space that uplifts, nurtures, and transforms communities.
The Centre now stands as a model for future civic architecture, demonstrating how design can intersect with purpose, environment, and culture to create inclusive, sustainable, and emotionally intelligent spaces. With this global accolade, Babina Wellness Centre not only brings honour to Manipur and India but also reinforces the power of thoughtful architecture in shaping a better, more connected society.
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