'Be The Change' – the theme of YAF 14 in Kerala on 21st-22nd February – will see a series of activities, debates and discussions on the core professional practice of architecture and allied fields. Set to be hosted at the beautiful Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort at Kochi, the festival aims to bring about an enhanced understanding of architecture and a renewed thought process to propel its participants to work towards a 'change' that the field today is in dire need of. The list of speakers includes Architect Ashok B Lall (key note speaker), Architect Adrian Welke, Troppo Architects (Perth, Australia), Architect John Lin (Hongkong) and Architect Chutayaves Sinthuphan (Thailand) and a number of other distinguished Indian architects.

Keeping in tandem with the spirit of the 'Young Architects Festival' that is known for its zest and enthusiasm, there will be a mix of technical and non-technical sessions as well as cultural programmes. The highlight of the festival is a design competition for architects and students, inviting concepts for an iconic structure that will adorn Kochi. The iconic structure will not only be emblematic of what Kochi represents today but also of what it aims to be symbolic of, in the future. The unveiling of the winning entry will be done at the festival. As a part of this festival an online survey is also being conducted that will establish the top ten brands of India in 20 different segments of building products. The results will be finalised through an online opinion poll by member architects of IIA. 

For registrations and queries please write to   registration@yaf2014.com or visit www.yaf2014.com

It is really time to “be the change”. Increasingly however, face-to-face discussions are giving way to virtual interactions; and much of life’s connecting and communicating is happening over social networking sites. The Future of Design is a step forward – aiming to establish a serious platform for interaction between the art, architecture and design fraternity; with the rest of the world! The spirit of YAF 14 is the need of the hour; and our effort at The Future of Design is to foster an environment for the same spirit to continue beyond this event!