IIID Natcon 2016 - Taking Design to the Masses

The 11th National Convention of the IIID was a remarkable event; the biggest accomplished by IIID with over 2000 delegates attending. Starting on February 18th, Natcon 2016 saw celebrated professionals and experts coming together on several panel discussions; to review the bigger picture and deliberate on constructive ways to ‘take design to the masses’. The objective of the three- day event was to provide a platform to learn and share emerging concepts/ technologies connecting masses. With the spotlight on individual projects from schools, private houses, resorts, landscaping and biodiversity to public spaces and build sustainable environments, the event focused on various aspects of architecture and design that will connect and engage common people in the traditional design process and influencing the way of life of people who live in these built environments. The event also acted as a major catalyst to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ across the country.

“It’s about helping people understand the connectivity between value change and consequence change”. The beauty of the convention was that it fostered an atmosphere of introspection, where the creative minds were stimulated by the thoughtful range of diverse topics - akin to instant shots of caffeine to the design soul!

The inaugural session of the 11th National Convention began with flag hoisting and a red carpet walk followed by a torch lighting ceremony – with Ar. Pragati Jain signifying the official induction of the convention –Taking Design to the Masses. With this as the theme of IIID for the next 2 years, National President Ar. Pratap Jadhav greeted over 2000 delegates from across the nation, and announced that IIID is all set to design roads, gardens or even government office buildings. With better design, these places can become more efficient and user-friendly. In his address, he called upon IIID members to work towards design intervention in public spaces and to accept sustainability as a way of life, and to endeavour to engage more youngsters to use traditional Indian arts and crafts in buildings. He lauded the efforts and initiative of Indore Chapter, and the able guidance of Ar. Mnaish Kumat, in hosting the 11th edition of the IIID’s prestigious flagship event.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Shailendra Mehta and Chief Guest Dr. Shashi Tharoor delivered inspiring speeches, to set the stage for a charming cultural programme to finish the inaugural ceremony.

The next morning saw a flurry of stimulating design discussions, as eminent designers and thinkers presented their views and ideologies. If New York-based Spanish architect Inaqui Carnicero based his presentation on the premise that “if we truly take design to masses there is no longer a real distinction between design and the masses”, Indian architect, urban designer, landscape architect and interior designer Pradeep Sachdeva maintained that design must reach the masses, emphasizing on “public realm projects” which stitch people together!

James Balmond from Sri Lanka gave an inspiring talk on how “design exists in relation to us, as a balance between space, form and spirit. When we look at design in this way, questions of psychology, sociology, sustainability, function and aesthetics come into play”; while Made Wijaya from Indonesia presented a visual study of Balinese architecture and landscape design. Amsterdam-based Kees Spanjers explained his concept of how “we shape our buildings first, and then our buildings shape us.” He believes that designing for people requires an understanding, or at least an open attitude to the aesthetic, moral and metaphysical aspects of life.

Iconic historian and heritage conservationist Aman Nath mesmerized the audience with his talk ‘Striving to be India’ where he emphasized the importance of getting inspired by the rich architecture and culture within India, and using our heritage to shape a unique Indian identity in contemporary context.

And of course the IIID itself has a fair share of eminent personalities! Ex- Presidents Rajesh Patel, Conrad Gonsalves and Nitin Killawala too expressed their views.

Akshat Bhatt, Manish Banker, Sanjib Chatterjee, N. Mahesh, Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Krishna Shastri, Jitendra Mehta and Ravindra Kumar were some of the other celebrated architect-speakers who gave insightful presentations and talks.

Several breakout sessions discussing specific subjects or aspects of the broad theme of the main gathering, saw the delegates enjoying several workshops that were conducted simultaneously with art and design exhibitions. The breakout sessions engaged the audiences by making their sessions more interactive where renowned national and international thought leaders expounded on subjects such as the vision for sustainable and liveable cities in India, architecture practices: ideas and concepts, reverence to environment, changing mindsets towards catering masses and mobility towards urban development and infrastructure.

With Imagine & Design Yatra IIID is taking an initiative for the betterment of the society. The Design Yatra, had a convoy of architects touring 29 cities of India, a journey of 15,000 km in four Nano cars. The IIID Design Yatra was flagged off on the concluding day of the 11th National Convention. The designers will interact with public bodies, the nearby semi-urban and rural settlements and plan further actions to lend their services to benefit the masses.