Programme: Design Mumbai Exchange

It’s no lightbulb moment: we all know lighting can make or break a project, be it a hotel, restaurant, home or office. But how far can architects and designers push the boundaries of great lighting? Our speakers will share their illuminating experiences and explore the fact that there is more to the psychology of lighting design than meets the eye.

Technology is all around us, and so is craft – especially in India. While smart tech and generative AI are seen as an antithesis of timeless traditions and hand-made products, could it be possible to infuse state-of-the-art digital or mechanical approaches with traditional ways of making, reinvigorating crafts using modern technology?

In this 360 discussion, our panellists will unpack why circular design is crucial for the future of production. How do we ensure the design industry is sustainable and able to create beautiful objects, fit for purpose? How can designers collaborate with other makers and materials innovators to reach these goals?

What are the latest insights from contemporary colour psychology and how can product and interior designers harness the power of colour? How do we ensure our colour is sustainable while anticipating the latest trends? How is the changing use of colour visible in design in India and globally?

India could have 100 cities of 1 million inhabitants by 2050. Our keynote speaker will offer lessons on how to combine cutting-edge architectural research, digital construction and new technologies to make the country’s ongoing urbanisation sustainable and resilient and harness India’s incredible entrepreneurial base for good.

Designed in India, Design for the World: how to engage a global audience explores the work of leading Indian designers working across architecture, interiors and design both locally and globally. The designers will talk about what makes Indian design distinctive and relevant to people around the world, and their experience gaining greater global influence.

We see radical transformations all around us and wonder what will be the city like in the next few years. Our future depends on decisions. Decisions taken by a select few to accommodate the need of millions. Through this panel, we intend to evaluate and decode decisions that impact the city of Mumbai. The conversation will revolve around ongoing mega projects in the city such as the Coastal Road, Mumbai Metro, Dharavi redevelopment, and key areas such as BKC, Lower Parel, and more.

The megacity with a rich history, is poised for significant transformation in the coming decades. As we struggle to find space in the core city, we need to thoughtfully review key regions around it to ensure thoughtful populous management, devoid of mistakes of the parent city. The key areas of discussion will be real estate boom in MMR, Navi Mumbai Airport, Atal Setu, Industrial township and corporate park, new road and rail corridors, and more.

An esteemed panel of speakers who have each been influenced by the work and teachings of Charles Correa will gather to offer a retrospective on his impact on the design and architecture community not only in India, but globally.

Longevity should be the aim of all design professionals, but how do hospitality experts ensure that their designs are more than just fleeting Instagram backdrops that will tire with the next social media trend? Can you design for comfort, wellbeing, sustainability AND the unforgettable viral post?

Play, joy and whimsy, both in the home and in the public realm, create a powerful antidote to our digital discontent. Working across a range of disciplines to create human interactions, physical activity, excitement and joy, our panellists will discuss playfulness in their own work and how it allows them to create better environments and products.