Kochi: Mapping the infrastructure initiatives to achieve the transformation of India’s evolving skyline, ET Edge, an Economic Times initiative organised the first regional leg of the 3rd edition of The Economic Times Architecture & Design Summit 2015 on 17th July in Kochi.

The Summit was marked by the presence of leaders from the sector, who discussed around the theme – ‘TRANSFORMATION 2020’. The platform brought together influencers of the architecture and design community who discussed on various topics viz. ‘Role of the states in aligning Architecture with India's transformation agenda’; Trends in Architect Design: Residential & Commercial and so on.

Pursuing yet another defining focus that influences the rapid economic development in India, the summit enabled break-through discussions & seamless interactions to identify ideal practices on developing India’s urban infrastructure. The honourable Ms. Bhadra B., Deputy Mayor, Cochin Municipal Corporation, was the chief guest at the summit and in her opening note she spoke at length on topic, saying, “To meet the challenges of urbanization, it is impertinent that cities transform and pioneer innovative plans, integrative design and use of technology. Whether they are called sustainable cities, eco-cities, low-carbon cities, ‘smart’ cities or zero-energy cities, they should strive for a safe and healthy environment for all residents.” She also said, “And I am sure the talent we have will be sufficient enough to transform the character of our urban centres, without really taking life and culture out of it. We need urban designers who understand history, geography, sociology, culture and economics.”

With the support of architects to create newer living spaces, smart cities and infrastructure development, the summit was committed towards celebrating and developing architecture from leading architectural practitioners, contractors, developers, policy makers and engineers. Bringing together industry stakeholders from across the region, this summit provided an excellent opportunity to learn from and get inspired by leaders from the architectural community and explore the potential that the region has to offer.

These sessions were attended by eminent thought leaders of the sector such as Abhishek Somany (MD, Somany Ceramics), Kamal Malik (Principal Architect, Malik Architecture), George Mathai (MD, Terrafirm Projects), S Gopakumar (Principal Architect, Kumar Group), Jaigopal Govinda Rao (MD & Principal Designer, Inspiration Architects), Sunil Kumar (Founder & MD, Asset Homes), Dr. Manoj Kumar Kini (Professor of Architecture, CEPT University), Rajshekharan Menon (Principal Architect, RGB), C. Najeeb (Chairman, IIA – Cochin), Cyril Paul (Principal Architect, Eco Rhythm), Babu Cherian, (Principal Architect, Babu Cherian & Associates Architects) and Jabeen Zacharias (Principal Architect, Jabeen Zacharias Architects). The Summit culminated with Cocktail & gala dinner.

On this occasion Kamal Malik, Principal Architect, Malik Architecture also said,

“It is very essential to ensure that while we are creative and innovative, we must retain our culture, values and history.”

This initiative that started in 2013 with resounding successes in the Western & Northern regions has penned a success story by bringing together over 10,000+ delegates, 100+ speakers, 50+ partners and media from all over the globe till date. This summit has significantly created a platform for stakeholders to share concerns, discuss solutions, leverage trends and create the blueprint of a futuristic India.