India Design , which brings together thinkers and practitioners of the design industry annually, is in its fifth edition this year. A cross-disciplinary platform for architecture, interior design, product design, conservation, heritage and urban development, the Ogaan Media event ties several threads into a singular narrative about the way we live.

The pavilion designed by Sou Fujimoto in London; and (below) a piece from ‘Claymen’ by Delhi designer Aman Khanna.
The pavilion designed by Sou Fujimoto in London; and (below) a piece from ‘Claymen’ by Delhi designer Aman Khanna. © Bloomberg

The participants are a mix of upcoming designers and architects, as well as established names. The exhibits, says Madhavji, have doubled in number. “When we started (five years ago), we had some 50-odd exhibitors and now it’s 100-plus,” she says.

Here are our top five picks from the show:

1. A talk on “Appreciating Objects In Everyday Life: A Master Class In Product Design” by Alberto Alessi of the Italian company Alessi. He has collaborated with international designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Marcel Wanders and Philippe Starck for creating artistic household products. A conversation by him about modest, quotidian things—a kettle, for instance—sounds much too exciting to miss.

2. A start-up by Ananya Birla, CuroCarte’s design philosophy is in line with the global “Maker revolution”. It collaborates with artisans from around the world to create contemporary home products. At the exhibit, look out for Benjarong, the traditional painted porcelain from Thailand.

3. Italy is the partner country at this year’s India Design. La Triennale di Milano design museum has put together a collection of 100 works by Italian designers under 35 years.

4. The Godrej DesignLab has been mentoring emerging talent since it was set up in 2014. For some radical, cutting-edge inspiration in furniture, lighting and home décor, check out what this year’s participants have created.

5. An example of Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto’s signature style of delicate, ephemeral installations was the cloud-like pavilion he designed outside the Serpentine Gallery at Hyde Park, London, in 2013. Fujimoto’s work often explores the relationship between architecture, space and the body. He will address this idea at India Design with his talk titled “Visions Of Tomorrow: The Relationship of Installations In Architecture And Interiors”.

India Design’s off-site events begin on 11 February. The main event starts from 16 February at the NSIC Grounds, Okhla, Delhi. For more information, visit Indiadesignid.com.