Leading Voices in Human-Centric and Sustainable Architecture, ETRealty

NEW DELHI: India’s most celebrated architect, Hafeez Contractor, set the tone for DesignScape 2025 as the chief guest with a call to align design with purpose and problem-solving. Speaking at the inaugural session, he stressed that the biggest design success for the future will be addressing India’s housing challenge, especially as the country’s population grows. “Design is about solving a problem and achieving a purpose,” he noted, adding that architects must think beyond style to focus on how millions can be housed with dignity.

Contractor underscored the principle of architectural honesty, reminding the industry that architects design not for themselves but for people. He highlighted how cities once had distinct architectural identities shaped by local materials and context, but globalization has flattened those differences.

“Materials are now universal, which is why buildings in Mumbai look like those anywhere in the world,” he said. However, he warned that India’s future identity will not be defined by materials, but by how it solves its housing crisis. If the sector fails, slums will continue to be the defining image of Indian cities; if it succeeds, housing solutions will become the new cultural identity.

The Economic Times’ DesignScape 2025 inaugural session also featured Sussanne Khan as guest of honour. Alan Abraham delivered the keynote address, highlighting the responsibility of architects to balance identity, sustainability and functionality in India’s rapidly urbanizing landscape.

In a panel about reclaiming emotion and ecology in contemporary indian architecture, speakers discussed the role of landscaped terraces, courtyards and vertical gardens in creating community-driven environments. The panel also stressed the importance of local materials, lime plaster, stone, terracotta and laterite, as cost-efficient storytelling tools that strengthen brand recall for developers. The discussion concluded that “human comfort” is emerging as a key differentiator, as marketable as luxury or sustainability.

In a very interesting design duel about “The Pencil vs. The Algorithm”, architects debated whether true creativity originates in hand sketches or digital code. While sketches were acknowledged for their spontaneity and emotional depth, computational tools were seen as accelerators in the design journey. The session concluded that hybrid workflows combining hand-drawing and AI-generated models are likely to define the future of design practice.

Samira Rathod, principal architect, delivered a keynote emphasising the need to retain individuality in architectural expression.

The third panel about reimagining craft for contemporary spaces examined strategies to integrate artisanal skills with modern technologies. Panelists noted that collaborations between designers and makers are critical to scaling craft without diluting authenticity. The discussion highlighted how storytelling through craft enhances project value and enriches contemporary lifestyles.

Designing for legacy & lifestyle, explored luxury interiors as long-term assets rather than trend-driven experiments. Experts stressed the importance of blending heritage and modernity to create heirloom-quality design that conveys both comfort and cultural legacy.

The case study spotlight, presented by Arjun Bahl of St+art India, highlighted an urban revitalization project that transformed neglected public spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. The case study demonstrated the economic and social benefits of design-led community interventions.

An interesting fireside chat about impact of design on cities & its people focused on urban interventions such as transit-oriented development, adaptive reuse of spaces and micro-retreats within cities. Panelists emphasized the role of design in mitigating climate risks, reducing emissions and creating inclusive urban pockets that support community well-being.

Veteran architects Goonmeet Singh Chauhan and Nitin Killawala shared experiences from their careers in the story circle. Both stressed resilience, mentorship and learning from practical challenges as critical for the next generation of designers.

The day concluded with the DesignScape Awards 2025, recognising excellence across architecture and interior design. The awards honoured projects and leaders who demonstrated innovation, sustainability and cultural integrity, reinforcing the role of design as a key driver of real estate and lifestyle transformation.

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