Vijay Singh
New Delhi [India], March 5: The Avani Institute of Design hosts the traveling exhibition Architectures of Transition: Emergent Practices in South Asia. The exhibition was inaugurated on February 16, 2025, marking an important moment in architectural discourse. It showcases the work of 41 emerging architecture practices from across South Asia. The exhibition was open to public at the Avani Design Lab, Kozhikode from February 17 to 23, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM and will further be showcased at the Rotary Club, Kochi on March 01 and 02, 2025.
“The essence of architecture lies in its ability to adapt, respond, and create meaningful connections with people and places. Architectures of Transition brings to light the evolving narratives of South Asia, where architects are not just designing spaces but shaping the future of communities through innovation and empathy,” said Ar. Tony Joseph, Chairman, Avani Institute of Design.
Curated by renowned architects Rahul Mehrotra, Devashree Shah, and Pranav Thole, the exhibition presents an in-depth exploration of how architectural practices engage with the public realm through methodologies, patronage, and emergent construction techniques. It further emphasizes participatory frameworks, addressing social and humane aspects of architecture in rapidly evolving socio-economic and environmental conditions. The exhibition is part of the broader research initiative, State of Architecture in South Asia, which probes the relevance and impact of architecture in a region undergoing significant transformations. Through this initiative, it raises questions about architecture’s role amidst the pressing realities of climate change, political shifts, and socio-economic upheavals.
As part of the exhibition, a presentation and panel discussion was held at CAC Dyuthi Gallery, Calicut, on February 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Moderated by Ela Singhal, Director, Architecture Foundation India, the panel featured key voices in the field, including Niranjan C Warrier from Ego Design Studio, Trivandrum, Reshma Mathew from Cochin Creative Collective, Kochi, Simi Sreedharan from Common Ground Architecture, Kozhikode, and Hari Krishna from SEA, Hyderabad. The discussion provided a platform for architects and urban designers to share insights into contemporary architectural challenges and innovations in the South Asian context.
The curators of the exhibition bring a wealth of expertise to the project. Rahul Mehrotra, founder and principal of RMA Architects, is a distinguished academic and practitioner dividing his time between Mumbai and Boston. As a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, he has led several pivotal research projects, including The Kumbh Mela: Mapping the Ephemeral Mega City and Does Permanence Matter?. His work extensively explores urbanism in India, leading to the conceptualization of the Kinetic City. Devashree Shah, a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, has worked with international firms such as Serie Architects, IHCD Boston, and LOHA Architects. Her research delves into the value shift in architectural operations, emphasizing repair and sustainable interventions in affordable housing. Pranav Thole, an urban designer at ONE Architecture + Urbanism in New York, specializes in climate-resilient infrastructure projects. With a background in urban design from Harvard, his work has been recognized in multiple international competitions, and he continues to contribute to urban development discourse through his role at Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.
This edition at the Avani Institute of Design follows successful showings in New Delhi at the India International Centre (December 2023), Alliance Française Chennai, and Bangalore International Centre. The exhibition is supported by JSW, Prakriti Foundation, and Amardeep Design, with Avani Institute of Design serving as the hosting institution. Institutional partnerships include the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute (LMSAI) and the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.
By showcasing diverse perspectives on architecture’s evolving role in South Asia, Architectures of Transition seeks to foster dialogue between practitioners, students, and the public. The exhibition underscores how architects are responding to contemporary challenges through innovative design, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
Website: avani.edu.in
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