From the Himalayas to Thailand—Ahmedabad Became a Global Design Canvas
In Ahmedabad, design wasn’t just talked about—it was felt. The city came alive as Design Perspective, FOAID’s traveling series of design dialogues, transformed an evening into a celebration of heritage, innovation, and creative community. What unfolded wasn’t simply a gathering, but a living, breathing expression of what design can mean when rooted in both place and purpose.
Keynote Highlights: Wisdom from the Mountains & Across Borders
Rahul Bhushan – Reimagining Heritage
With every word, Rahul Bhushan brought the spirit of the Himalayas to the heart of Ahmedabad. His keynote didn’t just reference vernacular techniques like Kathkuni and Dhajji Dewari—it redefined them as vital, living systems of resilience. Rahul reminded the audience that heritage isn’t nostalgia—it’s a forward-facing strategy for sustainable and purposeful design. His session was a powerful call to look at traditional wisdom not as relics of the past, but as tools for the future.
PAVA Architects – Unveiling the Unseen
Flying in from Thailand, Varat Limwibul and Pacharapan Ratananakorn of PAVA Architects offered a deeply moving keynote that peeled back the emotional, political, and environmental layers of architecture. From their UNESCO-awarded Kaomai Estate 1955 to expansive cultural master plans, they showed how architecture can serve as memory, protest, and place-making—often all at once. Their presentation left the audience in awe, pushing the boundaries of what design narratives can be.
The Kind of Networking That Didn’t Feel Like Networking
What set the Ahmedabad edition apart was the vibe. This wasn’t just an audience—it was a community in the making. Strangers became collaborators. Design critiques turned into casual coffee conversations. Hallway exchanges sparked ideas, and every interaction carried the energy of curiosity, generosity, and shared intent. This is the kind of atmosphere where real creative communities are born—and Ahmedabad embraced it fully.
Brands That Did More Than Just Showcase
The product experience at Design Perspective Ahmedabad was interactive, honest, and human. From tactile materials to tech-powered innovations, the participating brands didn’t just present—they engaged. Architects explored, asked, challenged, and imagined alongside brand teams. New collaborations took root not in brochures, but in real conversations across the aisles. It wasn’t just about products—it was about possibilities.
Ahmedabad Inspired — Surat, You’re Next
As the curtains closed on a truly magical evening in Ahmedabad, the energy remained electric. This edition proved that when tradition meets intention, and community meets curiosity, something remarkable happens.
If you missed the Ahmedabad chapter, don’t worry—Surat is next. And it’s already buzzing with bold ideas, new voices, and fearless design energy.
Registrations for Surat open! Enquire now