Mapping the infrastructure initiatives to achieve the transformation of India’s evolving skyline, ET Edge, an Economic Times initiative organised the South leg of the 3rd edition of The Economic Times Architecture & Design Summit 2015 on 28th August 2015 in Coimbatore.

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.

Pursuing yet another defining focus that influences the rapid economic development in India, the summit enabled break-through discussions & seamless interactions to understand how architecture is a very collaborative process and should be dealt with, in that spirit. It touched upon the fact that architects should engage in India’s Transformation agenda through policy, advocacy, smart city development projects and green field cities.

Mr. Philip R. J. Fowler, Chief Architect, Fowler & Fowler said, “Smart cities should not be merely a slogan. It should cover all settlements in the concept of “Smart Settlements”. The role of architect as leader in creative master planning is the first requisite for creating a “Smart City Settlement. Cities & settlements are for people and not automobiles. Multiple transportation systems and pedestrianisation will provide a better living environment. Right now 60% of land is for roads and automobiles. Suburban trains, trams, rapid bus transport systems and underground metro systems should feature in every large metro and tier 2 city.”

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 Shreekant Somany, CMD, Somany Ceramics; Prof. K. Jaisim, Principal Architect, Jaisim Fountainhead; T. S. Ramani Sankar, Architect & Chief Planner, Sankar & Associates; G. Swaminathan, Partner, Swaminathan & Associates; Arun Prasad, Principal Architect & Planner, Arun & Associates; Kishore Lund, MD, Srivari Property; Arivudai Nambi, Partner, Nambi + Partners; Suman Bandyopadhyay, National Sales Manager – Prolinks, Berger Paints India Limited and Sanjay Kalra, President-Sales & Marketing, Somany Ceramics.

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.

The Summit culminated with Cocktail & gala dinner.