August 08, 2014,JW Marriott, Chandigarh 

ET Edge, aninitiative of The Economic Times, founded to empower multiple sectors, industries and segments through the dispersion of critical business knowledge through strategically developed conferences and summits, and will hold an ET EDGE Architecture and Design Summit 2014 tomorrow in Chandigarh.The summit witnessed participation from interior fit-out manufacturers, regional architects, interior designers, architecture associations and academicians.

Recognizing the significance of the architectural practice in India, the summit aims to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on the currentchallenges through Key-Note presentations and multiple focused panel discussions. With the theme of “TRADITION AND MODERNITY IN CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE”, the conference aims to focus on hosting top level architects and design professional to deliberate the much needed transition required by the upcoming metro cities to create a unique identity and transform into a “Smart City” capable of sustaining the brisk population growth.

The Summit will be initiated with a welcome address by SunitaQuadros, Business Head, Times Conferences Ltd.Further Mr. Abhishek Somany, Joint Managing Director,Somany Ceramics will address the seminar followed by Mr. Oscar Concessao, Partner, Oscar &Ponni Architects who will talk on how we can bridge the gap between ‘Traditional, Modern Architecture and Smart Cities’. Other opinion leaders like Shilpa Das, Partner, Evolve Architecture, Rakesh Kerwell, Director, DLF, Siddhartha Wig, Partner, The Elements, Bandana Singh, Partner, Positive Axis, ManjulTrehan, Director Sales, Lutron GL Sales & Services and Pankaj Mediratta, Head of India Projects, Greenlam will further add to the discussion. The entire session will be moderated by Jatinder Pal Singh, The Dean of Chandigarh College of Architecture.

The Architecture & Design Summit 2014 will focus mainly on‘Conceptualizing the Unique Global Cities of India – The Role of the Local Government& Regional Stake Holders with Developing Architectural Concepts and New Urban Identity.’

Thepanel discussions will focus majorly on the following issues:

• Bridging the gap between traditional, modern architecture &smart cities
• Conceptualizing the unique global cities of India – the role of the local Government & regional stake holders with developing architectural concepts and new urban identity
• Innovations in the world of ceramic – moving beyond conventional to unconventional
• Revolutionizing interior design concepts