The HECAR Foundation unveils Women In Design 2020+
The HECAR Foundation will convene the Women In Design 2020+ (WID 2020+) International Conference in Mumbai from 8th to 10th January 2020. This global platform will provide women with the opportunity to celebrate the evolution and success of their practices; innovative techniques in Architecture, Planning, Conservation and related fields; challenges faced by women in constructions working with arts and crafts and their role in pedagogy, sustainability, research and the visual arts. It is a global perspective encased in the Indian ground reality showcasing the immense capabilities, accomplishments and innovative genetic abilities of women in Architecture and Design. Celebrating path-breaking projects built and influenced by women shall be the essence of the conference. The journey began 20 years ago, when Prof. Brinda Somaya, reached out to women across India and South Asia, requesting them to come together on a single stage as women professionals. This led to the conference “Women in Architecture – 2000 Plus”, the first of its kind, that celebrated the work of women architects from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia and Pakistan. The HECAR Foundation hosted this seminal conference and brought out the publication – ‘An Emancipated Place- Women in Architecture 2000 Plus’ to ensure documentation of the event, the projects and practices of the women speakers and participants at the time. Two decades later Women in Design 2020+ will push the boundaries of Architecture and Design with leading women experts as well as those within the fields of photography, art, film and literature. The creative professions no longer exist in independent silos but co-exist and collaborate to create the projects of today and hence the importance to include the more expansive area of ‘Design’. The three-day conference shall include the process of discovery, learning, proficient sessions and networking, and will feature 35 women speakers and panelists sharing their work, thoughts and ideas with the audience. This platform will be unique as it brings together for the first time, a caliber of women from across the globe that are leaders and activists in the Architecture and Design field. The speakers include Billie Tsien, Jeanne Gang, Annabelle Selldorf, Brinda Somaya, Johanna Gibbons, Martha Thorne, Elizabeth Vines, Chitra Vishwanath, Shimul Javeri Kadri, J. Meejin Yoon, Sunita Kohli, Laila Iskander, Salma Samar Damluji, Yasaman Esmaili, Nandini Somaya Sampat, Joana Dabaj, Chhavi Rajawat and Vibha Bakshi amongst others. Speaking on the conference Brinda Somaya, Chairperson, HECAR Foundation, said, “With the conference in 2000, our aim was to provide a platform for women in architecture in South Asia to showcase their incredible body of work and give them public exposure that they so rightfully deserved. With Women in Design 2020+, we wanted to extend that idea to a global scale to include women not just in architecture but various other professions that are closely interlinked with it. Our list of speakers and panelists comprise of incredibly talented women from around the world who have excelled in their respective fields, including many who were part of the inaugural conference held 20 years ago. When approached, every speaker was extremely excited to not just be a part of the conference but to have it taking place in Mumbai. To me Mumbai is special and it serves as the ideal venue for WID 2020+ due to its Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensembles that have been recently listed as The UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colours and contrasts spanning skyscrapers down to the streetscape Mumbai offers a rich cultural tapestry that must be experienced to be understood. This seminal conference will discuss the past, present and future of architecture and design. WID 2020+ promises to bring in an enriching experience for architects, planners, visual artists, construction/design professionals and students.” Nandini Somaya Sampat, Trustee, HECAR Foundation, said, “India has around 450 schools of architecture and over 65% of students in these schools are women. There are almost as many registered women architects as their male counterparts and yet the presence of women architects is not felt equally in the profession. What we hope to share through WID2020+ is the ground breaking and large volume of works being done by women architects and designers from India and around the world and are hopeful that it will reinforce women in the industry and beyond to join these league of women. This would lead to ensuring that women are able to play a leading role in the Architecture and Design of the future. We wish to attain a sustained narrative that inspires a younger generation of architects and designers to pursue their passion and to know they have the support of an Indian and global community. The three-day event will showcase the immense capabilities, accomplishments and innovative genetic abilities of women in the field that will be a landmark event for both women and men - architects, design professionals, students and enthusiasts.” The conference will witness Indian and global leaders in Architecture and Design who will share their perspective as speakers and panelists to discuss, talk and share open mic sessions with the audience. The enriching event will offer several opportunities for attendees to explore the city through heritage walks, exploring diverse art galleries and exploring the iconic architectural marvels of the culture rich city. The conference hopes to garner the confidence of women to support one another and enable them to communicate and gain insight from their mentors in order to become mentors themselves for the generations that follow. WID 2020+shall be launching a digital platform known as DESIGN MANIFESTO 2020+ to connect women architects, artists and designers across Architecture and Design in India and the world. DESIGN MANIFESTO 2020+ will serve as a launchpad for women in the creative field to showcase their work by submitting it through the Design Manifesto on WID’s website. WID2020+ will then host a special WOMEN IN DESIGN 2020+ EXHIBITION from 7th January 2020 showcasing their work at the Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai The Design Manifesto 2020+ aims to empower women to come together, voice their opinion, define and envision their future beliefs and be recognized as creators and innovators of the future. The manifesto will celebrate the works from different generations and comprises of 3 manifesto portraits- Past, Present and Future The Design Manifesto 2020+ is the beginning to what has gone before, what stands today and what the future holds in the minds of women working in Architecture and design around the world. Women in Design 2020+ International Conference will be held at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai on 8th, 9th and 10th January, 2020. The HECAR Foundation and SNK (Somaya & Kalappa Consultants) will be curating the Women in Design Exhibition that will be opening on the 7th January 2020 at the Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai. The exhibition shall include the digital Design Manifesto 2020+; the captivating works of Indian street photographer Chirodeep Chaudhuri; Indian weave installations in collaboration with textile designer Vinay Narker and glimpses of exhibits featuring women Architects from Germany courtesy of the Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai. The Knowledge Partners for the Women In Design 2020+ International conference and Exhibition are the Goethe-Institut/ Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, LafargeHolcim Foundation, British Council and World Monuments Fund.
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