Theme: The City In You

Date: March 17, 2018

Venue: Newtown School Auditorium

The Kolkata Architecture Foundation hosted it’s First Public Architectural Conference in Kolkata, titled “The City in You”, on March 17, 2018, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Architects (West Bengal Chapter). The conference was the manifestation of a statement issued by both the organizations that the built environment is not the sole realm of architects, but the responsibility of all stakeholders, decision-makers and end-users.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Debashis Sen, IAS (Chairman, HIDCO) and Ar. Debatosh Sahu, stating their support and vision to facilitate a more participatory process in the development of the city. The speakers Mr. Mudar Patherya, Ar. Anuradha Rathore, Dr. Ratoola Kundu, Ar. Animesh Nayak and Ar. Anuj Kale kicked off the long-awaited dialogue between the people and their city – a culmination of memories and aspirations.

Long past its heritage and place as the City of Joy, Kolkata now seeks to re-awaken as the city of tomorrow … but to what end? The design conference is a wakeup call to the citizens and decision-makers, from all walks of life and professions, to invest emotionally and intellectually in their city. The built environment is not the sole realm of architects, but the responsibility of all stakeholders, decision-makers and end-users. The first public platform in Kolkata kicks off the long-awaited dialogue between the people and their city – a culmination of memories and aspirations.