South Asia's preeminent assembly for innovators and visionaries in architecture, construction, and design took place in Mumbai on March 27, 2024, with yet another impactful appeal for innovative design thinking. The conclave, which had as its focal point the theme L.I.F.E. - Looking Inward For the Environment, promised to explore effectively the mutually reinforcing relationship between personal growth and the development of a more sustainable future for the environment in which we live. By uniting innovators from diverse professions to dismantle the current world and build the one we want, FAB functioned as a catalyst for invention, experimentation and development. From its inaugural conference three years ago, FAB swept through barriers with inventive displays, thought-provoking webinars, cooperative studios and presentations from creative organisations.

Against critical environmental issues, the conclave offered an essential forum for profound reflection and significant readjustment. Philosophy, innovative design, materials, technology, culture, the environment, inclusivity, sustainable design and more were all covered in its extensive agenda. The focus audience for the conference comprised 750 top professionals spanning India, including architects, engineers and developers. Among the speakers were 10 international presenters and world-class visionary professionals from various institutions worldwide. Additionally, there were 10,000 digital viewers, comprising digital registrations by architecture and design firms across India for livestream participation.

During the event, STIR indulged in thought-provoking discussions about this year's theme with various visionaries. This theme advances the conversation about the direction sustainable architecture will take in the future while addressing ongoing challenges within the construction industry. Some of them include Nripal Adhikary, founder of the architecture firm ABARI; Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, founder and director of Tonkin Liu; Dr Ferdinand Ludwig, professor for green technologies in landscape architecture at the Technical University of Munich, Germany; architect and urban designer Dr Iman Ansari founder of AN.ONYMOUS; Venezuelan-French architect, curator, author and speaker Carolina Tinocco; Dr Aseem Inam, Professor and Chair in Urban Design in the School of Architecture at Cardiff University in the UK, Founding Director of TRULAB: Laboratory for Designing Urban Transformation and Honorary Professor at The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College, London; Dr Melissa Sterry, founder of bio futurism consultancy Bioratorium and Adi Cohen, founder of the architecture studio, The New Movement.

Here's a look at these conversations around the role of architecture and building in environmental health.

1. ‘Looking Inward for the Environment’ at FAB conclave’s third edition in Mumbai

The event, featuring energetic music and a captivating dance performance by Tarini Tripathi, welcomed participants from diverse cities to explore innovative and sustainable architectural practices. Notable speakers included Adi Cohen, who emphasised nomadism and curiosity in design; Dr Iman Ansari, who highlighted the importance of process over product; and Nripal Adhikary, who showcased ABARI's work in preserving traditional Nepalese architecture and fostering community through sustainable practices. The conclave celebrated the convergence of personal narratives and architectural innovation, underscoring the themes of curiosity, connection and the value of embracing uncertainty.

2. Nripal Adhikary on the merits of remoulding vernacular practices for modern needs

ABARI, established by Adhikary in Nepal, advocates owner-driven reconstruction using resilient vernacular practices. Committed to sustainable and inclusive architecture, ABARI conducts thorough research on natural materials, highlighting their strength, flexibility and ecological advantages. Utilising local resources such as bamboo and stone, ABARI constructs earthquake-resistant structures with modern conveniences, prioritising energy efficiency and waste reduction. Through research, experimentation and training, ABARI rejuvenates traditional building methods to meet contemporary demands, such as building homes, schools and community spaces while promoting sustainability and resilience.

3. Tonkin Liu on the creative and generative possibilities of uniting people, place and nature

Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, founders and directors of UK-based multidisciplinary design studio Tonkin Liu sincerely believe that “a good architect is an empath,” as they shared with STIR at the now-concluded FAB Conclave 2024, in an exclusive interview. As creators straddling the realms of architecture, landscape design and architecture as well as art, they also genuinely emphasise connections with nature which sounds simpler than it is. Remarkably, this might make Tonkin Liu one of the most thoughtful global creative practices presently, with a research-led creative ethos begetting works they describe as ‘puritanical and fantastical.’

4. Ferdinand Ludwig on building botany and the need for architects to think like gardeners

Founder of Baubotanik, Prof Dr Ferdinand Ludwig’s research-centric practice merges the building world and the growing world of trees into one piece of living architecture. Speaking with STIR at the Fab Conclave, the architect looked back to a definitive memory that pulled him towards plants and subsequently years on led him to experiment with the idea of building botany. Stressing the need for urbanism to develop vertically against horizontal development, Ludwig also discussed why architects today must think like gardeners and why disruption is essential in design.

5. Adi Cohen on creating the "most inspiring places on the earth"

Cohen, a pneumatic architect, aims to create spaces that uplift individuals by fostering vitality, comfort, creativity and connection. She rejects consumerism in design, instead using her expertise to enhance well-being. Through her podcast, Go Out and Talk to Strangers, she highlights innovators reshaping how we live, work and connect. Cohen’s unconventional approach to business, embracing remote work and global talent, allows her to deliver exceptional projects and stand out in the architectural community.

6. Aseem Inam on how teaching impacts his practice

Inam, an urbanist and architect, advocates collaborative design for public spaces, emphasising community involvement. He champions co-learning in education, valuing diverse perspectives. His recent book highlights resourcefulness from the Global South, aiming to diversify urban design narratives and learn from a multiplicity of communities facing challenges.

7. Carolina Tinoco on how architecture, curation and writing inspire each other

Tinoco, a multidisciplinary creative from Venezuela and France, integrates art, design, architecture, and spirituality. Rooted in Venezuelan slums, she emphasises co-creation with communities and nature, advocating for collaboration and regeneration over sustainability. Tinoco develops tools for informed decision-making and promotes responsible choices for individual, community and planetary well-being.

8. Iman Ansari on negotiating disruption through design

Ansari, founding principal of AN.ONYMOUS and assistant professor at OSU's Knowlton School of Architecture explores architecture's role in organising spatial relationships across scales. Advocating for novelties like the Hyperloop for accessible and sustainable transit, Ansari values diverse transportation options, particularly in cities like Mumbai. They aim to engage with the young population in regions like India, recognising their potential for driving progress and innovation.

9. Melissa Sterry on biofuturism and biodesign

Sterry is a multifaceted professional, identifying as a design scientist, biofuturist, and entrepreneur. Her expertise spans design and science, positioning her uniquely at the crossroads of creative exploration and scientific inquiry. Sterry's approach integrates insights from distinctive realms of as chemistry, ecology and physics to generate innovative concepts. As a scientist and designer, she focuses on analysing complex systems, including ecological and geological systems, to align human-made designs with natural systems to promote environmental harmony and positive contributions to the planet.