Pritzker Laureate BV Doshi’s message to the next generation of architects emphasised the importance of “giving life a chance”—a belief that was broached in a conversation between Doshi and Sarita Vijayan, curator of FAB. While the first iteration of FAB Conclave focused on Openness and the second—set amidst the COVID era—delved into Technology, the third edition looked towards Doshi’s philosophy as a reference point. Held on March 27, 2024, in Mumbai, the theme of the conclave was LIFE: Looking Inward for the Environment.

Energetic instrumental music crescendoed and faded intermittently, punctuating the atmosphere. The auditorium was filled to capacity, with attendees who journeyed from other cities: some nodded off from long hours of travel, while others awaited eagerly, rummaging through their bags for pens. Students gathered to grasp, soak and learn, while architects – amongst others – were present to understand a new meaning of disruption.

The moderator began with a brief introduction which was followed by Indian classical dancer, Tarini Tripathi gracing the stage. Her performance fascinated us with mesmerising twirls that were reminiscent of FAB’s logo, whirling with precision. Following the performance, Vijayan extended a heartfelt welcome. With over 18 years of expertise in curating and executing projects aimed at the enhancement of urban spaces in India, she gave us a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming hours of the conclave.

FAB is dedicated to honouring innovation and experimentation in architecture and construction. It serves as a platform for uniting design disruptors, visionaries and thought leaders committed to shaping the future of these industries.

An intriguing dialogue also unfolded between Kyle Bergman, Founder of the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), and Amit Gupta, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of STIR, the Media Partner for FAB 2024. Bergman introduced ADFF to the audience, providing glimpses of select documentaries they champion from around the globe. Annually, Bergman’s team sifts through 300-400 submissions of short films and documentaries, choosing only 10-15 for showcasing; the festival celebrates all facets of architecture and design. Bergman elaborated on the power of disruption that takes one to new places while Gupta stressed the significance of conversation and dialogue and the value of questioning everything.

The speakers at this edition of FAB included Adi Cohen, a self-proclaimed “nomadic architect” and founder of The New Movement; Carolina Tinoco, architect, author, curator, and speaker; Dr Aseem Inam, Professor of Urban Design at Cardiff University and Director of TRULAB; Dr Ferdinand Ludwig, Professor for Green Technologies in Landscape Architecture at the Technical University of Munich; Dr Melissa Sterry, a transdisciplinary design scientist and Founder of Bioratorium; Dr Iman Ansari, a distinguished architectural and urban designer and founding principal of AN.ONYMOUS; Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, founders & directors of Tonkin Liu, practising nature-focused design with a goal to reconnect people to nature; and Nripal Adhikary of ABARI, a Nepal-based practice celebrating the use of traditional materials in contemporary architecture.

The conversations that intrigued me the most centred around personal narratives and exploration of design’s core principles, particularly the ideas of embracing uncertainty, the value of speculation, and the importance of sustainable practices in construction. Among the voices that resonated the most with me were those of Cohen, Inam and Adhikary.

Cohen shared her transformative journey of self-discovery and celebration of life, focusing on the significance of engaging with strangers. A strong advocate of “nomadism” as a powerful tool for connecting with the world, she recounted her experiences of landing in unfamiliar cities and embracing uncertainty. A strong believer in being fully present to appreciate life’s intricacies, she urged people to follow their instincts and explore the magnetic pull of certain spaces. Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between design and human behaviour, the architect explained the importance of curiosity and a research-oriented mindset and encouraged a “questioning mindset” as essential for effective leadership in design. She asserted that architects play a crucial role in enhancing people’s well-being and fostering meaningful connections through architecture.

Speaking of magnetic pulls and curiosity, Dr Iman Ansari whose practice focuses on speculative approaches towards architecture and urbanism that explore new methods, tools, and technologies shared an anecdote from his childhood visit to the Sheikh Bahai bathhouse in Isfahan with his father. He mentions that the entire bathhouse was kept warm with a single burning candle. This little detail sparked his curiosity and fueled his desire to explore the phenomenon further. Several years later, he learned that the bathhouse story was merely a myth, but that didn’t sadden him for too long. On the contrary, it boosted his curiosity in processes even further and led him to a deeper exploration along the way. He concluded that the incident made him realise something vital about himself: he is much more “interested in the process than the final product”.

In the lush landscapes of Nepal, a vision took birth in 2006, nurtured by the mind and heart of Nripal Adhikary, an exemplary practice I got a closer look of, at the conclave. The vision blossomed into ABARI, not merely a firm, but a testament to social and environmental stewardship, a tribute to the intricate dance between tradition and innovation.

“I want to remain small and continue to do things that are innovative and beautiful”, said Adhikary. ABARI’s essence is embedded in Nepal’s traditional architecture, where homes stand as legacies of craftsmanship, community, and reverence for nature. With over 83 per cent of Nepalese houses embodying this ethos, ABARI’s mission is to honour and preserve this heritage. As monsoon rains nourish the land, ABARI’s commitment extends beyond brick and mortar. Along the banks of Chitwan’s rivers, 200 farmers and artisans collaborate with Adhikary, cultivating bamboo that not only regenerates the land but also sustains livelihoods and fosters biodiversity. ABARI’s legacy seemingly isn’t just in the structures it builds; it’s in the lives it transforms. It was fascinating for me to discover the breadth of their work and the sheer value it is creating for the community. Over 300 indigenous craftsmen find purpose within its embrace, blending ancient techniques with modern wisdom to create not just homes, but works of art: baskets, furniture, and dreams crafted from the heart.

In an intertwining of narratives spanning from personal journeys to architectural marvels, a common thread emerged at FAB: a celebration of life, curiosity, and connection. While Cohen’s odyssey of self-discovery underscored the power of engaging with the unknown, Ansari’s tryst with a childhood myth put a spotlight on understanding processes over products, and Adhikary’s vision unpacked the value of nurturing legacies. Each tale converged on a singular truth: that in curiosity, connection, and creativity, lies the essence of a life well-lived and a world worth preserving.