Design students explore practice and ideas at catalyst 2.0

Design and architecture students from institutions across Gujarat participated in Catalyst 2.0, a one-day inter-college design festival organised by the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), Ahmedabad, at Anant National University.

The event brought together students, educators and design professionals for workshops, design challenges, project reviews, discussions and collaborative activities. The sessions provided students with opportunities to present ideas, receive feedback and understand different approaches to design beyond their regular classroom work.

Students and faculty participated alongside representatives from other design and architecture institutions. The interactions covered contemporary design practices and encouraged participants to discuss ideas from academic and professional perspectives.

Padma Shri awardee and designer and architectural restorer Ar. Sunita Kohli was the chief guest. Addressing participants, she spoke about the role of dialogue and practical experience in learning and encouraged students to question, experiment and develop their own perspectives on design.

The programme also included interactions between students and practitioners, allowing participants to gain exposure to professional viewpoints and discuss questions related to design education and practice.

Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, said opportunities to engage with professionals and students from other institutions can complement classroom learning. He noted that such interactions allow students and educators to exchange ideas and understand different approaches to design.

Ar. Jabeen Zacharias, Professor of Practice at Anant National University and former National President of IIID, was involved in bringing IIID Ahmedabad and the university together for the event. She said the festival provided a space for students, educators and practitioners to discuss issues influencing the design profession.

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The Hans India