Hyderabad/New Delhi, July 17: Mahindra University, in collaboration with the School of Architecture at Virginia Tech, USA, successfully hosted the MU Architecture Conclave 2026 under the theme, "Designing for Tomorrow: Reimagining Architecture for a Changing World." The conclave brought together leading architects, academicians, urban planners, industry leaders and policy experts to deliberate on how architectural education and practice must evolve to address emerging global challenges.
Jointly organised by the Centre for Architecture, Mahindra University, and the School of Architecture, Virginia Tech, the conclave served as a platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue on the future of the built environment, highlighting the intersection of design, technology, sustainability and human well-being.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University said, "Architecture today extends far beyond designing buildings. It is about creating resilient, sustainable and inclusive environments that improve the quality of life while responding to rapid technological, environmental and societal change. Through collaborations with globally respected institutions such as Virginia Tech, Mahindra University is nurturing an ecosystem where students learn to think across disciplines, challenge conventional approaches and develop solutions for the cities and communities of tomorrow. The Architecture Conclave reflects our commitment to preparing future architects who are not only technically proficient but also socially conscious and globally relevant."
The event featured three high-impact panel discussions covering ‘The Future of Architectural Education: Preparing Architects for 2035’, ‘Architecture Beyond Practice: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Emerging Opportunities’, and ‘Designing for People: Human-Centric Architecture’. The discussions explored how changing technologies, climate imperatives, entrepreneurship, and evolving societal needs are reshaping both architectural education and professional practice.
Speaking at the event Prof Li Liu Dean Dean, College of Architecture Virginia Tech, "The future of architecture depends on our ability to integrate design excellence with innovation, research and global collaboration. Institutions have a responsibility to prepare architects who can respond to increasingly complex challenges through creativity, interdisciplinary thinking and a deep understanding of people and place. Our partnership with Mahindra University represents a shared commitment to advancing architectural education and fostering meaningful exchanges that will inspire the next generation of design leaders."
The conclave witnessed participation from distinguished speakers including Lu Liu, Dean, College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, Virginia Tech; Jim Bassett, Director, School of Architecture, Virginia Tech; Bobby Vance, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Virginia Tech, Ponni M. Concessao and Oscar G. Concessao, Principal Architects, OCI Architects; C. Shekar Reddy, National Chairman, CII Indian Green Building Council; Jaffer AA Khan, Director, INZAC – India New Zealand Architecture Collective; V.V.L. Narasimham, Chairman, Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Telangana Chapter; Arindam Biswas, Professor, IIT Roorkee; Vinayak P. Nabar, Adjunct Professor, IDC, IIT Bombay; Ajay D. Kulkarni, Interface Designers; Meena Murugappan, Director, Organo, Manoj Wahi, Principal Architect, Designer Web and Ramprasad Akkisetti, Managing Director, CCBA Designs.
The conclave highlighted the importance of strengthening academia-industry partnerships and international collaboration to equip future architects with the skills required to design resilient, technology-enabled and human-centred spaces. It also highlighted the growing role of interdisciplinary learning in shaping solutions for rapidly urbanising societies and evolving global challenges.
