AITSAP-ICoMABE’s Inaugural Ceremony: Unveiling the Future of Multidisciplinary Architecture 

Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture and Planning (AIT-SAP) in Greater Noida recently hosted the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Aspects in Architecture, Urban Planning, Design, and Pedagogy (AITSAP-ICoMABE). This prestigious event provided a dynamic platform for scholars, professionals, educators, and students to engage in an inclusive dialogue on the diverse facets of architecture, urban planning, design, and pedagogy.

The conference aimed at promoting an environment where dialogue between disciplines fosters the path towards a more inclusive future. The Conference showcased 87 papers presented by over 125 authors across a wide range of themes, demonstrating the extensive scope of research. The three-day conference featured an inaugural session, five technical sessions, and a valedictory session. 

This virtual conference began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, accompanied by the melodious tunes of Saraswati Vandana, which filled the minds of all guests and participants with knowledge and reverence.

Prof. Dr. Bipasha Kumar from Apeejay’s School of Architecture and Planning laid out the plan for the three-day conference, setting the stage for a series of insightful discussions and presentations.

In his welcoming address, Chief Conference Advisor Prof. Vivek Sabherwal, Director of AIT-SAP, emphasised the significance of this milestone event. He mentioned, “AITSAP is celebrating 25 years. It is a great moment to have this conference this year. After all, interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation are essential in the modern world. The built environment benefits from such a multidisciplinary approach, which will help address the complex challenges of urbanisation and climate change in a holistic manner. This conference exemplifies AIT-SAP’s commitment to holistic education in creating a better world and also transcending traditional academic barriers.”

Director Prof. Vivek Sabherwal also read the message of Patron Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education and sought her blessings. 

Madam Berlia in her message congratulated Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP), Greater Noida for organising its first International Conference on Multidisciplinary Aspects of the Built Environment (ICoMABE 2024) and commended the Director, Prof Vivek Sabherwal and the organising team for bringing this visionary conference to fruition. She also highlighted that AIT-SAP comes under the aegis of Apeejay Education with a legacy of over five decades in quality education through 26 educational institutions across India, with a commitment to quality education of global dimensions leading to man-making and nation-building. 

Madam Berlia emphasised that, built environment encompassed everything from urban planning and architecture to sustainable design and infrastructure development and is a field that inherently benefits from a multidisciplinary approach. By integrating insights from diverse disciplines, one could address complex challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and sustainable development in a more holistic and effective manner. She was very thankful to the esteemed international and national guest speakers and presenters for their participation. Finally she extended her best wishes for a successful and enriching conference.

The conference featured an inspiring guest lecture by Ar. Habeeb Khan, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at SPA, Delhi, and former President of the Council of Architecture. He underscored the evolving nature of architectural practice, stating, “This is the age of collaboration. Architecture is moving into a corporate framework and is no longer based on individual practices. Hence, collaboration between various professionals, disciplines, and within different facets of architecture is crucial. And academia and research centers must rise to this change.”

Khan also highlighted the profound impact of architecture on our daily lives, noting, “We spend our time 24/7 in designed spaces, be it houses, offices, buildings, or parks. The intangible contribution of architecture to the built environment is often left unrecognised. I am happy that academia is increasing awareness in this regard. After all, academia is the guardian of a profession’s tenets and ethics and research which leads to the nation’s development” 

Khan highlighted how this integration is lacking in academia, research centers, and the expectations of the profession. He expressed admiration at how this conference is a platform that will help raise awareness of the fusion of profession and academia, paving the way for a better-built environment, informed profession, and improved industry. 

Prof. Moinuddin, Chair of Technical Research at the School of Engineering and Technology, Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram presented a detailed PowerPoint highlighting the key results of integrating technologies in architecture. “Intelligent and objective solutions lead to better efficiency, low-cost solutions, multi-angle optimisation, diverse research solutions, smart cities, buildings, well-planned infrastructure, and smart communication networks. This will pave the way towards sustainable architecture for an eco-friendly world, fostering synergy between development and nature,” he explained. He also mentioned the use of drones, drip water technology in agriculture, and the design of green buildings, wind, and solar energy production techniques as part of this integration.

Subsequently, Ar. E.B. Haffner, Founder Partner of CHAP, Oslo, Norway, delivered a keynote address on the potential of architecture to shape the future. He shared a visually rich presentation with numerous site examples from his extensive career. “Architecture defines tomorrow. It must focus on what it can achieve for the future. Ahead of people, teachers and students must understand that architecture extends beyond bricks and shapes the society and culture of the future,” Haffner stated. 

He illustrated his point with a poignant example of a reconstruction project at Uteya, Norway following a mass terrorist attack, highlighting architecture’s key role in crisis and reconstruction for survivors, as well as its deep role in healing and resilience. Haffner emphasised, “New architecture is about cultural preservation. Environmental science, geography, sociology, art, technology, history—all combine with architecture to build a better-built environment. After all, architecture is a cultural barometer for history and society through the ages.”

The inaugural session also included various brief paper presentations from scholars, featuring case studies from Delhi to Mizoram and beyond. These presentations broadened the horizons of the participants, showcasing the key role architecture plays in shaping the world. Each paper was followed by engaging questions and discussions, making the inaugural session a fruitful and enlightening experience.

The AITSAP-ICoMABE conference successfully highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the multifaceted challenges of today’s built environment. It underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and holistic education, setting a precedent for future discourse in architecture, urban planning, design, and pedagogy.

Each day of this three-day event hosted the technical sessions in 2-4 parallel tracks, with 6-8 papers presented in every session. The sessions were chaired by international and national academicians and practitioners relevant to each track, and they were supported by in-house faculty members acting as moderators, rapporteurs and technocrats.