Apeejay’s Architecture Institute hosts two-day fest themed on “Towards a Sustainable Future”

On a bright Friday morning, the campus of Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP) in Greater Noida was bustling with exuberance as the celebration commenced for the 5th edition of Apeejay Festival of Ideas by Ignited Minds (AFIIM 2024), a vision of Prof Vivek Sabherwal, Director of AIT-SAP,  and the Chief Patron Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education and Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University. 

The sprawling green campus dotted with creative décor and unique art installations set just the right mood for the mega event hosted on the  AIT-SAP campus. The two-day event witnessed a gathering of some of the leading architects and academicians from the field.  

It was mesmerising to see how the students of AIT-SAP,  under the guidance of the Director and faculty members, showcased their penchant for architecture by designing a beautiful stage at the institute amphitheatre using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, jute, and coir rope, in line with the theme of the event — “Towards a Sustainable Future”.

The event began with the Chief Guest Hon’ble COA President Abhay Purohit taking a tour of the “Sustainability Maze”, which was designed and installed by the students to further create awareness on sustainable development goals, social sustainability, and so on.   

Subsequently, the inauguration ceremony took place with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, followed by an address by Vivek Sabherwal, Director, AIT-SAP. In his inaugural address, Prof. Sabherwal enthusiastically highlighted, “We are commemorating the 25th anniversary of our institute and this grand event is an endeavour to further set new standards for sustainable architecture.”

Declaring the event open, Prof Sabherwal welcomed the esteemed guests and introduced the theme of the event. He thanked Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education and Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University  —   who was also the chief patron— and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Joint Secretary, Apeejay Education, and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, for their continued support.

In a message sent by Mrs Berlia, she highlighted, “The power of an idea is paramount.” She conveyed through her message, “It is the beginning of all great things. School of Planning & Architecture at the Apeejay Institute of Technology proudly unfurls the Apeejay Festival of Ideas by Ignited Minds, a celebration of creative brilliance in its 5th edition. This innovative endeavour seeks to harness the virtues of creativity and a positive attitude, propelling us toward innovation and success.

Apeejay Education, with a legacy spanning over five decades, has been a torch-bearer for human values, inclusive education, and unwavering social commitment on part of our 26 educational institutions across India.

The School of Architecture & Planning at AIT, Greater Noida, is commemorating its 25th year of success this momentous year. Nestled in a sprawling 29-acre Wi-Fi enabled eco-friendly campus, the School is a testament to the dynamism of creative ideas, path-breaking innovation, and immaculate implementation in the realm of architecture.

Architects bear a profound importance in shaping our world, quite literally. The virtues of sustainability, woven into the fabric of their work, are crucial and beckons substantial social responsibility.

The eminent COA President, Ar. Abhay Purohit, has graciously accepted our invitation to be the Chief Guest, lending his invaluable insights on this year’s theme of ‘Towards a Sustainable Future.’ As we anticipate the wisdom of other distinguished speakers, our collective aim is to inspire the ‘ignited minds’ to become torchbearers, steering us towards a better planet for today and tomorrow.

In our journey, questions must be asked, reflections must run deep, and solutions must be crafted. Our commitment to being responsible human beings forms the bedrock of our endeavours. When we acknowledge our purpose – to create and create responsibly – we set in motion a transformative journey. Prof. Vivek Sabherwal and his faculty, by integrating sustainability into our educational ethos, manifest this philosophy as a way of life.

As we embark on this event, where the theme perennially orbits around sustainability and environmental concerns, I extend my heartfelt wishes for its success. May it be a source of immense enrichment, illuminating the path toward a harmonious and sustainable future.”

Key message

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Hon’ble COA President Abhay Purohit shared, Alumni are an integral part of the institute because they are inseparable. As we talk about sustainability, I think India is the best country, which actually has understood sustainability long ago.

This was followed by an invigorating panel discussion on the theme. The key speakers included  Shri V Suresh, Chairman, IGBC Policy in Advocacy & National Building Code , Prof AGK Menon, and Ar Glory Srivastava.

The Chief Guest for Day 2 was eminent architect Professor (Ar) Charanjit Singh Shah, Founder, Creative Group. Other key guests included Ar Sidharth Bathla and Ar Nishant Gupta, also alumni of AIT-SAP, who left an indelible impact on the attendees.  

Architectural marvels & innovative displays

Student-created architectural wonders on bamboo panels and a symbolic sustainability maze captivated the audience’s attention. A pioneer’s gallery was created that displayed the work of renonwed architects. The event also featured a series of artwork, photographs and designs created by AIT-SAP students and faculty members.  

Read Here: Buildings cannot be called beautiful, if they are not functional and energy-efficient: Professor Vivek Sabherwal

In additon to the above-mentioned creative display, students further showcased their innate talent in fashion shows, nukkad natak, group dances, and soulful live band performances, creating unforgettable evenings.

The members of AIT-SAP extended their heartfelt gratitude to their main sponsors Alistone Group  and Adani Group, Ambuja Cement for their steadfast support to organise AFIIM 2024.