Inovista 2026: Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar students reimagine heritage via futuristic design

The Department of Interior Design at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, organised Inovista 2026, a first-of-its-kind event, to mark World Architecture Day. Centred on the theme ‘Heritage to Future’, the exhibition encouraged students to explore India’s rich architectural legacy and reinterpret traditional design elements through innovative, sustainable and future-oriented concepts.

Professor Architect Dr Karamjit Singh Chahal, Registrar of Guru Nanak Dev University, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Dr Sucharita Sharma, Director, Apeejay Education, Jalandhar, attended as the guest of honour. Mr Nirmal Mahajan, Member, Board of Governors, Apeejay Education, Jalandhar, was also present.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Principal Dr Neerja Dhingra observed that the exhibition beautifully blended heritage, creativity and modernity. She noted that the event followed the birth anniversary celebrations of the college’s Founder President, Dr Stya Paul Ji, making it a fitting tribute to his vision. She acknowledged the guidance of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson, Apeejay Education and Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, as well as the encouragement extended by Dr Neha Berlia, Co-owner and Director, Family Business Board, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Lead Education Vertical Office Bearer, Apeejay Education.

Dr Dhingra also welcomed the chief guest, highlighting his contributions as an educationist and creative architect. She expressed gratitude to Dr Sucharita Sharma for her leadership and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to sustaining and further elevating its standards.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Karamjit Singh Chahal expressed pride in seeing students celebrate World Architecture Day and appreciate its significance. Emphasising the importance of sustainable architecture, he said it would play a crucial role in environmental protection in the coming years. He appreciated the students’ models for preserving heritage elements while incorporating innovation and future-oriented thinking, and encouraged them to continue this creative tradition.

The exhibition showcased 15 architectural models, demonstrating how design innovation can complement cultural heritage without compromising environmental sustainability. The concepts ranged from Greek Architecture, Dutch Amsterdam, Mughal Architecture, Rajasthani Courtyard, Jaipur Architecture and South Indian Temple Architecture to Tamil Courtyard, Islamic Architecture, Punjabi Architecture, Colonial Bungalow, Japan, Botanical Garden, Villa Savoye, Qutub to Future and Futuristic Architecture.

The models were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Architect R. Manmeet Kaur, Principal Architect, The Arc; Architect R. Davinder Pal Singh, Principal Architect, The Architects; and Architect R. Seerat Verma, Principal Architect, Out of the Box. The Punjabi Architecture model secured first place, followed by the Islamic Architecture model in second place and Botanical Garden in third. Consolation prizes went to the Rajasthani Courtyard and Greece models.

The event also celebrated the achievements of department alumni who have established themselves in the design industry. The felicitated alumni included Ms Deep Neha (2012 batch), Design Studio by Deep Neha; Ms Anchal Madan (2015 batch), Insync Interiors; and Mr Rohit Malik and Ms Niharika Malik (2019 batch), Bespoke Design Company.

Appreciating the collective efforts behind the event, Dr Dhingra commended Architect Rajni Kumar, Head, Department of Interior Design, and the faculty members. She encouraged the department to continue organising innovative initiatives that offer students opportunities to showcase their talent and explore new possibilities in design.