Mumbai, 10 January 2025: The much-anticipated Borivali Design Fair (BDF) 2025 opened its doors on January 9 at the Aditya Educational Campus, Borivali West. Organized by the Aditya Group of Institutions (AGI), the inaugural day celebrated the intersection of creativity, community, and innovation in design.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Gopal Shetty, former Member of Parliament, amidst a traditional ceremony featuring the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a powerful rendition of the national anthem, sung by the students and faculty. The first day set the stage for the four-day extravaganza, promising a rich lineup of exhibitions, keynotes, and creative showcases.
“The Borivali Design Fair is more than an event; it is a celebration of design’s potential to shape lives and build communities. It’s inspiring to see young minds channel their creativity toward meaningful solutions,” said Dr. Balakrishna Parab, Director of AIMSR and Dean of Management, during his welcome address.
Inaugural Highlights
Chief Guest’s Address: A Call for Socially Responsible Design
Shri Gopal Shetty’s keynote speech emphasized the importance of societal contributions through design. He shared personal anecdotes about his journey, reflecting on the value of hard work and self-learning.
“Students must use their design skills to make a difference in society—whether it’s creating inclusive spaces or collaborating with government agencies to improve urban infrastructure,” said Shri Shetty. He encouraged collaborations with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to enhance the aesthetic and functional quality of public buildings.
Exhibition Spotlight: Creativity at Its Best
The exhibition, curated by the students of architecture and fine arts, drew significant attention. The standout installation of the day—a mesmerizing arrangement of ladders and plants inspired by parametric design—was created by final-year architecture students under the guidance of Ar. Jamshed Bhiwandiwalla, Principal, Aditya College of Architecture.
Speaking at the event, Ar. Bhiwandiwalla stressed the importance of community engagement in design processes. He urged students to consider Borivali’s unique attributes—its national park, rivers, and vibrant community—while conceptualizing their projects. “Design ideas do not exist in isolation. They must resonate with the people and the environment they serve,” he said.
Another standout feature was the collection of student designs dedicated to low-income households. Departing from the conventional emphasis on luxury and exclusivity, these projects highlighted a practical, empathetic approach. They reflected the students’ capacity to address pressing societal needs with creativity and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Insights on Design Philosophy and Trends
Ms. Ruchira Sawant, Co-Founder, Makeshift underscored the importance of design thinking as a philosophy that extends beyond traditional problem-solving. She emphasized that in an era increasingly influenced by AI, designers must adopt a human-centric approach that prioritizes purpose over solutions, respecting and reflecting the values of varied traditions while adapting to modern societal needs.
Shri Sabu Francis, Founder, Tadteam emphasized the multifaceted nature of modern architecture, highlighting its alignment with contemporary societal values, technological advancements, and the growing emphasis on sustainability. He touched upon key design trends, including minimalism, adaptive reuse, parametric design, and human-centric approaches, while placing particular focus on biophilic design that re-defines that relationship between man-made living spaces and the environment, setting a benchmark for more harmonious and sustainable living spaces.
Director’s Vision for BDF
In his address, Dr. Parab highlighted AGI’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. He announced AGI’s plans to partner with local authorities and NGOs on urban improvement initiatives for Borivali. “Through the Borivali Design Fair, we aim to inspire architects, designers, academics, and students to collaborate in creating human-centric designs. This year’s inaugural event reflects our mission of empowering young talent and building a better future,” he said.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
The first day of the Borivali Design Fair 2025 was a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and visitors alike. With its emphasis on design thinking and sustainability, the fair has set the tone for meaningful discussions and collaborations in the days ahead.
