LPU organized Neo-International Conference on Habitable Environments & International Professional Meet

· More than 25 eminent speakers and stalwarts from the USA, UK, Spain, Egypt, UAE, South & West Asia and more graced the occasion.

· Her Excellency Ms Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to India, was the Chief Guest of the NICHE-IPM 2023

· The Conference held various technical sessions on diverse themes

The School of Architecture & Design (LSAD) at Lovely Professional University (LPU) organized 5th Edition of 2-day ‘Neo-International Conference on Habitable Environments & International Professional Meet (NICHE IPM- 2023) at the Shanti Devi Mittal Auditorium of LPU. Engrossing discussions and inciting presentations were held with 25+ Global and National stalwarts from the field of architecture representing the USA, UK, Spain, Egypt, UAE, and South & West Asia.

Her Excellency Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to India, was the Chief Guest of the conference. The elite guest shared: “I am proud that my country-Slovenia is a unique green destination committed to sustainability in all aspects. Many top ranking agencies have placed Slovenia among the 25 most exceptional places and communities to visit.” She expected diligent efforts from the present students to develop the World on the strong foundations of United Nations SDGs.

The Chief Patron of the Conference, Founder Chancellor of LPU & MP Rajya Sabha Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal shared that perfect architecture existed even in the primitive period in the forms of caves. Current architecture yearns for Sustainability and Suitability. He urged the students to conceptualise at least one sustainable building during their course and work towards its realisation in the near future.

Narrating the architectural journey of the current Dean and Head of School and Conference Convener Dr (Ar.) Atul Kumar Singla; Dr Mittal inspired LPU youth by reiterating the importance of time and right goals in life. Dr. Ar. Singla had envisaged the LPU Campus when he was only in the 2nd year and worked towards its realisation. The LPU campus, a NAAC A++ accredited University is like a mini city today with Dr. Ar. Singla as its Chief Architect for the past 24 Years.

The NICHE-IPM on Better Cities at LPU presented a unique opportunity to address urban sustainability challenges and explore innovative solutions. Bearing associations with G20-Y20 and hosting speakers from the C40, the conference furthered the global network and partnership-building capabilities. The International collaborations of the NICHE conference enhanced the knowledge and also provided a platform for fostering global partnerships for sustainable urban development. With this, much bigger and better results can be expected from future architects, planners, and policymakers.

The aim of the conference was to unite and blur the boundaries between education and the practice of planning, architecture, and design fields. Here, policymakers, administrators, and facilitators, who transform cities by bringing the theoretical and research knowledge disseminated during such multiple events to actual practice.

Prime speakers were Nancy Helen Sutley, Deputy Mayor, Los Angeles, California, USA; Dr. Hope Magidimisha – Chipungu and Dr. Lovemore Chipungu from University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Dr. Peng Du, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA; Ar. Ariadna A. Garetta, Altrim Publishers, Barcelona (Spain); Ar. Ritika Kothari CMO, Colab Cloud, Dubai, UAE;  Dr. Ronita Bardhan, University of Cambridge, England, UK; Ar. Charanjit Shah, Director, Creative Group, New Delhi; and, Ar. Ola Magdy, Egypt.

The Y20 representative and Chief Town Planner, PUNJAB attended the inaugural session of the Conference. The C40 Regional Director for South and West Asia, Shruti Narayan held an informative session along with Benjamin John and Dipti Salvi. Eminent architect Charanjit Shah spoke about his insightful journey in the field of spirituality and architecture.

The IPM echoed the core learning of the conference and translated the knowledge for professionals to practice. The meet was done in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Kapurthala-Hoshiarpur sub-centre and was supported by Adani Cement. Amongst the other guests were Prof. Krishan Rao Jaisim, Ar. Gaurav Roy Choudhary, Ar. Meenakshi Singhal, Dr. Venu Shree, Ar. Puneet Sethi, Ar. Ashu Dehadani, Ar. Yashika Singla, Ar. Surinder Bahga SAAKAR Foundation; Ar. Sanjay Goel, Technical Expert in Smart City Mission, Ludhiana; Prof. Anurag Roy, Prof. Anil Dewan and Dr. Khushal Matai from the School of Planning, Delhi.

The experts shared their valuable insights during the technical sessions on Regenerative Design and Biophilic Architecture, Technological Advancements in Sustainable Construction, Smart Cities and Resilient Environments, AI-Driven Design Innovations, Urban Resilience and Inclusive Design; and, Social Equity.