Conscious Collective 2024—When design becomes a catalyst for change

Have you ever wondered what the future of design could look like? Is it a world of isolated innovations, or is it a profound ecosystem of collective responsibility, interconnectedness, and regenerative thinking—where design becomes a universal language of planetary care? Held on December 14th and 15th in Mumbai, Conscious Collective 2024 is a powerful reminder that the future of design is not a solitary pursuit but a collective journey, where each of us has a role to play in securing a better tomorrow. With the theme ‘Bridging Horizons,’ the second edition brought together visionaries, thought leaders, and changemakers to reimagine urban living and decarbonise built environments.

Showcasing Talent and Vision

The Godrej Design Lab Fellowship 2024 took center stage, presenting five groundbreaking installations by emerging talents exploring themes of sustainable architecture, material innovation, and social impact.

Founders of Anomalia Bhakti V Loonawat and Suyash Sawant unveiled a mycelium pavilion, demonstrating sustainable building techniques and material innovation with the potential to reshape architectural practices.

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Nitisha Agrawal presented her Smokeless Cookstove initiative, highlighting zero-cost mud cookstoves that empower marginalized communities to adopt cleaner energy solutions.

Shwetha Iyengar and Jaymin Panchasara, founders of Murubi, showcased a collection of handcrafted products made from water hyacinth – which has become an ‘invasive’ aquatic plant in certain areas, blending timeless craftsmanship with material innovation to enhance everyday living.

Rahul Bhushan from NORTH presented a revival of ancient Himalayan building techniques like Dhajji Dewari and Kathkuni, offering a sustainable and culturally rooted approach to architecture.

Founders of Architecture for Dialogue (AfD) Abhimanyu Singhal and Depanshu Gola displayed BreatheEasy, a project tackling urban air pollution through spatial interventions and resilient housing typologies. Together, these projects embodied the transformative power of design to create meaningful change.

Additionally, the Campus Connect initiative showcased the creativity of India’s design students. The winning installations, ‘Luminous Lore’ by NID Andhra Pradesh and ‘Beneath the Surface’ by The Design Village, captivated audiences with their innovative approaches to sustainability.

‘Luminous Lore’ reimagined the Andhra shadow puppetry lamp using SCOBY leather, blending tradition with biomaterial innovation. Meanwhile, ‘Beneath the Surface’ offered a powerful commentary on the decline of mangroves, highlighting the urgent need for ecological preservation.

A Platform for Innovation and Dialogue

Conscious Collective 2024 was a dynamic mix of thought-provoking installations, immersive experiences, and creative workshops. Guests included global luminaries such as Pavan Sukhdev, Vikas Dilawari, Channa Daswatte, Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Ken Yeang, Sanjay Puri, Vinu Daniel and Chitra Vishwanath, who led conversations on the pressing challenges of climate change and the role of design in addressing them.

What distinguished Conscious Collective was its holistic approach. It wasn’t merely an exhibition but a dynamic ecosystem of thought and action. From celebrating digital sustainability storytellers to workshops that engaged participants across generations, the event dismantled traditional silos between disciplines.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains closed on this edition, Conscious Collective reinforced its role as a catalyst for change, bringing together diverse voices to design a better tomorrow. The journey of innovation and impact continues, promising to inspire and challenge the way we think about design and sustainability.