361° Conference 2013

THE CONFERENCE As one of the oldest and the most respected design forums in India, the 361° is an initiative by Indian Architect & Builder to create a truly relevant dialogue on architecture. In its sixth edition, the conference plans once again to host individuals who lead the thought and practice of architecture and as an extension - design in the world. Over past five versions, the conference has established a thought-exchange program with its presentations and discussions thus chronicling a multitude of ideas and innovations that have had a significant impact on our habitat. ARCHITECTURE OF PURPOSE “Design is changing existing situations into preferred ones” (Herbert Simon). Architecture shapes habitat. Human enterprise shapes architecture. There is no greater record of our history than what we have built. Contemporary architecture is subject to unprecedented dialogue, evaluation and judgement. Technology has shrunk the global space and social media has ensured a constant cultural exchange. Knowledge is a commodity. In the haze of ‘isms’, the mania of the virtual and a landscape of failed utopias, it is imperative to pause, relax and rethink the reason why architecture is relevant and what is relevant architecture? As communities continually negotiate their destiny in an increasingly global world, design becomes a reflection of the cultures they create. Then, is design just changing existing situations into preferred ones? or does it go beyond that? Why do some objects and some experiences move us? Reason governs human enterprise but beyond reason, lies a hidden, intimate need to create, to investigate, to experience, to understand, to experiment and to pursue happiness. Does contemporary architecture and by extension design mange to provoke ? The sixth edition of 361° Conference will try and understand the ‘architecture of purpose’. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Indian-Architect-and-Builder/226753014103876