Architectural Ideas Rooted in the Northeast – The Guwahati Chapter of Intelligence Series 2025

Celebrating Biomimicry and Bold Ideas in the Northeast

20 July, 2025

Sometimes, the most powerful ideas come from the most natural places. On a quiet yet deeply inspiring day in Guwahati, the 49th chapter of the iDAC Intelligence Series 2025 unfolded – not just as an industry event, but as a heartfelt conversation between architects, nature, and the evolving identity of Northeast India. This edition didn’t feel like just another stop in a national circuit. It felt personal. Rooted in Guwahati’s spirit, shaped by its people, and driven by one guiding idea: “Biomimicry in Practice – Nature-Inspired Architecture & Design Solutions.” In a world that’s racing towards steel and screens, this day asked a gentle but firm question – what if nature already has the answers? Curated by Guwahati’s Leading Voices The Guwahati edition stood out for being carefully curated by four local design voices who understand the pulse of the region: Amitabh Sarma (Akar Foundation), Budhin Borthakur (Borthakur & Associates), Disha Kuthari (Doppelgänger Design Studio), and Pankaj Phukan (Pankaj Phukan Architects). With their guidance, the event took on a tone that was intimate, relevant, and deeply rooted in the ethos of the Northeast.

Keynote Talks that Sparked New Thinking The day began with a thought-provoking session by Ar. V.S. Vigneswar from Architecture Plus Value, Chennai. Titled “Housing to Homes: Building Sustainable Communities,” his talk brought attention to the idea that homes aren’t just about walls and roofs but about community, dignity, and purpose. Following this, Ar. Abhishek Bij from Design Plus, Delhi, presented an engaging talk titled “Computational Design in Nature: Learning from Living Algorithms.” He explored the powerful systems already existing in the natural world – like termite mounds, leaf structures, and water collection systems – and how these systems can inform more efficient, responsive architecture. Panel Discussion: Biomimicry in Practice Moderated by Amrita Sabhapandit (Assam Urban Knowledge Hub), the panel discussion titled “Nature-Based Design and Practice” turned into a dynamic conversation between regional and national voices. Panelists included Aditya Garodia (727 Architects), Amitabh Sarma (Akar Foundation), J.P. Agrawal (Agrawal & Agrawal), Nakul Malsom, and Ragini Goswami (Eco Space). Together, they discussed how to make design not just sustainable, but regenerative. The session reflected a shared sentiment—that good architecture must respond to its environment, people, and culture, not just style guides or trends.

Infinity Awards – Guwahati’s Visionary Projects Take the Spotlight One of the most anticipated parts of the day was the city-level Infinity Awards showcase. A distinguished jury of regional architects and mentors, including Arvind Bawari, Kankana Narayan Dev, Ritul Sarma, Rana Mahanta, and Santosh Banka, gathered to evaluate four inspiring project presentations. The selected winners from Guwahati who now move forward as Infinity Award finalists were: • Brahmaputra Riverfront Development by Sumeet Bagree (Avant Garde) – A visionary public infrastructure proposal responding to both ecology and community. • Mist House by Badon Hynñiewta (Make Arc) – A poetic residential design harmonizing with the Northeast’s topography and climate. • Assam State Guest House, Koinadhara Campus by Netramohan Changmai (BEE Studio) – An institutional space that blends modernity with Assamese architectural character. Also showcased was: • Bank of Baroda Zonal Office – NES Guwahati by Debojyoti Debroy (Archinventions) Each project didn’t just demonstrate design skill, but a clear intent to serve context and culture. They reflected the courage of young architects to think differently and design with meaning. Powered by Innovation and Industry Collaboration The Guwahati edition was made possible through the support of leading industry partners: Fluidra AstralPool , K-LITE , Knest Aluminium Formwork, Shakti Hormann , Millennium Marbles , Pare , Sirca , Tostem. These collaborations not only brought technical expertise but also opened doors for meaningful industry-designer interactions throughout the event. Guwahati’s Lasting Impression The Intelligence Series in Guwahati didn’t just deliver talks or honour awards – it created a reflective space where ideas met intention. From biomimicry to materiality, community housing to institutional design, the conversations reminded everyone in the room that the best kind of architecture often starts by listening: to people, to place, and to nature itself. As one participant remarked while leaving, “It didn’t feel like an event; it felt like a much-needed pause.” And maybe, in today’s world, that’s exactly what architecture needs.

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