iDAC Mumbai 2025: A Collective Step Forward

A purposeful convergence of voices, visions, and values – where the industry paused not to rest, but to realign.

07 july, 2025

What does it look like when an entire industry pauses for three days – not to stop, but to think, connect, and move forward together? This March, the architecture, design, and construction community came together once again at iDAC Mumbai 2025. Hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre from March 6th to 8th, the experience wasn’t just large in size, but meaningful in intent. With over 24,500 visitors, 100+ brands, and more than 150 voices from across the globe, iDAC Mumbai became a mirror reflecting where we are, and a window into where we could go.

Shaping the Future of Architecture & Design The theme, “Shaping the Future of Architecture & Design,” wasn’t just seen on banners or stages – it lived in conversations. The first day opened with “Maharashtra Next,” featuring Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar. His keynote sparked a future-forward conversation about urban development that felt both ambitious and grounded. Later that day, the session “Reimagining Megacities: The Urban Renewal Challenge” brought together influential voices, from the MDs of MAHAPREIT and Romell Group to the CEOs of SRA and MHADA, and architect Vivek Bhole. The panel didn’t just talk about cities—they reimagined what Indian megacities could be, through the lens of sustainability and smart growth. Deep Dives into Sustainable Futures Day Two picked up right where things left off. Karl Wadia and Pankaj Dharkar led a deep dive into “Shaping a Sustainable Future for Public Buildings,” using the National Maritime Museum of India, Lothal, as a case study. The session reminded many in the audience that public infrastructure has the power to not just serve people, but inspire them. On March 8th, international influence met local insight when Natalia Rudykh of Natalia Rudykh Design, Dubai, took the stage. Her session blended luxury with restraint, showing how elegance can coexist with function, and how global perspectives can spark local innovation.

Nurturing the Next Generation Among the most heartfelt parts of the event was the Student Program. On the final afternoon, key academic leaders came together to guide the next generation of architects and designers. Speakers included Anando Dutta (ATLAS SkillTech University), Aparna Surve (DY Patil School of Architecture), Dhiraj Salhotra (Thakur School of Planning & Architecture), Mandar Parab (LS Raheja School of Architecture), and Vinit Mirkar (IES’s College of Architecture). It wasn’t just a series of talks—it was a moment of passing the torch, filled with advice, encouragement, and a sense of shared responsibility. Art, Expression & Community Then there was Art-Illation, a space that blurred the line between structure and storytelling. This wasn’t just an exhibit; it was a living gallery of ideas. With contributions from institutions like Garware Institute of Career Education & Development, Dilkap School of Design, and others working under the theme Architecture & Planning, it gave students a platform to express, experiment, and surprise. Established names also left their mark. Creations by Shreela Sharan (Shreela Sharan Architects), Shreyas Khanwilkar (Art Creations), Gauri Satam & Tejesh Patil (Studio unTAG), Devansh & Karan Daisaria (Daisaria Associates), Radhika Mittal (VR Mittal Group), and Yatin Dedhia (Crystallo Design Studio) reminded everyone that art, at its core, is about perspective—and the courage to present it. A Night of Acknowledgement And then came the Infinity Awards Night. An evening that didn’t feel like a competition, but a celebration. More than 100 of India’s top architects and designers came together—not for accolades, but for acknowledgment. The kind that honours resilience, risk-taking, and creative clarity. A Quiet, Lasting Shift In the end, what made iDAC Mumbai 2025 unforgettable wasn’t just what was said on stage or shown in booths. It was the atmosphere. The openness to listen. The excitement of discovery. The feeling that architecture and design aren’t just professions—they’re collective journeys. As the final day closed and the crowd slowly filtered out, there was a quiet sense of something meaningful left behind. A shift, not dramatic, but deep. A shared understanding that the future isn’t just something to predict – it’s something to shape, together.

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