ATLAS International Design Conference (AIDC): Pioneering Sustainable Design Beyond Green

ATLAS SkillTech University recently made waves in the world of design with the groundbreaking ATLAS International Design Conference (AIDC). This visionary event brought together researchers, professionals and students from around the globe, setting the stage for a profound exploration of sustainable design. AIDC was a first-of-its-kind conference that set out to redefine the boundaries of design thinking, embracing the principles of reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering available resources, focusing on the vital concept of a circular economy. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable 2-day conference that left an indelible mark on the design world.

Beyond Green: The Theme of Sustainability

Sustainability was at the core of AIDC, and the conference aptly adopted the theme of “Beyond Green.” This theme encapsulated the essence of the event, which aimed to push the boundaries of traditional sustainable design and delve deeper into the realms of innovation, critical thinking and holistic sustainability. It emphasised the idea that sustainable design should extend beyond the superficial green solutions to address current and future needs effectively.

AIDC Objectives

The ATLAS International Design Conference (AIDC) had five key objectives: raising awareness about sustainable design’s significance, sharing best practices, fostering collaboration among design professionals, encouraging innovative thinking and ultimately creating real-time impact. AIDC aimed to spotlight the importance of sustainability, serve as a platform for sharing successful initiatives, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, push the boundaries of design innovation and translate discussions into tangible, positive changes in the sustainable design realm. These objectives collectively defined the conference’s purpose and underscored its commitment to meaningful change in the field.

A Global Gathering of Minds

AIDC drew participants from diverse corners of the world, creating a truly international platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Researchers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Germany and many others converged to share their research abstracts. These abstracts would later serve as the foundation for comprehensive research papers, encompassing literature reviews, research methodologies, inferences, outcomes, conclusions and design recommendations.

Notably, India made a significant impact at the conference, with esteemed professors from prestigious institutions like IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology), NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) and NIT (National Institutes of Technology) participating actively. The Indian representation showcased the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable design thinking in various domains.

A Fusion of Expertise: Professionals and Students Unite

AIDC was a melting pot of ideas, featuring a diverse array of 94 presenters from the professional world and academia. This eclectic mix included seasoned professionals with years of experience and eager students eager to make their mark on the design landscape. This unique blend created a dynamic atmosphere that fostered collaboration, innovation, and cross-pollination of ideas.

The Multifaceted World of Sustainable Design

The conference catered to a wide spectrum of design areas, acknowledging that sustainability transcends boundaries. It emphasised the need for an interdisciplinary approach in design for various domains, including:

• Industrial Design: Crafting sustainable solutions for products and systems.
• Healthcare Design: Exploring sustainable healthcare solutions.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring that sustainable design is inclusive and accessible to all.
• Education: Incorporating sustainability principles into educational materials and systems.
• Fashion, Textile & Apparel: Pioneering eco-friendly trends in the fashion industry.
• Space: Exploring sustainable designs for space exploration and habitation.
• Special Needs: Addressing the unique requirements of individuals with special needs.
• Systems and Strategy: Developing sustainable strategies for businesses and organisations.
• AI & Technology: Harnessing technology for sustainable design solutions.

Leading Voices at AIDC: Keynote Speakers and Their Insights on Sustainability and Design

Cultural Innovation and Social Sustainability

The ATLAS International Design Conference (AIDC) was graced by a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, each bringing their unique expertise and perspectives to the conference. These luminaries included Prof. Johannes Kiessler, Dean, and Head of Innovation at the University of Europe for Applied Science, Berlin, Germany who delved into the intriguing realm of Cultural Innovation and Social Sustainability.

Sustainable Practices in Arts

The conference featured Dr. Manish Arora, Coordinator of Design Innovation Centre at BHU who scrutinised Malpractices of Sustainability in Communication Design and Dr. Gomathi Gowda, Principal of the College of Fine Arts at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bengaluru, discussed Imprints of Sustainable Practices in Arts and Archaeology.

Design Thinking in the Digital Age

Fashion enthusiasts found inspiration in Prof. Anamika Debnath, Senior Professor at NIFT Kolkata, who explored Sustainability in Fashion. Dr. Babita Bhandari, a Professor at NIFT Kangra, delved into the intriguing realm of Integrating Sustainability into Textile Designing. Dr. Amit Chawla from Amity, Gurugram, shared insights on , emphasising the importance of empathy, creativity and collaboration for problem-solving.

Bio-cultural Diversity

Mr. Kanna K Siripurapu, an Expert in Bio-cultural Diversity and Senior Fellow at SaciWATERs, Hyderabad, shed light on The Significance of Biocultural Refugia in Conservation of Traditional Knowledge and Crafts. These keynote speakers added tremendous value to AIDC by delving into a wide spectrum of topics, enriching the conference with their extensive knowledge and expertise.

Publication Opportunities at AIDC: Showcasing Your Research to the World

AIDC presented valuable publication opportunities for participants. Selected papers would have the privilege of being published in the UGC care-listed Journal – Journal of Operations and Strategic Planning, Sage Publisher, each carrying an ISBN number, solidifying their academic significance. It’s worth noting that publication is exclusive to the select papers chosen through a meticulous process. Importantly, the conference itself was offered at no cost to participants, underscoring its commitment to fostering design research and recognising valuable research initiatives.

The Best Paper Awards

The heart of the ATLAS International Design Conference (AIDC) beat with innovation and excellence, exemplified by the prestigious Best Paper Awards. These exceptional contributions showcased the conference’s commitment to exploring the cutting edge of design thinking and sustainability. Among the honoured papers were Penelope Norman‘s groundbreaking work on “Integrating Bespoke Avatars into Digital Fitting Methods to Improve Fit and Sustainability,” offering a fresh perspective on fashion technology. Sania Shaikh delved into AI in design and Aditya Kulkarni emphasised the importance of integrating earth experience into service blueprints for prioritising sustainability initiatives. Panigrahi Pranjal P illuminated the path to a greener future with their research on the concept of the EV Ecosystem and the development of the IoT system. These award-winning papers exemplified AIDC’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving positive change in the world of design.

Facilitating Change Through Collaboration

AIDC went beyond being a mere conference; it was a forum that encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing. It provided a platform for design students, researchers and practitioners to share their unique perspectives on sustainability in design. The conference aimed to be a catalyst for change, fostering both individual and institutional learning. It actively encouraged industrial collaborations, recognising that real change in sustainable design requires a multidisciplinary effort. The dynamic team behind the success of AIDC included dedicated convener experts, Dr. Arpita Purohit, Dr. Peeyush Gupta, and Prof. Pooja Kalai, as well as efficient coordinators, Prof. Mahi Khare and Prof. Abhrojit Boral, all senior faculty members of ATLAS ISDI School of Design & Innovation. Their collective effort ensured the conference’s seamless execution and valuable contributions to the field of design.

The ATLAS International Design Conference (AIDC) has left an indelible mark on the world of design. By embracing sustainability, AIDC fostered innovative thinking and collaborative efforts among professionals, students and researchers. As we move forward, the lessons and insights garnered from this groundbreaking conference will continue to shape the future of sustainable design, transcending the boundaries of “green” and venturing boldly into the uncharted territories of a truly circular, sustainable economy. AIDC has set a new standard and the world eagerly awaits the sustainable design solutions that will emerge from this global gathering of design minds.