As the year draws to a close, the Indian architecture and design fraternity turns its gaze to Mumbai for one of its most anticipated annual gatherings. The Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing (FOAID) Mumbai edition kicks off today, December 19, and runs through December 20, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
For seasoned professionals and aspiring designers alike, FOAID has evolved beyond a mere trade show into a critical platform for discourse—a “Design Manthan” in the truest sense. With the 2025 edition carrying the theme “Your Ideas, Your Story, Your Festival,” the event promises to move beyond static displays to explore the narratives that shape our built environment.
Here is a curated guide on what to expect from these two days of design immersion.
The Headliners: Global Visionaries on Indian Soil
The biggest draw for the 2025 Mumbai edition is undoubtedly its power-packed speaker lineup, bringing global architectural heavyweights to the podium.
- Elizabeth Diller (Keynote): A rare appearance by the co-founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), Diller is expected to address the intersection of cultural architecture and public space. Her firm is renowned for projects like The High Line and The Shed in New York, and her insights will likely resonate with Mumbai’s own grappling with urban redevelopment.
- Soo K. Chan: The founding principal of SCDA, known for his mastery of minimalist luxury and high-rise residential architecture, will share his philosophy on “crafting silence” within dense urban fabrics—a topic pertinent to Mumbai’s vertical growth.
- Indian Stalwarts: The roster includes Arunjot Singh Bhalla (RSP India), who will discuss large-scale urban interventions, and Sanjay Puri, whose session is expected to highlight contextual design solutions across India’s diverse climatic zones.
Design Manthan: The Intellectual Core
The conference track, Design Manthan, serves as the festival’s intellectual spine. Unlike standard presentations, this year’s agenda focuses on debate and critical inquiry.
- “The Big Shift”: A crucial panel discussion exploring how redevelopment is transforming the social and physical fabric of Indian cities. With Mumbai currently undergoing massive infrastructural changes, this session is expected to be a heated and vital dialogue on density, displacement, and resilience.
- “Duanter” (The Conflict): A unique format where two creative minds present contrasting perspectives on a single design problem, highlighting that there is no singular “correct” path in architecture.
- Urban Transformations: Sessions will also cover India’s rapid economic shifts and their impact on mobility and mixed-use districts, moving the conversation from individual buildings to city-making.
Visual Dialogues: Exhibitions and Installations
Beyond the talks, the 30,000 sq. ft. Design Arena offers a sensory experience.
- Expressions Art Installation: This year’s student installation competition is themed “Stories from the Unseen.” Young designers have been invited to visualize hidden narratives—from microscopic realms to metaphysical concepts—resulting in immersive, large-scale structures that blend art with engineering.
- Design Arena Gallery: A curated display of over 350 iconic projects from across India, allowing visitors to physically walk through a catalogue of the year’s best built works.
- Art-Kitab-Cafe: A designated space for bibliophiles, this zone will host book launches and discussions. A highlight is the launch of “Building Narratives,” a monograph chronicling two decades of Abin Design Studio, offering a deep dive into the practice’s evolution and ethos.
Why It Matters
FOAID distinguishes itself by bridging the gap between the “star architect” and the student. With segments like Design Karyashala, the festival offers mentorship and practical workshops, democratizing access to industry knowledge.
For the editor, the architect, and the enthusiast, the next two days at the Jio World Convention Centre offer more than just networking; they offer a snapshot of where Indian architecture stands today and, more importantly, where it intends to go.
Event Details:
- Dates: December 19 & 20, 2025
- Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai
- Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Access: Exhibition entry is free for professionals; Conference sessions require delegate registration.
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