City: Pune, Date: 21st, 22nd & 23rd February 2025

Authored by: Ar. Shrestha Chakraborty

Design exhibitions serve as more than just visual displays; they act as a reflection of creativity and innovation within our communities. As discussions surrounding these exhibitions continue to thrive, one question arises: What truly attracts people? Is it merely the showcase, or is there a deeper connection at play? The answer lies in the communal interactions that these events foster.

Throughout history, humans have yearned for a sense of belonging—a space that encourages connection and a community where individuals can communicate effortlessly. We grow through our differences while finding comfort in shared experiences. Design exhibitions masterfully strike this balance, providing a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore, interact, and discover common ground. The displays, experiential spaces, and dialogues serve as mediums, transforming design into a universal language that connects us all.

Each city possesses its own unique character and narrative. For instance, an exhibition in Mumbai often showcases its vibrant riverfront development, where urban growth sparks a visual dialogue about planning, renewal, and sustainability. Conversely, exhibitions in Gujarat tend to be site-specific, deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural heritage. They delve into the rich history, traditions, and local narratives, bringing forth stories that resonate with the community. These exhibitions ultimately become expressions of the city’s identity.

Pune exemplifies the delicate balance between preserving its rich heritage and embracing the challenges of urbanization, all while envisioning a futuristic smart city. As the city continues to evolve, VK Group recognizes the contributions of visionary leaders and industries that have played a crucial role in shaping Pune’s landscape.

In celebration of its 51st anniversary, VK Group is proud to present the VKollective exhibition, themed “Building the City We Call Home: Making Pune Better by Design.” This exhibition showcases pioneering projects that have significantly influenced Pune’s architectural and urban design landscape. In addition to the displays, VKollective aims to create a shared interdisciplinary platform, featuring panel discussions, special talks, and interactive workshops that extend beyond traditional design discourse.

VK Group is keenly aware of the challenges and gaps in policies that impact the built environment industry, affecting both professionals and administrators. VKollective seeks to unite change-makers for engaging panel discussions, with the goal of generating actionable insights that can be presented as key recommendations for policymakers’ action plans.

This exhibition is open to everyone—students, architects, designers, engineers, and the residents of Pune. It invites like-minded individuals to engage in meaningful conversations that transcend design. VKollective fosters a forum for transparency, allowing young minds to connect and collaborate with seasoned professionals.

Dear Punekars, what’s in it for you? Join us to uncover the design behind the buildings you pass by daily, which you may have overlooked. Engage in conversations with leaders from various fields—connect, belong, and collaborate.

Become a part of the collective—VKollective! Check out the program schedule and scan the QR code to register.

We eagerly anticipate your presence on 21st, 22nd & 23rd February 2025! (Disclaimer: This press release is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL, and PTI assumes no editorial responsibility for its content.)