Circular Planet
Design for a Regenerative Future
Can we envision a world where the cycles of nature inspire the way we design, produce, and consume? With this theme we will explore how we can shift society towards systems that regenerate natural resources rather than deplete them.
Drawing inspiration from Indigenous and traditional practices that have long been grounded in circularity, we invite designers to learn from diverse voices and infuse these principles into modern climate strategies. Rethinking materials, energy, and infrastructure can lead to solutions that not only meet human needs, but also restore the health of ecosystems. In a context like Delhi, where rapid urbanisation and environmental crises intersect, creative innovation is also key to tackling pressing issues like air pollution and waste. What unique visions can emerge from this dynamic context — and from the (local) design community in particular?
The Power of Community
Design through Radical Collaboration
The Power of Community calls for a collective approach to problem-solving, emphasising the need for inclusive solutions. While climate change is a global crisis, its consequences are not evenly distributed, with the most vulnerable people often bearing much of the burden. South Asia is a region that experiences these impacts disproportionately, particularly within its most marginalised communities.
This is why we need radical collaboration across all sectors — policymakers, local communities, creatives, investors, and industries — to deliver impactful solutions where they are needed most. Many levers for change can be found in the region’s rich history of citizen participation, community engagement, and civil society action. How can we harness the combined efforts of our global and local communities to create meaningful solutions together? Under this theme, we will explore how design can help reconnect people, amplify underrepresented voices, and create opportunities for healing and learning.
Rethinking Technology
Bridging Innovation and Tradition
In recent years, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and synthetic biology have had a massive impact on the creative industries. Designers, curious by nature, are not afraid to experiment with new tools and processes, and many increasingly turn to them in their search for solutions. At the same time, there is a growing interest in local, traditional knowledge, and the lessons that can be found in older ways of thinking, making and living.
What role do past and future technologies play in the transition to a fair and sustainable future? How might designers, engineers or cultural practitioners harness them to enable more responsive, adaptive and resilient solutions? And what steps can we take to make these innovations are as accessible and inclusive to as many people as possible?
