The Discovery Baic Connect 2025
Urbanization on Hills Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Strategies for Northeast India an architecture meet held in Shillong
Shillong, March 1, 2025: BAIC Exhibition and Events 2025, North East India’s largest platform dedicated to Building, Architecture, Interiors, and Construction, proudly presented BAIC Connect 2025, an exclusive Architects’ Meet, held today (01.03.2025) at Vivanta, Shillong., bringing together leading architects, planners, urbanists, and industry experts to deliberate on the critical theme — ‘Urbanization on Hills: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Strategies for Northeast India.
Shillong, March 1, 2025: BAIC Exhibition and Events 2025, the largest platform in Northeast India for Building, Architecture, Interiors, and Construction, hosted BAIC Connect 2025, an exclusive meet for architects at Vivanta, Shillong. The event focused on the theme “Urbanization on Hills: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Strategies for Northeast India.”
With rapid urban growth in hill towns, discussions highlighted the importance of context-sensitive planning, ecologically responsible construction, and community-driven design strategies. The event, guided by founders Millee Sinha and Neha Malhotra, aimed to inspire dialogue on sustainable architecture and urban development in these sensitive environments.
The event kicked off with a traditional Khasi and Garo dance performance. Ar. Aiban S. Mawkhroh, President of the Meghalaya Architects Forum, welcomed attendees and acknowledged the organizers. It featured prominent speakers like Ar. Vinu Daniel, founder of Wallmakers, who shared insights on eco-friendly construction methods, including his innovative “Debris Wall” technique, utilizing waste materials for sustainable building solutions.
At a recent gathering of architects, Vinu Daniel showcased his commitment to sustainability through the use of materials like mud, stone, and recycled elements that minimize environmental impact while enhancing architectural aesthetics. He challenged traditional construction practices and advocated for a shift towards responsible building methods.
The event featured dignitaries such as Patricia Mukhim, Editor of Shillong Times, and several presidents of various Architects’ Forums from the Northeast. A key highlight was the panel discussion on ‘Urbanization on Hills: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Strategies for Northeast India,’ which emphasized the need for sustainable urban development in the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Ar. Kishore Panikar delivered the keynote address, focusing on global urbanization and the increasing density of urban populations. His work highlights the coexistence of environmental sensitivity and design brilliance, setting an example for emerging architects.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ar. Matthew Umdor. The success of this Architects’ Meet sets the stage for the next BAIC Exhibition and Events, set for September 12-14, 2025, at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the construction and design industries.
