Anant National University’s initiative, IDEA: International Designers Explore, Experiment, Educate at Anant, facilitated an exchange of innovative design approaches among guest designers and students, focusing on the theme ‘Rediscovering Roots’. The event featured eight international and Indian designers who led workshops on various themes, culminating in an exhibition of student projects.

The participating designers included Prof Gjoko Muratovski from the Australian Institute of Advanced Technologies; Prof Peer Sathikh from Nanyang Technological University; Prof Juan Antonio Islas Munoz from the University of Montreal, Canada; Mr. Ki Chan Lee, Founder of KI LEE Korea; Indian architects Apurva Mishra and Achyut Siddhu, Founders of Loksutr; Prof Cedric Serpes from the Goa Institute of Management; and Shashank Nimkar, Founder of Earth Tatva.

Gjoko Muratovski’s workshop explored an alternative history for India, unaffected by colonization. Prof Peer Sathikh examined the fusion of diverse cultures through transmigration. Prof Cedric Serpes’ workshop, ‘Musical India: Finding Musical Expression with Imagination’, focused on designing new musical instruments. Juan Antonio Islas Munoz looked at Ahmedabad’s urban landscape 26 years into the future.

Ki Chan Lee’s workshop integrated history and fashion, leading students to design accessories. Achyut Siddhu and Apurva Mishra’s workshops focused on preserving India’s oral traditions, translating tribal stories into art forms. Shashank Nimkar explored Indian wedding rituals, encouraging students to innovate beyond tradition.

IDEA provided students and designers with a platform to address identity complexities in a globalized world while celebrating cultural heritage.

Also read: Experience at Anant University: Juhi Konch, Anant Fellow 2024