The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted its 18th Styling and Design Conclave, coupled with the 16th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC), on 22nd March 2024 at Hotel Ramada Plaza by Wyndham in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Under the banner 'Designing for Aspiring India,' the conclave focused on the evolving landscape of vehicle styling and design, catering to the aspirations of the Indian populace.
Their shared expertise aimed to sculpt the future aesthetic of vehicle design, reflecting the unique aspirations and cultural nuances of India. A highlight of the conclave was the Automotive Design Challenge 2023, a revered competition that offers a platform for budding automobile designers to exhibit their creativity and vision for the future of automotive design. After a stringent selection process, the top ten student designers presented their interesting concepts at the conclave, underscoring the event's commitment to nurturing the next generation of design talent.
Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, emphasised the importance of indigenous designs in reflecting the ethos of Rising India. He asserted that the time is apt for Indian automobiles to embrace local designs, enriching the global automotive tapestry with India's unique aesthetic and functional insights.
The event featured insightful sessions, including one on 'Technology Innovation as an Enabler for Design,' which explored how advancements in technology could pave new pathways for automotive design. Another session, 'Designing for Global Aspirations,' delved into how Indian designs could cater not only to local but also global tastes, reflecting a universal appeal while maintaining a distinct Indian identity.
The conclave also underscored the critical role of the industry-academia partnership in fostering a robust design ecosystem. This collaboration is pivotal in equipping aspiring designers with the necessary skills and insights to thrive in the dynamic automotive sector.
The event culminated with the announcement of the ADC 2023 winners, where Likhith Sarvareddy from Strate School of Design clinched the first prize, spotlighting the exceptional talent and innovative spirit of India's future designers.
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