Designers as Catalysts for Social Change

A day long symposium organized by ADA (Architecture Design Art)—a Karachi-based international publishing house was arranged recently. ADA is a multidisciplinary platform that unites the industry’s leading minds in sharing stories of intervention for a socially unified better world. Discussions and debates in the day-long symposium revolved around the destiny of architecture, urban planning and more generally the design disciplines in an era that seems to consider only, or at least with absolute priority, the evolution of single modal spaces and related devices spurred by technology.

If today, and in the future, the theme of life and development is no longer about further densification but resilience and environmental quality—how do designers navigate between aesthetics, sustainability, climate adaptation and depleting natural resources for a better world? Was the gist of the discussions at the programme.

Arif Hasan, the renowned social scientist of Pakistan vehemently stated that the profession of architectural services are one percent of the population, and that the practitioners hardly engage in works that instill social change. He further elaborated that the professional bodies also do not come forward and support these initiatives. Yahya Jan from Dubai candidly in his presentation stated that as a practitioner he had not engaged with the projects that transform and impact lives in a particular community stating – “I am guilty of not playing my part.” Dr. Fiona Gray joining in from Australia presented a live project for community but was intrinsically challenged by the authorities. Kamil Khan Mumtaz reflected on life, its generation and how the basic needs are commodified with capitalism.

Maria Aslam in her opening remarks mentioned: “How is the field responding to the interlocking wicked problems that define our time — climate crisis, structural racism, unaffordable housing, rapid technological shifts and ever-growing population? By embracing design with a purpose, we collectively have the opportunity to create visual narratives that celebrate the beauty of nature and advocate for sustainable practices.”

As creative industry stalwarts, comprising of architects, artists, and designers together with social scientists, researchers, academia, designers hold the key to influencing perceptions, behaviors, and social change.

The second session comprised of stellar minds such as:Rashid Rana, Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, Seif Al Rashidi (Egypt) and Sergii Rodionov (Ukraine). The speakers discussed city making, place making and environment degradation activism. Faraz Maqsood Hamidi of D’ Hamidi partnership illustrated making a mark through design that is the main idiom of all corporate giants through their campaigns. Seif Al Rashidi from Egypt explored the vernacular essence of retaining a craft that is synonymous to the cultural identity of their region. Rodionov joining in from Ukraine shared the project based on activism for his home town to inject positive energy and activity by the river front for youth and population at large.

Rashid Rana categorially opened his presentation by stating that: “Artists do not have a responsibility, but through their art they connect with the masses and tell stories that capture lifestyles, communities and the environment.” He presented his work ‘Lost on paradise’ initially in the Karachi Biennale that captures humans desecrating mother earth with deforestation, garbage and plastic accumulation.

The day-long seminar with engaging panel discussion explored sustainability not just in the built environment but through the lens of recycle, reuse, reduce and reconsider collectively how we relate to our planet. Maria Aslam highlighted that there is no planet B and the Quran mentions that we need to tread lightly on mother earth. This is the essence that requires to be understood individually.

As creative industry stalwarts, comprising of architects, artists, and designers together with social scientists, researchers, academia, designers hold the key to influencing perceptions, behaviors, and social change. Inspiring minds and stories unfolded in the day-long seminar with panelists adding their rich contribution from academia and practices engaging the audience that was informed by designers that are trying in their own ways to make a difference and impact communities for a better living.

The ADAA, the sole awards from Pakistan dedicated to excellence in the creative industry, serves to celebrate, highlight, and inform the fraternity and Pakistan about the remarkable works emanating from within the country.