CHANDIGARH, INDIA — Chandigarh University has inaugurated the 4th International Conference on Trends in Architecture and Construction (ICTAC 2026). Organized by the University Institute of Architecture (UIA), the two-day hybrid event is being held on August 20 and 21, 2026, aiming to transition industry-academia engagement into practical collaboration.
The inaugural event drew prominent figures in architectural education and practice. Prof. Jayshree Deshpande, Director of the Council of Architecture - Training & Research Centre (COA-TRC), attended as the Chief Guest. Yatin Pandya, Founder and Principal Architect of Footprints EARTH, Ahmedabad, and Manmohan Khanna, Founder and Principal Architect of KMA Architecture and Chairman of the IIA Chandigarh Chapter, participated as Guests of Honour. They were joined by Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Rai Bhatnagar, Group Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Dr. R. Jagdeesh Kannan, Pro Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs at Chandigarh University.
During her address, Prof. Deshpande highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in modern architecture. She noted that digital tools, generative design, and data-driven planning help manage large-scale projects, while emphasizing that technology should serve to improve human life and support national development goals.
Yatin Pandya spoke on the core values of architecture, stating that design decisions carry responsibilities toward communities and the environment. Manmohan Khanna addressed the potential of academic institutions in shaping future professionals for the country.
The opening day also featured the 'Pehchan 2.0' Heritage Exhibition, the unveiling of the ICTAC Inaugural Board, the release of the Abstract Book, and research paper presentations by scholars and participants.
The second day of the conference is scheduled to host an Industry Colloquium with plenary sessions and panel discussions involving experts from government, industry, and academia. A key agenda item for the second day is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UIA and Walia Creative Architects, intended to establish a formal framework for ongoing engagement between academic study and professional practice.
Chandigarh University is an autonomous educational institution located near Chandigarh in Punjab, offering over 109 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
"The integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence with traditional practices is reshaping professional sectors across India. Initiatives that bridge the gap between academic institutions and industry practitioners are essential for preparing students for evolving market demands. Formalizing these partnerships through structured collaborations helps ensure that future professionals gain practical exposure alongside theoretical knowledge, benefiting both the educational ecosystem and the broader industry." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes
