IDI (Indian Design and Interiors of Media Transasia Ltd) and IIID (Indian Institute of Interior Designers, Delhi centre) recently organised the first Ideas Talk-an interactive session involving talks by design experts, to celebrate the World Interior Design Day. The event was hosted at the upscale lounge bar, Mantra, in New Delhi. Both IDI and IIID have a common goal of promoting design, and to provide a focused platform for the reasonably small world of designers and architects.

More than 100 distinguished architects, interior designers, product designers and media persons gathered to celebrate this day. Suneel Paul, Editorial Director, A+D and IDI gave the introductory address. He said in a lighter mood that though the World Interior Design Day is not among the popularity celebrated days like Valentine's Day, it is a relevant for those who are closely involved in design.

Prof K T Ravindran, Chairman of IIID, Delhi centre, talked about Life-Cycles, the principal theme and purpose behind the World Interior Design Day. He also introduced the speakers. This was followed with a talk by Sanjib Chatterjee, an architect and product designer. Chatterjee, along with Anjalee Wakankar, an interior designer co-founded the renowned Kaaru line. Kaaru-in Sanskrit means giving shape to work-is a line of sensitively made, ecologically sound product designs that show a keen connection between artisans, art, craft, and design. In his talk on Life-Cycles-the theme of the World Interior Design Day, Chatterjee spoke at length on the subject of relevant design vis-à-vis traditional crafts.

Dr Prem C Jain, member, Indian Green Buildings Council (IGBC), who was introduced by Ranjit Mitra, the Vice-Chairman of IIID, Delhi centre, raised concerns on the ecological front. He quoted the example of the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad as a stellar model of green architecture; using 60 per cent of recycled material, it has effected a 55 per cent reduction in energy costs. The Green Building Congress also met last month in Hyderabad to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work in. Established in 2001, IGBC aims to have 50 green products by the end of 2004. A phenomenal task, but it will make the coming generations proud of work, concluded Jain. The programme got rounded off with Lipika Sud explaining IIID's future involvements.

After the talks followed lively interactions among the distinguished guests. One of the supporters of the event was Novar India, the makers of fine electricals. IDI, one of the premier interiors magazines in the country, plans more such events to keep up the thrust of the design debate alive in the country.