VES College of Architecture successfully concluded the eighth edition of its annual inter-collegiate festival, SHUNYA 8.0 'Āyāma', marking a week-long celebration of architecture, technology, art, sustainability and culture.
The festival brought together students from various educational institutions across the region for workshops, expert interactions, competitions, creative activities and community engagements. It provided participants a platform to learn, experiment and collaborate beyond the conventional architecture curriculum.
A key highlight of the event was the ‘Converse’ programme, which connected students with professionals from diverse fields. Speakers included architect and sculptor Arzan Khambatta, known for his distinctive metal sculptures; Rasik Raman Das, author and life-skills coach; Ar. Gerard D’Cunha, recognised for his innovative work in vernacular architecture; Karan Mehta, who discussed the growing role of digital content and storytelling; and Santosh Bade, who spoke on architectural photography.
Technology and contemporary design practices featured prominently through hands-on workshops and sessions. Topics covered included 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence in Architecture, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, parametric and computational design, digital tectonics and additive fabrication. These sessions allowed students to engage directly with emerging tools and methods shaping the future of the profession.
The festival also included alumni-led interactions, debates, quizzes and activities that encouraged students to explore and engage more closely with their own campus environment. These elements broadened participation and strengthened connections within the VESCOA community.
Artistic expression formed another major component of SHUNYA 8.0. Workshops covered a wide range of creative practices such as Macramé, Lippan Art, Digital Sketching, Silhouette Painting, Ink Illustration, Mandala Art and Resin Art. Performance activities, including Western Dance, further enriched the cultural dimension of the festival.
The celebrations concluded with an alumni meet and farewell ceremony that brought together past and present members of the VESCOA community. The evening recognised the achievements of faculty, staff and students through academic awards, followed by cultural programmes featuring music, dance and student performances that brought the five-day event to a close.
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Dr Prof. Anand Achari, Principal of VES College of Architecture, reflected on the significance of the festival: “SHUNYA 8.0 embodies our belief that a festival of this scale should bring together learning, creativity, celebration and camaraderie while cultivating an enduring spirit of inquiry. By bringing technology, art, professional discourse and community engagement together, the festival encourages students to engage with diverse modes of thought and appreciate the complex interplay of disciplines that is increasingly essential to their learning and development today.”
Beyond the core academic and creative activities, the festival also reflected VESCOA’s broader commitment to learning that extends outside the classroom. Initiatives such as the Waste Collection Drive promoted responsible disposal and recycling, reinforcing the values of sustainability and social responsibility among participants.
SHUNYA 8.0 “Āyāma” successfully combined professional discourse, technological exploration, artistic practice and community engagement. The event underscored the institution’s focus on holistic student development and its role in fostering collaboration among architecture students in Mumbai and beyond.
The eighth edition further strengthened SHUNYA’s position as a significant inter-collegiate platform for architecture students, offering opportunities for skill-building, networking and creative expression in a supportive and stimulating environment.
