National Architecture Conference & Awards
2-3-4 September, 2022
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Gala Award Night: Hotel Lalit
WADE ASIA, the largest event in the world celebrating the lives and works of women in design, architecture, art, construction, product design, engineering, is back with a bang. Block the dates for an engaging & immersive time with the fraternity, while enjoying knowledge sessions, innovations, exhibition & project showcase.
Register for the event at www.wadeasia.com and book your tickets for Delhi. Here are some details about the event.
Purpose
What women need is a community where ideas are heard, connections are made and talents are shared. In 2016, WADE was born to make a change. One of the first and largest in Asia, WADE is a networking platform for celebrating Women-led developments in the field of Architecture, Art, Design, Engineering, and Construction. It was created by two sisters Vertica Dvivedi and Madhurima Chowdhury. The idea was to build a common space where creative women can meet, network, learn and grow. The progress of these talented women is documented and appreciated through WADE.
WADE ASIA was created with the following objectives:
- Ensuring visibility of Women-led projects
- Bridging Mentorship between Leading & Aspiring
- Standing by those who want to return & restart
- Encouraging, Sharing & Learning through Research
- Celebrating their Life, Work & Achievements
- Recognising and Rewarding Creative minds
Celebrating WADE ASIA since 2016 through conferences, exhibitions and awards had led to a huge response and participation from more than 20 states of India. The age range of participants ranged from 16-84 years. Guests and representatives had joined from Sri Lanka, London, Australia, Nepal, Bhutan, and more!
WADE ASIA has connected with thousands of women and inspired people across the world. The WADE Awards have recognized over 5000 women from 15+ states in India. Speakers from Nepal, Indonesia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been a part of this movement. There are more than 50 awardees every year who receive the WADE AWARD through competition.
The top most award every year is the WADE Lifetime Achievement Award. It is given through nomination and research. Didi Contractor and Ar Namita Singh from India and Ar Yasmeen Lari from Pakistan have received this coveted award so far.
Among the Sustainability champions are Ar Sheila Sri Prakash and Ar Neelam Manjunath. WADE ASIA has a top award for contribution by women in design & architecture in different fields of society. That’s a special category award. Ar Neera Adarkar, Ar Pratima Joshi, Ar Madhavi Desai, and Ar Gita Balakrishnan received this award in the last few years.
WADE ASIA Award Categories
There are two categories of WADE Awards, i.e., through competition and nominations.
Competition category includes, Student Award, Young WADE India Emerging Award, Excellence Award, Artist award, Best Use of colour in architecture or interior design project and Product Designer Award.
In the Nomination category, these are the following sub categories of awards- Role Model of The Year, Special Contribution, Academia, Sustainability Champion of the Year, Art Maestro, WADE Lifetime Achievement Award and WADE India Women in Engineering award.
Full Schedule of WADE ASIA 2022 will be announced soon. For Speaking Opportunities /Queries, write to madhu@wadeasia.com
Meeting the objectives...
Many women architects and designers have been vocal about the role of WADE ASIA in their career. Pratima Joshi, a founding member of Shelter Associates (Pune) has been able to come out of a bubble and connect with her peers. She says, “I was interacting with so many women peers for the first time in the last 25 years. It was such an enriching experience for me as I have been mostly working in my own silo for years without much interaction with the fraternity. You put together such a fine event with every little detail worked out and coupled with outstanding hospitality. Congrats to Vertica, Madhurima and WADE team.”
Women like her and Tanvi Jain have been able to drive inspiration from a diverse group of architects and designers. Many have understood the true power of a community through WADE. Men and Women come together to celebrate the strength and recognition of women in Design. Architects from diverse backgrounds with rich minds come together to share their stories of how they did it. Let us look at what these women had to say about WADE.
“What you have created- the space, the energy, the team, the immense possibilities of exploration and exchange- all of this incredible. May you go from strength to strength.” - Sumana Chandrasekhar, India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore
“WADE ASIA is a platform to perform the Art in architecture. It helps me a lot to criticize, research, and improve more on it. This has given the opportunity to network with the fraternity.” -Shana Fathima Kondotty, Kerala
“The profession of architecture needed a platform like WADE ASIA to encourage women architects to pursue their profession in their own right and not as a supportive professional to the male fraternity. Thanks and all the best! We are and will be there at all times to support you fully in all your ventures!” - Neelam Manjunath, Manasaram Architects, Bangalore
I am delighted to see so many people from South Asia in WADE. More power to you so that this forum grows and I’m sure only women will do it. - Shri Rajeev Sethi, Padma Bhushan Awardee and celebrated art curator
WADE has seen proud fathers bringing in their daughters to actively participate in the creative Industry. Sons have helped their mother to come back to the profession by networking at WADE. The energy is awesome, that of possibilities.
‘WADE is an opportunity to make a difference and I strongly encourage you to collaborate and highlight the talents of women in Asia.’ - Ar Yasmin Shariff, London Honorary Secretary, Architectural Association and National Counsellor RIBA
Men in WADE ASIA
The Success of WADE however, has been largely influenced by men as well. Immense support and enthusiastic contributions from them has led to a huge difference. Their contributions bring about changes in the society, mindset and the lives of people around the world. WADE ASIA has received numerous messages from their male peers, supporting the initiative and standing by this to cheer the contribution of women in design. The Guest of Honour from WADE ASIA 2019, Rajeev Talwar mentioned in his special address:
“It is a great privilege for me to be here. I think it is a great breakthrough. If you can sustain a show for 4 years with women Architects, Designers, Artists and Engineers to recognise the contribution of women, I am quite sanguine WADE ASIA is set to increase geometrically and become more significant in skill development among women.” Rajeev Talwar, Chairmain Emeritus, NAREDCO and Whole Time Director of DLF Ltd.
Ar Christopher Benniger is the founder of the School of Planning at Ahmedabad (CEPT University) and the Center for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA) at Pune. The award-winning American-Indian Architect and planner was a speaker in WADE ASIA 2017. He spoke about all the women who have influenced and changed his life. From Barbara Ward to Jaquline Tyrwhitt, he mentioned the important contributions of women and how their words inspired his projects. To WADE team, he said, “You should be proud about what you are doing.”
WADE has seen proud fathers bringing in their daughters to actively participate in the creative Industry. Sons have helped their mother to get the much deserved recognition. Even partners have supported and inspired each other.
Some of the positive sentiments received from males for WADE ASIA
‘WADE ASIA is one of the most memorable events I have attended. Infact, it felt more like a close family function where you literally feel sad while leaving. Didn’t feel like an Architectural event for even a minute. Best part was seeing all Asian women Architects on the same stage with a superb array of works.’ -Neilesh Kenkare, Co-founder, Arch Aid, Mumbai
The positive energy of these people have led to the growth of the movement. Here are a few more encouraging and insightful words from talented men across Asia:
‘WADE ASIA event was designed with great skill and handled with immense grace, warmth and professionalism.’ -Dr. Chatterjee
‘WADE event is a great initiative and such kinds of events are needed!’ - Ar. Rajendra Kumar
What to expect from WADE ASIA 2022
Being the 7th year of WADE ASIA and 5th year of WADE ASIA AWARDS, this year is special. Also becasuse, it is happening after two years, lost to the pandemic. The fun-filled three days will consist of various architecture and design events, talks, seminars and of course, the much awaited award ceremony. Alongside WADE ASIA, there is an exhibition dedicated to materials specially panels, surfaces and interior products, called ‘MATECIA.’ Expect fun time, networking, knowledge, exporation of products and projects and a lot of learning from WADE ASIA 2022.
Have you blocked your dates from 2-4 September 2022? Visit the website www.wadeasia.com to register for the event.
It is a great privilege for me to be at WADE ASIA. I think it is a great breakthrough. If you can sustain a show for 4 years with women Architects, Designers, Artists and Engineers to recognise the contribution of women, I am quite sanguine WADE ASIA is set to increase geometrically and become more significant in skill development among women. - Mr Rajeev Talwar, Chairman Emeritus, National Real Estate Development Council and Whole Time Director, DLF Ltd
Some opinions from women who attended WADE ASIA
“I was impressed to see the depth of thinking that has gone into WADE ASIA.” - Sonali Aggarwal, Chandigarh
“I met my mentor at WADE ASIA!” - Yashashree Purohit, Kohlapur
Being a part of WADE has made it easier to network among contemporaries as well as higher ups.” - Sethulakshmi Mohandas, Calicut
“I recommend every lady photographer to attend WADE ASIA to understand what a difference it can make in her life personally and professionally.” - Yamini Krishna, Thane
“WADE ASIA provides a unique stage to share stories, struggles and achievements of life.” - Anagha Patil, Nasik
“Creating a world record by WADE ASIA for the largest number of Women standing together for Water awareness as a cause this year was amazing. WADE is here to tread paths which have not been taken before.” - Bhadri Sonpal, Ahmedabad
“WADE ASIA is sure to grow in numbers and respect in terms of spread, reach and popularity! I had been following it for the last couple of years and felt compelled to participate this time.”- Jasleen Manrao, Pune
“The energy I felt at WADE awards felt truly dignifying and comforting.” - Prerna Kaleru, Panchkula
“The open juries at WADE ASIA and the interactions between architects and designers helped me to expand my vision.” - Deepali Meni, Ahmedabad
“I welcome all of you to WADE ASIA 2022, not limited to women. Come prepared to work with me and my team in various capacities to make WADE ASIA one of the biggest learning & networking ground for professionals in architecture & design. What we can learn from eachother’s experiences is priceless. Let’s make the coming together meaningful!” Vertica Dvivedi, Founder, WADE ASIA Chairperson WADE FOUNDATION vertica@wadeasia.com
WADe InternationaL
The WADE ASIA Conference gave me the opportunity to reconnect with many long lost Indian friends through my journey in life. I was surprised at the number of person who came had said that that they enjoyed my presentation. Thanks to Madhu & Neha for so skillfully conducting the WADE Conference! - Nela De Zoysa, Sri Lanka
We applaud the efforts of WADE to build up a platform for women in architecture and design.” - Studio Gang, New York
Dear Vertica and Madhu, it was one of the best conferences I have attended. Love from Bhutan. – Ar. Dorji Yangki, President, Bhutan Institute of Architects, Bhutan
WADE ASIA event was designed with great skill and handled with immense grace, warmth and professionalism. – Dr. Anuradha Chatterjee, Sydney
"I really enjoyed meeting some stellar creatives during WADE ASIA" - Pallavi Dean, Design by Roar, Dubai
"WADE is an opportunity to make a difference and I strongly encourage you to collaborate and highlights the talents of women in asia." - Ar Yasmin Shariff, London
"WADE is quite a platform! doing wonderful job of supporting and nurturing many talented women in architecture, design, art and photography in Asia! It was inspiring to listen to some of Asia's leading creative women.” - Janie Airey, London
