Mangaluru Design Summit 2026 to Tackle Urban Expansion Challenges
The coastal city of Mangaluru is gearing up for a significant event as the Mangaluru Design Summit 2026 is set to take place on March 7 and 8. This two-day summit aims to unite a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, civic organizations, students, and local residents, to engage in critical discussions about sustainable urban growth. The event comes at a pivotal time as Mangaluru undergoes substantial transformation through new infrastructure projects, real estate development, and ongoing Smart City initiatives.
Organizers and Theme
Organized by The Ohana Community Foundation in collaboration with St Aloysius (deemed to be university), the summit carries the compelling theme 'Designing Futures, Honouring Heritage'. This theme underscores the dual focus on forward-looking urban planning while preserving the city's rich cultural and historical legacy.
Event Details and Speakers
Event organizer Alka Manoj announced to reporters on Wednesday that the summit will feature an impressive lineup of more than 20 speakers from various fields. These experts will represent urban planning, marine ecology, waste management, heritage conservation, and governance sectors.
Notable speakers include:
- Arun Prabha, General Manager of Mangaluru Smart City Ltd
- Divya Hegde, Founder of Baeru Collective
- Ashok Mendonca, Architect and Urban Planner
- Sharon D'Souza, Founder of Green Xperts
- Niren Jain, Founder of Niren Jain Architects and Environmental Planners
- Nester Fernandes, Marine Biologist and Nature Educator
Additionally, representatives from prominent civic and community organizations will participate, including Coastal Heritage Collective, Anti Pollution Drive, Hasiru Dala, and Animal Care Trust.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Alka Manoj emphasized that the summit is particularly timely given the increasing public attention to urban challenges facing Mangaluru. The city is grappling with multiple issues including frequent flooding during heavy rainfall, coastal erosion, rising temperatures, mounting pressure on waste management systems, and rapid construction and infrastructure expansion.
Program Structure and Activities
The summit program is thoughtfully structured around four key themes:
- Designing with Heritage
- Climate-Responsive Futures
- Materials, Waste and Circularity
- Liveable and Inclusive Cities
Beyond panel discussions, the event will offer hands-on workshops covering terrarium building, cartography, and sustainable design principles. A unique Repair Fair will feature cobblers and tailors demonstrating traditional repair practices, promoting sustainability through reuse and repair.
The summit will also include a Green Initiatives Zone showcasing local environmental projects, a screening of the film 'Samudrada Motte (Ocean's Egg)', and an Eco-Flea Market featuring local sustainable brands and products.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the Mangaluru Design Summit 2026 will provide practical solutions and foster community engagement around the critical issues of urban development and environmental sustainability.
