Amity School of Architecture & Planning (ASAP), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus, organised a one–day symposium, ‘ArchiSphere’26’, on the theme “Housing is a Human Right, Adequate Housing for All”, to commemorate World Architecture Day and World Habitat Day 2026. The Symposium witnessed participation of more than 100 students from 8 schools including Mahamaya Balika Inter College, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Mayoor School, Jayant School, JBM Global School and Amity International Schools.
The symposium featured an engaging Panel Discussion on the theme. “Housing is a Human right-Adequate Housing for All” wherein experts Architect Ashutosh Agrawal, Chairman, Delhi Urban Art Commission New Delhi, Dr. Vishal Mittal, Principal Architect, Space Designers International, Dr. Prakriti Mehta, Urban Designer, Design Action Group, Dr. KK Pandey, Policy Consultant, Former Head, Centre for Urban Studies, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Architect Lovlesh Sharma, Head Urban Youth Unit, National Institute of Urban Affairs(NIUA), participated.
Deliberating upon the topic, Dr. Vishal Mittal, Principal Architect, Space Designers International, averred, “Architects must keep in mind the requirements of the user and design a project accordingly. The user’s budget consideration is also a major criterion while planning a housing project since it should be affordable for the user. Ensuring adequate housing is essential for building inclusive and sustainable communities, and continued efforts in this direction can play an important role in addressing the housing challenges faced by a large section of our population.”
Architect Lovlesh Sharma, Head Urban Youth Unit, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), opined, “Housing is a basic necessity; therefore, it must be affordable, accessible and economical for all sections of society. For economically weaker and low-income families, affordability is a fundamental criterion, as the cost of housing should be within their financial means without compromising their ability to meet other essential needs.”
Sharing his views during the Panel Discussion, Dr. K.K Pandey, Policy Consultant, Former Head, Centre for Urban Studies, Indian Institute of Public Administration, asserted, “Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is a significant initiative of the Government towards ensuring access to affordable and dignified housing for the lower and lower-middle-income sections of society. Such initiatives not only address the basic need for shelter but also contribute to improving the quality of life and social security.”
Inaugurating the Symposium, Dr. Chanderdeep Tandon, Additional Pro-Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said, “The future of our cities will be shaped by how effectively we integrate human needs, sustainability, technology and thoughtful planning. Through initiatives such as ArchiSphere’26, Amity University is encouraging students to move beyond conventional approaches, engage with real-world challenges and develop solutions that can contribute to more equitable and resilient communities.”
Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Khatri, Additional Pro-Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, stated, “Addressing the housing challenge requires innovative, sustainable and inclusive approaches that place people at the centre of design and planning. Platforms such as ArchiSphere’26 provide students with an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges, think creatively and envision architectural solutions that are socially relevant, environmentally responsible and accessible to all.”
Highlighting the significance of the Symposium, Dr. D.P. Singh, Dean, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said, “Housing is at the heart of human dignity, security and well-being. As architects and planners, we have a responsibility to create built environments that are inclusive, sustainable and accessible to all. ArchiSphere’26 provides a meaningful platform for young minds to explore innovative solutions to the housing challenges of our time and envision cities where everyone has the right to live with dignity.”
During the Symposium, students presented posters showcasing diverse architectural project typologies, including temples, retreats, corridors, cultural villages and habitat centres. The projects reflected innovative design approaches that integrated cultural identity, community needs, sustainability and environmental considerations, highlighting students’ creativity and their understanding of architecture as a means to create inclusive, smart and functional spaces.
In addition, two inter-institutional competitions were organised by ASAP’s institute-level clubs in association with similar clubs from selected schools in Noida. ‘Spark Tank’ competition, organised by the Sustainability Impact Club (SIC), ASAP and Sanskritik Postcard’ competition, organised by the Heritage Exploration Club (HEC), ASAP. The competitions provided students with a platform to present creative and sustainable ideas addressing contemporary environmental and housing challenges.