Imagination Journey to Hyderabad—the vibrant capital of Telangana, means a lot more to me. It’s not just a city for IT and history but an artery of culture and art. Our students of JD School of Design recently visited the vibrant new city, which was rich in experience, filled with learning, exploration, and tons of fun. From the forward-looking IGBC Green Business Centre to the majestic Golkonda Fort and the vivacious streets of Charminar, every moment felt as if it was as educational as it was thrilling.

Green Architecture and Cultural Craft

IGBC Green Business Centre

Our tour began in the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Green Business Centre, which was our first exposure to all the grandeur of green architecture. Walking into this eco-friendly marvel, one of the world’s greenest buildings, we opened our eyes to the beauty of it all. The center is a testament to what could be when technology and environmental responsibility come together.

The latest trends in green buildings, as exhibited through interactive exhibits, really carried away the students. AR Ayesha, an expert on sustainable design, spoke to the children to inspire the youngsters on how one can work towards placing these eco-friendly practices into his/her future project. It was indeed a day of knowledge, because all the attendees left with certificates in their hands signed by Mr. M. Anand, acknowledging their commitment to understanding sustainability.

That experience left us most in awe of what was happening right at that crucible of design and environmental consciousness. Lest one thought there was so much more to learning than imagination and figuring out how to create a better, greener future.

Shilparamam: The Festival of Indian Crafts End

Our second destination was Shilparamam, a cultural village that settled amidst 65 acres of art and craftsmanship. The timing couldn’t have been more apt because the village came alive in the spirit of Navratri; it seemed as though we had stepped into a world where tradition and art reside side by side. The vibrancy of the folk festival that was witnessed on display reflected beautifully diverse Indian culture in traditional dance performances, craft exhibitions, and stalls selling beautiful handcrafted goods.

Indeed, it was a tremendous eye-opener for students. The intricate textiles, wooden carvings, and handmade crafts were no longer mere products but stories of heritage passed down from generations. Dealing with the artisans helped to provide a deeper understanding of the traditional design technique while closing the gap created by age-old craftsmanship and modern design thinking. A colourful, practical lesson in art, culture, and sustainability.

Hyderabad’s Historical Marvels

Golkonda Fort: The Acoustic Wonder

The very second day took us deep into history with a visit to the legendary Golkonda Fort. Spread over a sprawling 120-acre site, the sheer scale of the fort left us speechless. Once the capital of the Golconda Sultanate, it stands as today, an emblem of Hyderabad’s brilliant past. Students explored vast stone walls, ancient gateways, and palaces; but what amazed me was the acoustics there.

The architecture was so designed that the clap given at the entrance could be heard at the top of it. So we experimented with this acoustic phenomenon, and the students were amazed at how practical the ancient architecture was. Thus, an excellent lesson learned is that often science and history intertwine even in the most unexpected ways.

Charminar: Hyderabad’s Jewel End

The Imagination Journey to Hyderabad was never truly complete without a visit to the iconic Charminar. This fourteen-century monument, built in 1591, is still a time-tested symbol of the city. The symmetry of the arches, minute details, and grand scale of the monument provided an interesting glimpse into Indo-Islamic architecture. For the students, this was a visit to study principles of scale, symmetry, and proportion.

It was the busy market around Charminar that made this visit rich. From traditional crafts to local street food, this market is a sensory overload. Wandering up and down the narrow lanes, indulging in vibrant culture with discussions on how local craftsmanship is influencing modern design.

Design Democracy 2024: A Platform for Innovation

What I enjoyed the most during the whole trip was attending the Design Democracy 2024. This event took place in an enormous area of 50,000 square feet and was a huge creative and innovative platform. People such as designers, architects, and students came here to show their ideas and projects and collaborate with each other.

This was a great platform for our students to get a hot opportunity to get in touch with industry leaders, discuss their work, and be valued by feedback from such experienced professionals. It was more an affair that stretched beyond the confinement of being an event and was a platform for young minds to expand into new horizons and think of the design that could open up the future. The exposure to new materials, philosophies, and innovative ways is something that leaves everyone inspired and motivated.

An Imagination Journey of Learning and Memories

This imaginary journey to Hyderabad has been equally great – a mix of fun and learning. We had IGBC Green Business Centre, where we learned about sustainability, and Golkonda Fort and Charminar, which are historical landmarks. Each day was a discovery, full of excitement. Interaction with artisans at Shilparamam and participation in Design Democracy 2024 presented a perfect opportunity to learn outside the classroom walls, within a melting pot of history, culture, and innovation.

The trip was more special because of the shared experience—laughing together, learning together, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Hyderabad was not just a destination; it was actually a journey that enriched both minds and hearts.