Sushant University Hosts ICDC 2026 to Advance Global Dialogue on Social Design and Inclusive Futures
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], September 24: The School of Design, Sushant University, Gurugram, successfully hosted the International Conference on Design Consciousness (ICDC) 2026 on September 18, 2026. Held on the theme “Social Design: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures,” the conference brought together academicians, researchers, designers, architects, industry professionals and students to explore the evolving role of design in addressing complex social and environmental challenges.
The conference was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Rakesh Ranjan, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Sushant University, as Chief Patron, with Dr. Sanjiv Kumar Sharma, Hon’ble Pro Vice-Chancellor, as Patron and Dr. Koshalpreet Kaur as Conference Chair. The conference was conceived as a platform for examining design beyond aesthetics and functionality, with emphasis on inclusion, sustainability, social impact, universal design, public spaces, service design, digital social innovation, AI and emerging technologies. The discussions focused on the need for more responsible, empathetic and human-centred approaches to design.
ICDC 2026 featured a distinguished research advisory network comprising experts from leading international institutions, including The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, IULM University Milan, Politecnico di Milano, UNAB Santiago, Milano Fashion Institute, and Webster University, Tashkent, alongside eminent academics and design experts from institutions across India.
A key highlight of the conference was the expert panel bringing together diverse perspectives from architecture, design, urban development and creative practice. The panel featured architects, Co-founders & directors and directors from design. Their discussion centred on the idea of “Designing a Conscious Future for All.”
