Mumbai: Architectural Digest (AD) India, the ultimate design authority published by Condé Nast India, hosted its annual architecture and design event, AD100. In association with Asian Paints and supported by Axor, Wriver and IF.BE, the annual list selected by Architectural Digest rounds up the best 100 design studios and architectural practices from India and the subcontinent. The winners were honoured at an exclusive event held at IF.BE Mumbai, the 145-year-old ice factory that has been repurposed into a contemporary space for architecture, design and the arts. This year, the AD100 trophy, designed by Sam Barclay of Case Design, was produced by Wriver in white carrara marble. Wriver’s love for distinctive and luxurious craftsmanship is evident in the way they moulded this year’s AD100 trophy which infuses elements of elegance and minimalism.
Over the years, AD100 has become the most talked-about event in the industry that pools together a diverse range of talent: from the most revered names from the realms of architecture, and interior and landscape design to the tastemakers shaping the creative culture of the country. AD revealed the names of the 100 firms who have been working tirelessly to carefully restore heritage buildings and create intimate residential spaces, impactful public buildings, and lush landscapes. For the second year running, AD casts a wider net in search of talent outside of the siloes of Mumbai and Delhi, looking more actively for excellence from other cities and towns, including Kozhikode, Pune and Chandigarh. Diversity and inclusivity are key to our storytelling at AD.
At the AD100 event this year, AD remembered, honoured and celebrated the life and work of Mr BV Doshi. A stalwart in the industry, he was a close friend of AD. It’s no secret that nature guided and informed Doshi’s work. The venue, IF.BE, is built around a 147-year-old banyan tree; this tree became a focal point of the tribute—around it were vignettes and moments from Doshi’s life, glimpses of his work and legacy, along with a poem, Vriksha Sar, penned by Doshi.
The AD100 list was meticulously researched and handpicked by the AD team. The exclusive evening witnessed the attendance of some of the most renowned mavens from the fields of interiors, architecture, culture, art, fashion and design.
“Asian Paints is proud to be a supporter of AD100, for its recognition of the finest work in design, craft and architecture. Architectural Digest is a long-standing collaborator and we are especially happy to present the Custodian of Culture project award, something we care deeply about, and to showcase the Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2023 at this exciting event.” – Amit Syngle, managing director and CEO, Asian Paints
“Our March-April issue is a keeper, if I may say so myself. It features the AD100 list of 2023, that definitive annual selection of the finest architects and designers in the subcontinent. For the first time, we’ve created a Hall of Fame of 10 senior and pioneering architects and designers, in addition to the hundred firms we select every year, with 17 new entrants this time.
This is also the first time AD100, a much-awaited party for the fraternity, moved to an incredible new space called IF.BE in Mumbai’s historic Ballard Estate neighbourhood. It’s an old ice factory reclaimed and recreated into a space for the community, and designed for art, design, and cultural programming. Community, infact is a strong bent of AD100 this year. It’s not about celebrating individual excellence alone, but practices and projects that are for the larger community. The five excellence award winners this year are all in support of public and cultural spaces like museums, memorials, theatres, and ateliers for craftspeople” said Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content, AD India
Each year, at AD100, AD recognises the works of a handful of architects and designers pushing the boundaries of creative excellence, while remaining true to their roots. This year, culture and community take centrestage. Each of the projects celebrated are deeply informed by both their context and site, but moreover, they create new spaces for the public to build connections, have enriching experiences and find a community.
