In 2026, the annual Paul Mellon Lecture will be given by architect and urban conservationist Brinda Somaya. Drawing on decades of experience, she will explore the idea that architecture is not just about buildings and aesthetics but also about people, politics and social responsibility.
Shaped by Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Islamic, colonial, and modernist traditions, India’s built environment reflects centuries of cultural exchange and transformation. Today, architects in South Asia work across an extraordinary range of contexts—from informal settlements to heritage sites and from major corporate headquarters to public buildings. The region’s architects navigate stark social and economic divides, with projects spanning conservation, cutting-edge design and grassroots engagement.
