Design POV Returns to Mumbai, Championing a Future That is Felt, Not Just Seen

MUMBAI, India – March 16, 2026 – The landscape of design is set for a sensory shake-up as Design POV announces its return to Mumbai from May 15-17, 2026. Hosted at the expansive Jio World Convention Centre, the highly anticipated second edition, themed 'Sense and Sensibility', signals a deliberate and profound shift away from purely visual aesthetics towards a more holistic, multi-sensory exploration of space.

Building on a formidable debut in 2025 that reportedly drew over 7,000 visitors and showcased more than 75 brands, the platform is poised to deepen its impact. Founders Asif Sataar and Gagan Bhatia are doubling down on their mission to dismantle the conventional exhibition format, curating an environment where design is not merely observed but experienced with every sense.

The Sensory Revolution in Design

The theme 'Sense and Sensibility' is more than a clever title; it's a direct response to a global paradigm shift in architecture and interior design. For years, the industry has operated under a sight-dominant paradigm. Design POV 2026 seeks to challenge this by asking a fundamental question: How does a space feel? The event aims to move beyond surface-level aesthetics to explore the powerful, often subconscious, impact of texture, sound, scent, and atmosphere on human emotion and connection.

This approach aligns with a growing international discourse that champions human-centered and experiential design. Experts argue that creating memorable and meaningful environments requires engaging the full spectrum of human senses. From the tactile warmth of a wooden surface to the carefully engineered acoustics of a room, these elements are being repositioned from afterthoughts to foundational components of the design process.

"As an industry, we are often conditioned to prioritise what a space looks like because that is how most briefs are framed," explains Asif Sataar, Co-Founder of Design POV. "With Sense and Sensibility, we are consciously shifting the lens toward how a space is experienced. Texture, sound, atmosphere and emotion are not secondary layers, they are fundamental to how people connect with a space."

A Curated Convergence of Talent

To bring this ambitious vision to life, Design POV has assembled an impressive roster of India's leading architectural and design studios. The lineup includes globally recognized firms such as Sanjay Puri Architects, ADND Studio, Abin Design Studio, Studio Archohm, Shroffleon, and Talati & Partners LLP, among others. These creative powerhouses are invited to interpret the central theme through unconstrained spatial expression.

Sanjay Puri Architects, a firm celebrated for its innovative and context-responsive architecture, is known for sculptural forms and sustainable designs that inherently explore spatial perception. Similarly, Talati & Partners LLP, a legacy firm with a philosophy that 'Distinction is in the Detail,' emphasizes creating timeless, bespoke environments that wrap comfort around the user. The participation of such studios suggests a deep, intellectual engagement with the event's theme, promising installations that are both thought-provoking and experientially rich.

These studios will collaborate with a curated selection of brands, including Blanc White, Kuche 7, Neytt Homes, Sunroof, and Woven Legacy. Exhibitors across furniture, lighting, surfaces, and textiles will unveil new collections and experimental materials, many created exclusively for the event. This collaborative ecosystem is central to the platform's ethos.

"From the outset, our intention was to create a setting where design is not simply displayed, but truly inhabited," adds Gagan Bhatia, Co-Founder. "Each edition strengthens that ambition through sharper curation, stronger collaborations and immersive environments that allow people to connect meaningfully with design."

Mumbai's Ascent as a Global Design Epicenter

The choice of the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) is a statement in itself. As India's largest and most technologically advanced convention facility, its ability to host world-class events underscores Mumbai's growing stature as a global hub for creativity and commerce. The city's dynamic design scene, characterized by a vibrant and competitive landscape of trade shows and exhibitions, provides a fertile ground for an event as conceptually ambitious as Design POV.

By pushing an agenda focused on experiential innovation, the platform not only contributes to this ecosystem but also helps define its leading edge. It positions Mumbai as a city where the future of design is being actively debated, shaped, and presented to an international audience. The event serves as a crucial intersection for architects, designers, brand leaders, and discerning homeowners to engage directly with these evolving trends.

From Showroom to Storytelling

What truly sets Design POV apart is its structural rejection of the static showcase. Instead of isolated product displays, the event is built around immersive brand pavilions and experiential installations. At the heart of this is 'The Core,' a collective of the invited design studios tasked with creating fully realized environments in collaboration with participating brands.

This format encourages a shift from product to narrative, where materials and furniture are not just objects for sale but tools for spatial storytelling. Visitors are invited to walk through, touch, and inhabit these spaces, allowing for a much deeper engagement than a traditional exhibition would permit. The 2026 edition promises to be a hub of activity, featuring new product launches, curated studio showcases, and a series of panels and workshops designed to foster dialogue and innovation.

By positioning itself at the nexus of commerce and creativity, Design POV offers a compelling glimpse into the future. It is a future where the value of design is measured not just by its visual appeal, but by its ability to evoke emotion, foster connection, and enrich the human experience in a tangible, multi-sensory way.