Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth to Host D'KODE 2026 Design Summit in Pune
The School of Design at Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth in Pimpri, Pune, is set to host its flagship two-day design event, 'D'KODE 2026', on March 23 and 24. This prestigious summit will bring together a diverse group of designers, students, academicians, and industry professionals to explore the evolving role of typography in contemporary communication design.
Theme and Focus of D'KODE 2026
This year's theme, 'Discover Design Decode', emphasizes how design functions as a visual language that communicates meaning, identity, and cultural narratives. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on display typography, encouraging participants to experiment with bold and expressive letterforms. These elements are designed to create a strong visual impact and transform typography into a powerful storytelling tool.
Key Highlights and Speakers
A major highlight of the summit will be expert talks and keynote sessions by leading professionals from the design and typography community. Notable speakers include:
- D Udaya Kumar, renowned for designing the Indian rupee symbol.
- Sarang Kulkarni, co-founder of Ek Type.
- Abhishek Vardhan Singh, a calligraphy expert.
- Chaitanya Gokhale, a senior calligrapher.
- Shantanu Salunke, a prominent designer.
Interactive Workshops and Exhibitions
The programme will feature hands-on typography and calligraphy workshops, large-scale typographic installations, and a juried display typography poster exhibition. Students will actively participate through poster design projects and three-dimensional typographic installations, providing them with an opportunity to present their creative ideas and receive valuable feedback from experienced designers.
Objectives and Vision
Smita Jadhav, Pro Vice Chancellor of the university, stated that the summit aims to create a platform where students can interact with design professionals and gain exposure to contemporary practices in visual communication. This initiative is expected to foster innovation and collaboration within the design community, enhancing the educational experience for all participants.
