AJC+ Himalayan Design & Writing Retreat 2026
- Suneja Pappal
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As AJC+ celebrates ten years of initiatives in architecture, design, publishing, research, and education (2016–2026), we are delighted to announce the AJC+ Himalayan Design & Writing Retreat 2026.
Conceived as a unique space for learning, reflection, dialogue, and collaborative knowledge production, the retreat brings together architects, designers, artists, researchers, writers, educators, students, and creative practitioners in the peaceful foothills of the Himalayas.
The retreat will be offered in two batches:
Batch I: 3–6 August 2026
Batch II: 14–17 December 2026
Unlike conventional workshops, the program is structured as an immersive editorial and learning experience where participants engage collectively with contemporary questions surrounding design, culture, media, accessibility, and knowledge production.
Themes
The retreat focuses on three interconnected areas:
Design Journalism, Critical Writing, and Publishing in the Age of A.I.
Participants will explore the evolving relationship between AI, authorship, editorial practice, publishing, and critical discourse while developing practical skills in research, writing, and communication.
Histories of Art, Design, Architecture, and Visual Culture
Through lectures, readings, discussions, and case studies, participants will examine how historical perspectives continue to shape contemporary design thinking and cultural production.
Design Accessibility, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility
Workshops and collaborative exercises will encourage participants to reflect on inclusive design practices and the broader social responsibilities of designers, researchers, and creative practitioners.
A Collaborative Publication
A central component of the retreat is the development of a collective publication. Selected active participants will have the opportunity to contribute essays, reflections, and written work developed during and after the programme.
The final edited volume will be published as an Open Access publication in collaboration with a German library, providing participants with first-hand experience of professional editorial and publication processes.
Participation Options
General Participants
4 Days / 3 Nights Residential Programme
Fee:₹26,000 per person // €260 per person
Former AJC Participants
5 Days / 4 Nights Residential Programme
AJC Alumni & Community Scholarship Rate:
₹17,000 per person // €170 per person
This special anniversary scholarship is available to former participants of AJC competitions, workshops, lectures, publications, events, and academic programmes as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to the AJC+ community over the past decade.
Day Participants
2-Day Workshop Programme (Without Overnight Stay)
Fee: ₹8,000 per person // €80 per person
Day participants will join selected workshops, discussions, and activities, with particular emphasis on design accessibility, inclusion, and socially responsible design practices.
Programme Includes
Accommodation
All meals during the programme
Workshops, discussions, and activities
Participation in the publication project (for selected active participants)
Certificate of Participation with 2 ECTS Credits
Please note that travel to and from the venue is not included.
Registration
Enrollment for both batches is open until 30 June 2026.
As participation is limited, early registration is strongly encouraged.
To register or request additional information, please contact:
When writing to us, please indicate whether you are interested in the August or December batch.
We warmly invite institutions, colleagues, students, researchers, and members of the wider creative community to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.
We look forward to welcoming participants for a period of learning, writing, reflection, collaboration, and meaningful conversations in the foothills of the Himalayas.
AJC+ Team
Celebrating 10 Years of AJC+ (2016–2026)
Cover image generated by Open A.I.
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