Water represents a new beginning and vitality! Many cultures have considered water to be sacred, and civilizations near significant bodies of water developed. Thus, we could argue that architecture was born from water.

Water is a fundamental component that gives many architectural designs their physical, spatial, and sensory qualities. With its size, location, and proportion, water has the power to change any area. It functions as a dynamic axis in any situation thanks to its dimensional quality.

Architecture has always been involved with water, frequently serving an aesthetic function but more importantly acting as a hub for human activity. It has been used for ages as a transportation system to facilitate trade and business, but it has also offered chances for leisure activities on a variety of dimensions.

A pleasant area may be created by water or its presence by altering the microclimate of a location. Any community can experience a macro-level change in a location. Since the beginning of civilization, the aesthetic value of water has been of utmost importance. Since water symbolizes a potent cleansing element, it has been used in several rites throughout most religions. Water is a symbol of rebirth, death, and life.

Water is a finite resource that is incredibly important to humanity. The successful use of water from an environmental, scientific, aesthetic, or creative standpoint currently depends on our capacity to manage it. Water-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent due to extreme occurrences including climatic change, warfare, and political instability. Additionally, the water and the diverse natural habitats of organisms that depend on water have been negatively impacted by the rise in human population.

Many socio-political disputes centre on water, and it is anticipated that future wars will be fought because of water. It is thus prudent for us to end this pattern of indifference by speaking out against it and bringing attention to the water situation. Additionally, a conversation is required to embrace more sustainable lifestyle choices.

With this insight, we bring forth the IDRC 2023 with the theme ‘WATER AND ARCHITECTURE’. The aim of this research conference is to raise awareness of the critical issue of water as a finite resource and the necessity to restore the sacredness associated with its usage in architecture.

The metaphysical and the physical are connected through water. It acts as a bridge to link us to the future and a reminder of our relationship with our ancestors. We want researchers to advance this concept of water and its relationship with the built environment considering the present water crisis we are experiencing.