Kolkata is set to emerge as a pivotal node in India’s architectural and building materials landscape with the launch of a three-day regional expo focused on East and Northeast India. Scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, the event, organised through a collaboration between MATECIA and Surfaces Reporter, will convene over 150 architecture and design firms, interior designers, developers, and materials suppliers from more than a dozen states.
Analysts see the gathering as a signal of the growing recognition of eastern and northeastern markets within India’s construction and design ecosystem. The exhibition spans over 1,50,000 sq ft and includes presentations from more than 200 architects and interior designers, alongside displays from over 100 interior, surface, and building material brands. By featuring 500 landmark projects from the region, organisers aim to provide both industry participants and policy stakeholders with a comprehensive view of design practices and material innovations emerging outside the traditionally dominant metros of Western and Southern India. Senior urban planners note that this increased visibility is likely to drive investment, elevate local design standards, and integrate regional practices into national construction and sustainability frameworks. A key component of the programme is the Surfaces Reporter Salutes Architecture & Design Honours, scheduled for 31 January 2026. This initiative will formally recognise around 100 architects and designers for work spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional, and urban design projects. By creating a formal platform for regional excellence, the honours are expected to enhance professional credibility and provide emerging designers with avenues for mentorship, collaboration, and market access. Industry experts suggest that such recognition can accelerate the adoption of climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and locally adapted design solutions in rapidly urbanising eastern cities.
The event also features knowledge-led forums such as India Interior Retailing, designed to facilitate dialogue between developers, suppliers, and designers, as well as the Surfaces Reporter SHOWCASE, which enables direct engagement between brands and design professionals. Observers highlight that these elements are not only commercial in intent but also play a critical role in fostering urban resilience by promoting sustainable materials, modular construction practices, and adaptive design strategies for India’s diverse eastern and northeastern contexts. Kolkata’s selection as the venue reflects its dual role as a cultural capital and a logistical gateway to the eastern and northeastern states. Urban economists note that increasing visibility of regional design and building materials ecosystems can influence infrastructure planning, real estate investment, and municipal policy, particularly in emerging cities where access to professional expertise and high-quality materials has historically been limited.
As India’s construction and interiors sectors evolve, events like the MATECIA-Surfaces Reporter expo are poised to elevate East and Northeast India from peripheral participants to influential contributors in the national design narrative. For stakeholders, the event underscores the strategic importance of regional integration, professional recognition, and sustainable growth in shaping India’s next-generation urban landscapes.
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