Every 12 years, a megacity springs up in India for the Kumbh Mela religious festival -- what's built in ten weeks is completely disassembled in one. What can we learn from this fully functioning, temporary settlement? In a visionary talk, urban designer Rahul Mehrotra explores the benefits of building impermanent cities that can travel, adapt or even disappear, leaving the lightest possible footprint on the planet.

Rahul Mehrotra: The architectural wonder of impermanent cities

The architectural wonder of impermanent cities

A city for Kumbh Mela, housing 7M people, emerges in 10 weeks on riverbanks, showcasing dynamism and disassembly in urbanism.

Kumbh Mela's ephemeral city, crafted from bamboo, rope, and fabric, leaves a minimal footprint, echoing sustainable urban practices.

Every 12 years, a temporary megacity emerges in India for Kumbh Mela, housing millions, then vanishes, leaving no trace.

*The Kinetic City & Other Essays*

*Working in Mumbai: RMA Architects*