Some places have a way of carrying history while inspiring the future – Sabha is one of them. Situated in the heart of Bengaluru, this 160-year-old Tamil school has been transformed into a lively cultural hub, where stories, ideas, and creativity converge. More than a building, Sabha is a space where heritage is honored, communities gather, and new possibilities take shape.
In 2025, this historic venue became the stage for Elev8, a celebration of architecture and design. Architects, designers, and thinkers came together to share ideas, spark innovation, and imagine a future that is thoughtful and regenerative. Sabha and Elev8 together celebrate legacy, creativity, and the power of spaces to connect people across generations.
In the heart of Bengaluru stands Sabha, a space where the past and the future meet beautifully. What was once a 160-year-old Tamil school has today become a vibrant cultural hub. The building carries stories of community and transformation. Sabha is housed in the historic campus of RBANM’s Educational Charities, founded in 1873 by Dharmarathnakara Rai Bahadur Arcot Narrainswamy Mudaliar. For generations, RBANM has shaped Bengaluru’s educational landscape with a strong focus on access, inclusivity, and empowerment. The building once housed the CVS Sabha School. From this legacy came the name “Sabha,” which means a gathering. And that is exactly what it is – a gathering of minds, ideas, and cultures. Even its logo reflects this spirit: each letter represents a person, unique and diverse, coming together to share and celebrate.
Sabha was imagined as more than just a restored structure. It was envisioned as a cultural space where heritage meets contemporary expression. Carefully restored, the 160-year-old building now hosts performances, exhibitions, workshops, and conversations.
Behind this thoughtful restoration is Ammini Trust, founded by Hema and Ravichandar. The trust is dedicated to supporting arts, crafts, culture, and community spaces in Bengaluru. With a special focus on underprivileged children, the trust works to create meaningful exposure to art and heritage. Through Sabha, the trust has created not just a venue, but a living cultural space for the city.
In 2025, Sabha transformed into the epicentre of inspiration and innovation as it hosted Elev8 – a landmark celebration that electrified the world of architecture and design. Elev8 is the flagship initiative of The Architect’s Diary, one of India’s most-visited architecture platform. It is not just an event; it is a celebration of design, ideas, and community. When Elev8 took place at Sabha in 2025, it felt like a natural partnership. A heritage space dedicated to dialogue and culture became the perfect setting for architects and designers to come together and share their stories. Elev8 is a festival where creativity meets purpose. It connects architects and interior designers across the South Zone, giving them a platform to present their philosophy, ideas, and projects. It is a space for conversation, collaboration, and meaningful exchange.
The conversations at Sabha were not just about buildings. They were about responsibility. About designing spaces that breathe, evolve, and give back. About shaping a future that is regenerative and thoughtful. Within Sabha’s historic walls, these discussions gained deeper meaning. A restored 160-year-old structure hosting conversations about sustainability felt symbolic – proof that restoration, care, and adaptive reuse are themselves acts of sustainable design.
When: September 20, 21 2025Where: Sabha, BangaloreFootfall: 1000+ AttendeesExhibitors: 100+ Architects & Interior DesignersKey Activities: 100+ Sheet Display, 5+ Masterclasses, 10+ Brands, 10+ InstallationsTarget Audience: Architects, Designers, Professionals, Design Enthusiasts & Students
Sabha represents heritage, community, and cultural continuity. Elev8 represents innovation, bold thinking, and the future of design. When Elev8 happened at Sabha in 2025, it brought together two powerful ideas:Honouring what has existed. Imagining what can be.
Elev8 a powerful collision of legacies, where education met design, history ignited innovation, and community sparked boundless creativity, shaping a moment that will echo far beyond its time. Sabha continues to stand as a space to gather, learn, and imagine new possibilities. And Elev8 continues to amplify the voices of architects and designers who are shaping our world. Together, they remind us that every space carries a story and when shared, those stories can ignite change.