Architects to discuss shanties at annual sessions

COLOMBO The shanty housing of the houseless will be discussed during the National Conference on Architecture, beginning on February 23 at the BMICH as part of the annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA).

The paper is pelpath will be presented by Architect Madura Prematilleke.

The Conference 'A National Identity In An International Context' will be inaugurated by Housing and Construction Minister Ferial Ashraff. The SLIA in a press release states Architect Raj Rewal of India will be the keynote speaker at this event.

Architect Kate Schwennsen, President of the American Institute of Architects will speak on 'National Identity in an International Context and Contemporary American Architecture.'

Presentations will also be made by Architect Rocco Yim, Principal Architect of Rocco Design Limited of Hong Kong and Sri Lankan born architect, Monte Cassim, Vice Chancellor/President Ritsumeikin Asia Pacific University of Japan.

Among the Sri Lankan presenters are Architect Tilak Samaraweera, who will speak on 'National Identity or Universality in Design - a Personal Quest' and Dr. Harsha Munasinghe, Director Post Graduate Studies, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa on 'Architecture and Identity Reflecting Messages of the Concept of European City of Culture.'

Prof. Kanishka Goonewardena, Associate Professor, Urban Design and Planning, University of Toronto will speak on 'Space, Globalisation and Empire'.

Architect Prasad Botejue's topic will be 'Architecture-Production of Space, Globalisation - Politics of Production', while architect Madhura Prematilleke will approach the theme through 'Pelpath'. Architect Anura Rathnavibhushana will share 'Some Random Thoughts on National Identity in an International Context'.

'Form Follows Function, the Mahathupa & Modern Technology' is the subject of architect Shereen Amendra will be dealing with. The Thalas of Space & Form, an Architectural Search for Contextual Identity' will be presented by architect Bernard Gomez.

A half-day architectural educational forum on 'Architectural Education in the Era of Globalisation' will be held on February 24 at the same venue.

Architects Dr. Paul Hyett, Past President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Gaetan Siew of Mauritius, President of Union of International Architects and Yolanda Reyes, Chairperson of Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) will chair the seminar.