Architect 2012 to promote local industry

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

With the view of supporting the government’s development drive and taking the industry forward, the Architect 2012 will be held from February 22 to 26 at the BMICH Colombo organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA).

The SLIA is conducting this main activity and the annual sessions for 30 consecutive years that includes a line of events taking place during the four day period.

The SLIA is playing a predominant role in development initiatives taken by the government and will present a comprehensive recommendation report at the end of the Architect 2012 as a guideline for policy direction. As the theme for this year being “Regenerating Sri Lanka, the Architect and the built environment”, the SLIA is confident that it could create dynamism to benefit all the stakeholders, SLIA President Ranjan Nadesapillai said.

“We consider building regional linkages to be important and as a platform to share knowledge and experience. The Architect 2012 will focus on latest trends of development in the fraternity and possible adaptation in the local context,” he said.

The event will promote the work of local architects, knowledge, competencies and capabilities while focusing on sustainability for longer term benefits.

The Annual Sessions of the SLIA will commence with the inauguration ceremony on February 22 followed by opening of the Members’ Work and trade exhibition. The national conference on Architecture will be held on February 23 while the AGM and Fellowship Night is on February 25. The exhibition showcasing the building industry capabilities will be a major attraction.

Over 700 to 800 are expected to participate in the four day sessions where the trade exhibition will consists of 266 stalls and 104 panels displaying products and services on offer. There will be an award ceremony to recognize creativity of architects with annual awards including for green concept, design, colour and Young Architect of the year award.

Students from the Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture Colombo will also participate at the National Conference. They will be the young blood entering the fraternity where SLIA has a membership of over 1,000 at present.