Cue for budding young architects:
Think smart innovations
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
SLIA Asst. Treasurer Archt Russell Dandeniya, SLIS Vice
President Archt Harsha Fernando, SLIA Immediate Past President
Archt Chandana Edirisooriya, SLIA President Archt Ranjan
Nadesapillai, SLIA Snr. Vice President Archt Prof Chitra
Weddikkara, SLIA Professional Affairs Board Chairman Archt
Bernard Gomez, SLIA Secretary Archt D H Wijewardena and SLIA
National Conference Chairman Archt Upendra Randeniya at the
media briefing. Picture by Lalith C Gamage |
They are not only passionate about creating stylish, sophisticated
individual designs but also makes sure that building these structures
are easy on your purse. Their success is measure by their clients’
satisfaction and their ability to surpass their expectations. They
endeavour to create welcoming, well proportioned spaces with a level of
detail which connects the structure with the people who use it.
A unique concept
One of the Corporate Social Service Projects held in 2012 |
This and more up to date topics in connection with architecture will
be in focus at Architect 2013 held by the Sri Lanka Institute of
Architects (SLIA). The event will be held for the 31st consecutive
annual session from February 20 to 24 at the BMICH. This year’s event
promises to deliver a bigger and better output to the public. Opening
under the theme ‘Think Smart - Innovative Enterprise Architecture’, the
inaugural ceremony will be held on February 20 and will be followed by
the opening of the Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition which will go on
from February 21 to 24, 10 am to 10 pm.
The National Conference on Architecture will take place on February
21. Here the topic in focus will be ‘Think Smart - Innovative Enterprise
Architecture’. Eminent locals as well as foreign professionals will
address the conference. The Annual General Meeting and the Fellowship
Nite will be held on February 23.
Speaking at the event which was held to brief the media about
Architect 2013 SLIA President Archt Ranjan Nadesapillai said that this
year the team has come up with a unique concept.
“The event has given an added boost to the industry and created
awareness about the profession among the public throughout the years. We
started it on a smaller scale and it has become one of the biggest
exhibitions held in Sri Lanka today. Over 200 stalls will be available
at the event this year and over 100 architectural practices will join
hands with us in this endeavour,” he said.
Paving the foundation
The Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition will be held for the 30th
consecutive year. The event creates a platform for architects to
showcase their work to the society as well as pave the foundation for
young architects to dabble with their innovative skills.
The spotlight this year will be on the architect’s role as a designer
who can infuse a dynamic dimension into the struggle between development
and social requirement. This would entail thinking beyond traditional
realms. Budding young architects and all those who have an interest in
joining the field or show an enthusiasm towards it will discover many
new things in connection with the theme at the event.
Archt Nadesapillai also noted that apart from designing enthralling
monuments the team is also involved in a number of corporate social
service projects. These include helping elders and the needy.
Moments from the Architect 2012 Members’ Exhibition |
“We held a regional event this year in Kandy and that was a great
success. Such initiatives need to be taken to promote the subject,” he
expressed adding that the subject of Architect 2013 is intertwined with
the country’s development process.
Sharing experience and knowledge
Three keynote speakers will address the National Conference on
Architecture. Archt Kevin Owens from the United Kingdom will speak about
his role as the Design Principal with the London Organising Committee of
the London Olympics and the Paralympic games. Professor Jo Noero from
South Africa will focus on his work in the once segregated townships of
South Africa. Dr Bimal Patel from India will share thoughts of his work
with local governments and other agencies to understand and transform
urban design and planning practice in India towards improving the
quality of life in Indian cities. Industry experts like Dr Rory Hyde, Dr
Ranjith Dayaratne, Archt Milroy Perera, Archt Suranjith De Silva and
Archt Mark Baughman too will share their experiences and knowledge with
the participants.
Members of the SLIA, students of architecture and several
distinguished invitees from the professional bodies and the government
will take part in the conference. Students from the two seats of
architectural education in Sri Lanka, the Faculty of Architecture at the
University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture Colombo too
will be included in the conference and exhibition.
Another significant aspect of this year’s event is that the SLIA
current Senior Vice President Professor Chitra Weddikara will reign as
the first Lady President of SLIA. This transition will take place at the
AGM. Speaking about Architect 2013 Prof Weddikara said, “The event
fosters an understanding among our membership. It encourages and
benefits all those involved in the contraction industry.” |