Over 70,000 participate in Trade Exhibition - 'Architect 2013'
The Members' Work and Trade Exhibition of 'Architect 2013' was
ceremonially opened on February 20, 2013 at the Bandaranaike Memorial
International Conference Hall (BMICH). The ceremonial opening was graced
by many distinguished guests, that signified an important event of the
31st Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA).
|
The Inauguration Ceremony of the 31st Annual Sessions of the
Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) and ‘Architect
2013,’ took place on February 20, 2013 at the BMICH.
Government officials and guests from overseas graced the
event. The inauguration comprised of Awards of Excellence in
the field of Architecture being presented to members of SLIA
and consisted of awards that recognized exceptional design
abilities, use of colour and honoured outstanding design in
various categories of construction. The annual sessions of
2013, also comprised of the Members’ Trade and Work
Exhibition, the National Conference, Annual General Meeting
and the Fellowship Night that would provide a festive
closing to the event. |
The Annual Sessions held this year was based on the theme: 'Think
Smart - Innovative Enterprise Architecture,' which emphasized on looking
beyond the traditional role of architects. The theme introduced a novel
approach by presenting the architect as an individual who could
visualize, generate and create projects that are financially and
socially beneficial to the country.
Initiated in 1983, the Members' Work and Trade Exhibition has grown
to become one of the most prominent exhibitions of the construction
industry in Sri Lanka.
'Architect 2013' witnessed a large participation by the general
public, professionals, students and businesses surpassing 70,000
visitors.
The exhibition comprised of 230 stalls that displayed products and
services in the field of construction, while a separate area was
dedicated towards displaying the work of architects and students.
Visitors were able to observe and compare a wide range of products -
related to architecture and construction - in terms of cost, quality and
technology, to fulfill their individual requirements.
The exhibition displayed projects of over 100 registered
architectural practices of Sri Lanka, while students from the University
of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture, exhibited their
creations and course work. In line with the overarching theme of
'Architect 2013', innovative designs took center stage, presenting a
view of the fast changing and developing world of architecture.
"The Members' Work and Trade Exhibition could be pronounced as the
most important event of the Construction Industry in Sri Lanka," said
Archt. Ranjan Nadesapillai, President of SLIA. He also went onto say
that the Construction Industry was the key industry in the process of
development of a country, while the key actor in the Construction
Industry was the Architect.
Therefore, it is pertinent that SLIA as the only governing body of
architecture in Sri Lanka, contributes to develop the industry, which
they continue to do so through the annual sessions.
A highlight of the exhibition was the Information Centers set up by
SLIA, University of Moratuwa and City School of Architecture.
The Information Centers provided guidance to parents or prospective
students contemplating on pursuing architecture as a profession.
Moreover, the centers also helped those seeking professional advice
regarding construction or architecture, to locate professionals to aid
them.
The Architect 2013 was organised by SLIA, together with the support
of their strategic sponsor Alumex (Pvt) Ltd., associate sponsor Niro
Granite from Ranjanas Ceramic and the main sponsor for the National
Conference PhoenixFlowGuard.
The Fellowship Nite was sponsored by Charter House and Lankem
Robbialac. The co - sponsors of the event are Asoka Glass Co, Delmege
Forsyth & Co Ltd (LIFESTYLE) and Bluscope Lysaght. |
