Lanka to host Indian cement firm’s ‘Architect of the Year 2012’ awards

By Cheranka Mendis

Sri Lanka will host the first-ever award presentation outside India for J.K. Cement Ltd.’s annual ‘Architect of the Year Award,’ which recognises the outstanding efforts of architects in the region.

From left: AYA Administrator M.P. Rawal, past AYA winner and Jury Member Nela de Zoyza, and SLIA President Ranjan Nadesapillai – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

Initially organised as part of the company’s plan to encourage architects who serve India, in 1996, six years after its inception, the awards opened its doors to Sri Lankan architects. Later on, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Nepal, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Maldives were also included in the network, motivating architects from around the region.

With 13 award categories excluding the Grand Master Award which is given once in three years, the awards focuses on the likes of green building and environment conscious design as well as categories of private residence, public building, group housing, and projects designed but not executed, etc. AYA also recognises young and budding talent in the fraternity by awarding the work done by young architects at national and State levels.

"We are proud of having created this platform for recognising the outstanding work done by the architectural community and is happy to see it having grown and flourish over the past two decades," AYA Administrator M.P. Rawal said.

Speaking on how important the award is for Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) President Ranjan Nadesapillai said: "Sri Lanka is currently moving forward on fast-track development, for which architectural design is of prime importance. We need to work on a futuristic outlook and the architects help creates that."

He also noted that in the current global context of increasing costs and diminishing resources, the role of an architect is to present good designs with the environment in mind.

"The applications are duly examined and evaluated under specific criteria similar to the standards we look at in Sri Lanka. Therefore, AYA is highly relevant to the local community as well."

The jury for AYA is chaired by J.K. Cement Managing Director Y.P. Singhania and comprises of eminent architects from various regions of India and two members representing the focus countries – Nepal and Bangladesh.

Singhania in a statement noted that hosting the award ceremony outside the country gives it an edge with Sri Lanka’s historical and unique architecture structures.

"Architecture in developing countries is subject to various challenges with respect to town planning, infrastructure development, and affordable housing. Increasingly, the modern construction industry is marked with innovative ideas, most of which are unfortunately going unrecognised, hence heightening the importance of hosting AYA," he said.