‘Architect 2013’ from 20 February

By Rashika Fazali

Marking the annual architecture exhibition for the 30th year, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) will inaugurate the Architect 2013 exhibition on 20 February, followed by the opening of the Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition, which will continue until 24 February at the BMICH starting from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The National Conference on Architecture is scheduled to be held on 21 February which will feature renowned local and international architects such as Kevin Owens, Darin C. Gunasekara, Rory Hyde, Jo Noero, Ranjith Dayaratne, Suranjith de Silva, Bimal Patel, Milroy Perera and Mark Baughman. ‘Architect 2013’ will come to a close with the SLIA Annual Awards, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) followed by the Fellowship Nite which will take place on 23rd of February.

The five day exhibition will consist of four sections – architecture, trade, school and the SLIA informative stall, with over 300 stalls and 119 panels. SLIA Vice President and Architect 2013 Exhibition Committee Chairperson Harsha Fernando stated that back in 1983, when they first launched the architecture exhibition there were only around 10 panels. Today, that number has grown as more and more architects are becoming competitive and innovative.

He also added that ‘Architect 2013’ is the biggest building trading exhibition in the country, adding: “Architecture 2013 gives architects an opportunity to advertise and showcase their work.”

This year, the architecture exhibition will follow the theme of ‘Think Smart – Innovative Enterprise Architecture’. Commenting on the theme, SLIA President Ranjan Nadesapillai said: “This year, our theme is unique as the deliberations 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.”

In addition, National Conference on Architecture Chairman Upendra Randeniya stated that the theme gives life to the new concept of ‘designing for a specific lifestyle’. Adding: “Architects from all over the world are thinking aloud in order to create a complete new set of projects.”

He further stated that this conference will enable the private and public sectors to create dialogue in order to make a new paradigm of growth. Randeniya also explained the role of an architect, stating: “An architect’s role is to serve the person who serves you.” However, he asserted that today that role is changing as there have been debates on architecture becoming a sole investment.

Acknowledging this new era of architects, SLIA Professional Affairs Board Chairman Bernard Gomez said: “No more does a client want good architecture; they want energy efficient buildings that reduce carbon print and also the cost to the client.”

He further added that the result of this has enabled them to launch a sustainable performance index which will judge and enhance the value of buildings. Another program that introduced to serve the purpose of building sustainable buildings was Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Speaking about ‘Architect 2013’, Fernando stated that there has been a huge demand for the stalls and almost everything has been sold. He further recognised that many new architects, technology and products have entered the trade.  Fernando also added that this year’s exhibition will also feature awards for stalls in the categories of ‘best green stall’, ‘best colour stall’, best innovative stall’, ‘best energy efficient stall’ and ‘best overall stall’. He noted that schools have been given free admission for this exhibition.

This year, two schools studying architectural education will also be present – the Faulty of Architecture at the University of Moratuwa and City School of Architecture Colombo – will also display their works, ranging from the first year till the final year. The exhibition will also have a career guidance stall where students and parents can inquire about the profession.

SLIA Senior Vice President and SLIA Annual Awards Chairperson Chitra Weddikkara noted that the annual awards will recognise young and senior architects for their work. The categories range from design, colour, research and publication to the newspaper supplement award and more. Weddikkara is set to take over as the first lady president of SLIA at the AGM.