World renowned architects to speak at conference in Colombo

• Organised by Sri Lanka Institute of Architects

The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects is gearing up for an international conference as never seen before in Sri Lanka. Expected to be a major contender at the regional level, the conference will feature Glenn Murcutt, an Australian architect honoured with the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and Kengo Kuma, a prize-winning Japanese artist renowned for his iconic contemporary work, as keynote speakers. The conference will feature four speakers from around the world, never before seen on one stage together. At a press conference held on 5 February, Architect Madhura Prematilleke explained that some architects such as Glenn Murcutt (who has curtailed his foreign appearances) will be visiting the region for the first time. He clarified that increasing awareness of the wonderful work done by local architects was essential given the new international recognition of Sri Lanka and its contemporary architecture. These foreign architects will be joined by four distinguished local architects. The conference will be followed by an exhibition to be held at the BMICH, where local architects and their work will be highlighted. Architect Russel Dandeniya explained that the goals of the exhibition were two-fold: one is to bring new technology and new equipment to the notice of the local market and the other is to link the local consumer with the extremely capable local architect, to help them build their homes according to a budget convenient to the consumer. He stressed that the local architect should be an important part of the process of making your home as an architect could help make it more economical with his professional knowledge. The exhibition will feature stalls with products that can be ordered from the creators and manufacturers. It will also have an information counter to assist with any query related to building and architecture that the visitor may have. All necessary facilities will be made available for the visitors. The stalls have all been sold out and the response from the exhibitors has been extremely good, said Dandeniya. According to Architect Harsha Fernando, an Awards Ceremony will be held on 20 February at the BMICH to felicitate architects and their work. The best designs, best stall, and the best products will be awarded. Fernando added that this would be a great way to help young architects who feel inexperienced and to encourage them, as they are facing a building boom. As incoming Chairman of the SLIA, he went on to explain that one of the main goals for the institute would be to foster better relations with the Government, in hopes to increase the participation of local architects in local development plans. The practice in recent years has been to have foreign architects working in joint ventures with local architects because of the perception of better experience in the foreigner. He stressed that SLIA wished to change this practice and bring in an era of acceptance for the local architects. This was further expounded by Architect Salinda Rathugama, who said that sometimes ideas were transplanted from other countries by these hired foreign architects with no attention to the conditions and needs of the country. Thus, local architects and local expertise were essential. He was also of the opinion that foregoing an architect in building homes was a mistake many make because of mistaken perceptions that the cost of an architect’s professional fee is too high, explaining that such a cost could help increase the value of the house and reduce issues later. He clarified that architects could work with the budget of the client and provide durable housing that is both beautiful and economical. The SLIA is involved in many CSR projects, such as taking school children from Jaffna on educational tours to archeologically important sites where the focus would be on redevelopment rather than on demolishing buildings. Architect Damith Premathilake shared that the SLIA was involved in a Professionals’ Cricket League, with hopes of a World Cup in 2016, and will be playing against the Institute of Architects of Pakistan in February 2015. The President and Vice President of the Pakistani Institute will be in Colombo, which is a rare honour and the team is expected to attend the conference.