'Architect 2012' to showcase Lanka's architectural excellence

by P. Krishnaswamy

Several internationally renowned architects of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), students from the Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture, Colombo, will attend the 'Architect 2012' five-day trade fair from February 22-26 at the BIMCH. The forthcoming event marks its 30th successive year having drawn many visitors in the past.

The event has been titled "Regenerating Sri Lanka, the Artchitect and the Built Environment". Archt. Ranjan Nadesapillai President of SLIA said that the theme was selected keeping in mind the government's focus to make Sri Lanka "The Wonder of Asia".

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been invited to open the trade fair and the High Commissioner for India in Colombo Ashok K. Kantha has been invited as the Guest of Honour, he said.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa and the Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa will chair the sessions on subsequent days, Archt.

Nadesapillai said. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, corporate heads, business leaders and distinguished dignitaries have also been invited, he said. He believed that in the backdrop of long years of under-development or no development, architects will be the visualisers of future Sri Lanka, he said.

Briefing the media, Archt. Harsha Fernando said that the exhibition will give a rare opportunity for the public and school children to view models and images of the different types of modern architecture.

There has been a very positive and enthusiastic response to the trade fair and all 256 stalls have already been booked.

This is because the country is making rapid progress in the spheres of development and economy, he said. Students of over 250 schools throughout the country have been given permission to view the exhibition free, he said.

Exhibition Committee Chairman Archt. Chandana Edirisuriya said that many of the country's cities are full of slums and shanties and world renowned experts will demonstrate their global experience in addressing such problems.

Hambantota, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matara, Galle, Jaffna, Batticaloa and Trincomalee will also be encompassed under the architectural development programs to benefit the country as a whole, he said.

The National Conference of the 2012 Annual Sessions will be addressed by Archt. Prof. Jan Gehl from Denmark, an expert in city planning, renowned Architect Prof. Frans van der Werf from the Netherlands and Prof. Nalani Thakur from India an expert on heritage conservation.