Redefining the Status of the Construction Industry and Protecting the Environment
In a world where everything carries a price tag, one might choose to settle with monetary gains while another pursue excellence. The Sunday Times Education team spoke to a young Architect Thilina Wijekoon who strives for better things in his profession of Architecture.
Thilina who is also known as Baiya amongst his friends is an Architect based in Kandy, going to townwith his projects.While he strives to master the profession, he also attempts to inspire and empower the local construction community.
He says “An architect is a professional with the capacity of shaping the physical world we live in. The world is evolving and becoming more complex, so does the roll of the Architect.”
He explainshow he contributes to the profession of Architecture, construction industry and the natural environment through the environmental organization called Neem Team and his Architectural Practice.
WHAT DEFINES YOUR ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE?
In 2015 I built an office space for my Architectural practice in Kandy. Even though I have been in the industry for years, this is the first time I got to fully engage with construction workers. Those few months of construction opened my eyes to see how unskilled they are. Their knowledge, discipline and commitment to work was so poor and I felt this also defines the status of the construction industry today. In the end I was convinced that I should use my architectural practice not only to provide a premier service to my clients, but also to make a positive change in the industry.
In due course every project is an opportunity to put my vision into practice. First and foremost, the clients are carefully picked; then comes the other professionals like Structural, MEP Engineers and Quantity Surveyors. The quality of construction however is in the hands of Contractors and construction workers.
Teamwork is vital for a successful project. While we strive to increase the quality of work by constant supervision, the construction sites are eventually becoming workshops for workers to perfect their knowledge. We also demand for discipline, punctuality and to improve their capacity as a team player.
As we set our goals clear and move forward, there are likeminded individuals to join us along the way. It encourages us to organize more workshops. We help workers so that eventually helps to improve the status of the construction industry.
WHAT IS NEEM TEAM?
Neem Team is a group of Architects with a common interest in plants and planting. The primary objective of the team is to make our environment greener by means of planting trees ranging from large scale reforestation to small scale home gardening projects. We have been active in maintaining nurseries, planting and the annual Pala Dansala (plants give away) since 2011.
As construction makes a huge impact on the environment, we as Architects have come together to mitigate the impact to the best of our ability. If anyone likes to contribute with ideas, write to us on: neemteam.reforestation@gmail.com
WHAT’S YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS?
As most of my projects are in Kandy, I’m constantly challenged by the environmentally sensitive issues. Almost all the sites are blessed with trees. The sloping sites are sometimes bordering streams and forest reserves. The views are breathtaking. The challenge is to build with minimal impact onnature.Be Light on earth.
First of all, it is important to survey all the natural elements including trees and record all-natural ground levels. Next, I make sure that the design meets the Client’s functional and budgetary requirements while maintaining a good aesthetic. So far, I have developed a few guidelines and successfully applied it to designs. I’m determined to research and improve these guidelines further with my team.
HOW COVID19 AFFECTS YOUR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS?
There is a massive impact on ongoing and upcoming projects. It slowed down the progress of ongoing projects. Last year’s terrorist attack had a similar effect too and this year covid19 is having a more significant impact.Investors will invariably wait for the economy to improve before investingin anything new.
The positive side of the situation is it has given us an opportunity to improve our skills, plan ahead, organize ourselves, understand the threats and prepare for the worst. It also gave us a moment to stop and reflect on our priorities, which is vital for a healthy growth.
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BE LIKE FOR THE PROFESSION OF ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?
I think the future will be a result of how we manage our time now. If we organize ourselves to work with minimal resources and act towards a common goal, we will have positive results.
The lockdown has also created many opportunities to use locally manufactured products in our projects. However,the local industries will only grow with the support of the Legislature. Hopefully those in power will do the right thing. Further, the government must pave the way for the local Architectural and other professional Consultancy companies and construction companies to take on mega projects and develop them to international standards than offering the work to foreign companies.
We as Architects should always strive to improve the quality of our services and help each other to do so. A bright future awaits for those who are on the right path.