Financial Times

Lankan architects address national identity at annual sessions
“A National Identity in an International Context” is the theme of this year’s annual sessions, the 23rd in the series, of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) at the BMICH from February 22 to 26.

The National Conference in Architecture will be opened by Ms Ferial Ashraff, Minister of Housing & Construction with the keynote speaker being eminent Indian architect Raj Rewal.

“Our National Identity has been a popular topic of discussion in the academic world of architecture- although whether or not this aspect was given adequate attention in practice is a question. The importance of “identity” is highlighted without identifying the meaning. It has simply become a personal or corporate expression, built in relation to a given context. One could argue that an identity is the true reflection of a period, but the important fact that has escaped attention is that the architecture and buildings reflect the culture of the given time,” the SLIA said in a statement.

It said the expression of political ideologies requires the development of international identities by corporate and individual clients. Export of skills is another phenomenon to be discussed in detail. These innovations and aspects have contributed to the loss of a national identity, the statement said adding that now, high rises and mega projects appearing in all parts of the globe look similar; there are no adaptations to local conditions – climate, culture, history or the community.

At the conference, Ms. Kate Schwennsen, President of the American Institute of Architects will discuss the specially chosen topics “National Identity in an International Context and Contemporary American Architecture”. Presentations will also be made by Rocco Yim, Principal Architect of Rocco Design Ltd of Hong Kong and also by a Sri Lankan-born architect, Monte Cassim, Vice Chancellor/President Ritsumeikin Asia Pacific University of Japan.

Among the Sri Lankan presenters are architect Tilak Samaraweera, of Tilak Samarawickrema Associates, who will talk on “National Identity or Universality in Design – a Personal Quest”, and Dr. Harsha Munasinghe, Director Post Graduate Studies, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa on “Architecture and Identity Reflecting Messages of the Concept of European City of Culture.

With his international experience Prof. Kanishka Goonewardena, Associate Professor, Urban Design and Planning, University of Toronto will speak on “Space, Globalisation and Empire.” An exhibition will run parallel to the annual sessions.

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