SLIA celebrates 50 years of architectural excellence

The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and has planned a host of events to celebrate the momentous occasion, including the hosting of the Architects Regional Council of Asia (ARC Asia) forum, launch of a first day cover and a book on the 50th anniversary.

A SLIA press release said the institute was formed 50 years ago by a group of architects under the guidance of Herbert Gonsal, who wanted to promote and advance the study, practice and application of architecture. The Institute was incorporated under an Act of Parliament in 1976. It was re-strengthened by a further amendment in 1996. The SLIA is the sole body in Sri Lanka that has the power to control the standards of architectural education.

The main functions of the institute are to regulate education and practice of architects and controlling professional standards and ethics so that the public reaps the benefit. The SLIA currently has 600 professional architects as members and along with final year students total membership numbers about 900. ARC Asia will take place from September 15-20 which will see the official meetings of ARC taking place with regard to education and the profession along with other pocket meetings on the environment, heritage, history and professional affairs.

As part of the standard agenda of the forum, the International Union of Architects, the world body for architecture, will have a meeting in Sri Lanka.

The keynote speaker at the conference is Antoine Predock from the USA, a renowned architect and the gold medal winner for 2006 from the American Institute of Architects.