Importance of alternative practices of architecture highlighted
The theme for IAPEX 2011 held at Karachi from 10-05-11 to 12-05-11 at the Expo Center was 'Generation Next.' Keeping in accordance with the theme of the conference the color 'orange' which is supposed to signify the color of the next generation was used for the invitation cards, banners and other promotional literature.
On the first day the conference started with presentations by IAP Chairman Karachi Chapter Ar.Anjum Adil, giving an overview of the conference and was followed by presiding remarks by President IAP Ar.Shahab Ghani Khan. This was followed by a visually pleasing presentation by Architect Farhan Zia on the IAP House design. Architect Mujahid Sadiq gave the vote of thanks at the end of the session.
The second session of the first day Architects Najeeb Omar and Ahmed Mian presented their works. The overriding concept behind both the presentations was contextualizing of architecture and adapting local forms and details within the architectural practices in order to be able to come up with a design vocabulary for the region.
The second day had presentations by Najmi Bilgrami Collaborative Limited, Architect Sayem Ghayur, Architect Suneela Ahmed, Architect's Polack, Architect Fareiha Obaid and Architect Naaji Akber. These presentations were very varied covering a broad spectrum ranging from sustainable design principles in main stream architecture in the context of Pakistan, to exploration of form and materials, to urban design and processes in Karachi, to architectural education and last but not the least the theoretical basis of architectural practice in the country.
The last day had presentations by Architects Iftikhar Azam, Yasira Naeem, Arshad Faruqi and Shahid Khan. These presentations raised questions about the role of architects in consolidating the future of the built form in the country and highlighted the importance of alternative practices of architecture that architects should engage in.
Each session was followed by a panel discussion and question answer session moderated by prominent architects of Pakistan. The conference concluded on a high note giving food for thought to all the attendees and raising bigger questions about the way forward for the architects of the country and possibilities of venturing into practices of architecture that are not limited to a certain class and group of people but is reflective of a socially conscious group of professionals.