IAPEX 2018 “ARCHI TOURISM (EXPLORE – EVOLVE – EXCEL)”, LAHORE
The annual event of IAPEX 2018 was inaugurated by the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. State Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb was also present on the occasion. With President IAP Ar. Ali Zafar Qazi, Ar. Maira Khan, Honorary Secretary IAP-LC, Convener IAPEX 2018 and Ar. Faisal Riaz warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and introduced him to the various activities of the IAPEX including Building Materials Exhibition, Conference, Student Jamboree and Cultural Performances. In his address, the PM highlighted the vital role of architects in ensuring and enhancing quality of construction as well as conservation of built heritage while commending the role of architects to ensure a bright future of architecture in the country. He called upon IAP to lend its expertise for preservation and maintenance of rich architectural heritage of the country so that this treasure could be protected for the future generations. He appreciated the novel theme “Archi-tourism” of the exhibition for its potential to attract foreign investment for this sector. The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Ar. Yousaf Ghouri, Chairman IAP-LC.
Moderated by Ar. Maira Khan, following papers were presented at the Conference at IAPEX:
- Eco-tourism development in Nepal: Challenges and prospects by Engr. Rabi Ratna Tuladhar
- City as Mise-en-scène: Experiencing the Urban Stage through the Aperture by Ar. Sana Akram
- Archi–Tourism and Local Residents Exploring the Tourism Potential of World Heritage Sites as a Mean of Economic and Cultural Development of the Region – A Case Study of Rohtas Fort by Ar. Amna Iqbal, Ar. Naushaba Azhar and Ar. Husnain R. Khan
- The dichotomy that a piece of land presents on the future culture, topography and architecture of a society and the challenges it puts forward to tourism by Ar. Sadiah Junaid (presented by Ar. Waleed)
Second half of the day was a Panel discussion which led to brainstorming and innovative ideas. The discussion was moderated by Convener Forum IAPEX 2018 Ar. Dr. Shama Anbrine. The panel discussion resulted in the formation of a working group to initiate a preliminary study to provide guidelines for enhancing archi-tourism practices in Pakistan. This working group includes all the distinguished panelists, convener and co-convener forum session.
IAP Lounge was a hub of multiple activities during the event. It hosted Archi-riders; adventurous architects who have explored most unseen areas of Pakistan while travelling on their heavy bikes who displayed their heavy bikes at Lounge.
Parallel to conference an ‘Architects’ Corner’ was established where the students were able to get a chance to informally chat with leading architects of the country regarding Archi-tourism. Sessions with Ar. Kalim A. Siddiqui, Ar. Jehangir Khan Sherpao and Ar. Ali Zafar Qazi were well-attended by students.
Convened by Ar. Ahmad Ali, the team put in day-and-night effort to bring a grand three-day building materials exhibition. The building materials exhibition consisted of large number of stalls from various architectural products and vendors.
As part of IAPEX 2018, a parallel event of Architecture Students Jamboree was convened by Ar. Jawad Ahmed Tahir. It catered for various activities for architecture students from across the country. This time the theme of jamboree was ‘a road that leads nowhere, everywhere’. Under this section, a symposium brought eminent academics including Ar. Sajjad Kauser, Ar. Waqar Aziz, Ar. Faisal Sajjad and a senior official from Walled City of Lahore Authority Ms. Ayesha Khan to talk on issues regarding archi-tourism especially in a historic city like Lahore. On this occasion, a Workshop, Photography/ sketching competitions, Travelogue and Quiz were conducted
The 3-day event of IAPEX entertained all participants at Cultural night rendered with the performances by veteran artists. The show was convened by Ar. Ahmed Pervez Mirza. The IAPEX 2018 concluded with an excursion to the Walled City of Lahore.
