IAPEX 2018 “ARCHI-FUTURE”, ISLAMABAD
Institute of Architects Pakistan, Rawalpindi- Islamabad Chapter, organized a three-day Annual Architects Convention along with Building Materials & Product Exhibition (IAPEX RIC) under the theme of “Archi-Future” at Tulip Hall, Club road, Islamabad on 27th, 28th and 29th of April 2018. This year “IAPEX RIC 2018” delivered a posing step by bringing forth an architectural competition among architectural students and young practicing architects under the title of IPOD Design Idea Competition. The program featured a three-day exhibition of architectural / building materials and products, technical sessions with accomplished local and international speakers, a cultural evening and students’ night.
On 27th of April exhibition was inaugurated by the first Mayor of Islamabad, Sheikh Ansar Aziz and President IAP – Ar. Ali Zafar Qazi. Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz appreciated the efforts of IAP RIC Chapter for organizing such a successful event. In his address, President IAP Ar. Ali Zafar Qazi stressed that architecture and the built environment are by-products of civilization, ideology and cultural processes which cannot be separated from each other.
Under the theme of Archi-Future, the dialogue at IAPEX Islamabad this year was about the future of architecture at a time when our collective dependence on technology is increasing with every passing minute. This session was divided into two halves discussing the possibilities and limitations that technology provide to the future of architecture. Topics like pedagogy, artificial intelligence, architectural imagery, low-carbon eco environments and interactive architecture were also touched upon.
The Forum session was opened by Ar. Faisal Arshad, Vice Chairman IAP-RIC by inviting Ar. Qurat-ul-Ain from Lahore who discussed digital pedagogy and spoke about the intensive research that goes into initiating digital simulations on site. She also discussed the significance of being able to design within constraints using improved and specific plugins. The Keynote speaker Ar. Riya Ani (President American Institute of Architects-Middle East) expressed delight over coming to Islamabad and elaborated on the importance of Imagined Futures. Other speakers at the Forum included Ar. Furqan Habib, Ar. Shazia Qureshi, Mansoor Awais, Afsheen Javaid and Karum Kayani.
Seizing the moment, the forum ended with the announcement of the IPOD design idea competition winners. This competition took entries both from students and young architects. On the occasion, a student’s cultural night was also organized where students from different schools of architecture showcased their talent.
Parallel to the Forum, the venue proved that the efforts of Institute of architects (IAP) – RIC had not gone into vain as the residents of Capital city and vicinity were witnessed taking great interest in the building products exhibition as convened by Ar. Rana Atif –ur-Rehman. The exhibition attended by 53 vendors occupying 115 stalls was followed at a ceremony to appreciate their participation. IAPEX ended with a dinner night convened by IAP-RIC Honorary Secretary, Ar. Nimra Qazi where the team hosted the architecture fraternity and guests from different cities of Pakistan at a musical night followed by dinner.
