By Ar. Syeda Neha Zaidi
Surviving a halt after the global pandemic of CoVid-19, IAPEX by the Institute of Architects Pakistan, Rawalpindi – Islamabad Chapter revived in 2023 from January 20-22′ 2023 with a theme that aligns and addresses the current state of the industry; Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild. Booming with the splash of colors and textures, clustered melodies of said welcomes and music, and air filled with the aroma of sweets and spices, IAPEX revealed itself at its full bloom at the Sir Syed Memorial Complex, Islamabad. IAPEX 2023 ran its course of three days including a building material exhibition display, architects’ and students’ portfolio display, students’ design charette, students’ night, national quiz & concert, architectural papers presentation and forum talks, and vendors appreciation followed by the closing ceremony dinner that honored IAP Fellows at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.
Day: 01
Welcome to IAPEX: IAPEX 2023 was inaugurated by the Hon’ President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, on 20th January, 2023. In the beginning, a visit to the vendors exhibits followed by welcome notes of the Convener IAPEX Ar. Salman Javaid Malik, Chairman IAP-RIC Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi, President IAP Ar. Saad Mahmood Khan and the honorable Chief Guest, Dr. Arif Alvi. The inauguration was attended by eminent architects, President Sir Syed Memorial Society Syed Ahmed Masood, CEO’s & representatives of the building industry and professionals from the associated disciplines.
A three-day IAP design charette / workshop in collaboration with Archiply, was led by Ar. Muhammad Ali, Director and Co-founder of Archiply and Ar. Manal Abdullah. The workshop focused on different ways to approach a question based on specified circumstances. It guided the students to rethink, redefine, and re-evaluate the problem statement. Shredding layers of practical beliefs learnt through practice and school, reading a problem could be more about unlearning the usual methods. At the end of the journey, students presented their takeaways as they pledged to conduct a mini-workshop at their own university.
Alongside, refreshments and hi-tea served, stalls supporting mini businesses were set out, music was on the roll, and so was the most awaited students’ cultural night. Ar. Wajid Nazir & Ar. Muhammad Ali conducted a quiz that enkindled the spirits of the participants and the audience. The enrolled participants from NUST, UET, COMSATS, NCA, and CECOS, were encouraged by cash prize by Vice President IAP, Ar. Kabeer Malik for the winners while Runners – Up received a prize from IAP-RIC. Fresh talent rose to the stage playing their hearts through rabab, keyboard, guitar, and vocals. 360-Degree The Band, an emerging band from the twin cities with a young drummist, played their best grooves impulsively pulled everyone young at hearts out of their seats to the floor. While, an unforgettable and iconic performance by Ar. Kabeer Malik drove us back to the 60s.
Day 02:
Forum 23: The day commenced with a welcome note by Chairman IAP-RIC, Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi. All architects and students received insights on environment, sustainability, energy resources, design-for-all, methods, mindsets, and innovative materials.
The presentation by Ar. Shazia Qureshi discussed her case studies on negative environmental impact compensated by LEED certified SMART buildings like the OEC tower Islamabad. It incorporates features like daylight harvesting, high-end trim and tuning, controllable window shades, IoT operated solutions, rainwater re-use, impulse ventilation system, and drip irrigation. Similarly, another project by Sohail A. Khan Associates, FFCEL Wind Tower Plant office, works on a double-fabric façade with introverted courtyard planning, wind barriers/breakers, and passively controlled shadows. Work on our need of ‘Design for Change’ is for the disaster-stricken refugees, recycling and regeneration, flexibility, and material adaptation. Abdul Baha Foundation works on the principle that sums it up as ‘do more with less.’
Ar. Maheen Zakir was one of the forum qualified people who shared her valued thoughts and work on contextualizing sustainability and her presentation was c0-authored by Ar. Ejaz A. Qadri. Ar. Ramiz Baig featured his ground-breaking work for the disabled and an institute for people with down syndrome. According to his research 90% of the people with disability did not attend school because of zero inclusivity and design provisions. 27million people in Pakistan are disabled, which is more than the population of Australia. NOWPDP is an NGO working in collaboration with IAP for the benefit of this cause. Works and proposals presented in ARCASIA to seek awareness of our social responsibility. Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) have finally included the Universal Accessibility code that talks about inclusive and accessible public spaces, pathways, streetscapes, civic and transport buildings, etc. Surveys and audits of Cantonment Railway Station, Board of Intermediate Education, Sui Southern Gas Building. Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, and Engro Corporation Ltd. were conducted. As a result, Indus Valley School was observed to be undergoing changes for ramps, etc. The Engro Corporation Ltd. was retrofitted to provide ease of way to employees with physical challenges. An evacuation chair was imported to be redesigned in Pakistan. Evacuation trainings were conducted as well. The Rickshaw Project launched to provide a livelihood for the disabled with customized Rickshaws. Currently, the driving license for this cause is in the process. Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), designed and trended with #pyaarbanto, sung by Noori, is still on the run.
Dr. M. Ashraf Khan shared his work on Super Adobe Technology. A hybrid alternative for low-cost construction of earthbags and thin shells cuts 50% of the cost than RCC. CUSIT participated in a competition based on inflated structures. We believe in incremental growth for the implementation of sustainable strategies will lead the path to a better future in Pakistan.
Our Keynote Speaker, Ar. Kalim Siddiqui, shared his thoughts on environmental challenges in Pakistan. He believes policymakers should be set up in every district in collaboration with relevant government officials to oversee the urban and development affairs. MOOOII came forward with their best product presentation. Session-II Keynote Speaker, Ar. Sathirut Nui Tandanand shared his study of the Green Wall System of Male Tower, Thailand. Ar. Nosheed ullah Shah proposed his work in progress on inculcating spirituality into Higher Education. According to his study, the west has taken the stage by navigating their energy in forms like music, dance, meditation, etc. All empires, icons in history, inventors, etc. succeeded when they were at their spiritual peak. If only we can fight the disparity, mental health challenges, and associated issues by uniting with our spiritual cores, we would be giving more to the youth and the creatives of Pakistan.
Ar. Zile Huma and Ar. Lakht-e-Haider shared their work on Urban Green Spaces. The advanced and contemporary research methods discuss Islamabad’s eco-grid masterplan and absolved ekistics. According to the survey, 86.8% people preferred breathing spaces on the likert scale, and 70% favored socially active spaces. Ar. Huzefah Haroon refreshed our minds with her perspective on Pakistanis being the best ‘jugaad’ artists and designers. As she says, “Jugaadus are like Alchemists.” They can create the best of their needs and requirements with little provided by nature and the surroundings. Ar. Jawad Khokhar presented his prototype on using hempcrete as a construction material. Using the plant as a by-product for sustainable and better environmental impact, treated for no pests and fire hazard, half the weight of a brick, and wind-proofing. Bubble-deck slab was suggested for hempcrete walls. Insulation system is, however, still in the process. The speakers received their mementos from eminent architects from practice & academia that included Architects Anwar Said, Suhail A. Abbasi, Dr. Samra Mohsin Khan, Naveeda Maqbool Bhatti, Haroon Ur Rasheed & Afzal Ibrahim.
A thank you note by the Chairman IAP-RIC and a closing session by the President IAP marked the end of the day. A group photo and appreciation awards to the speakers served the purpose of a good memoir of IAPEX 2023.
Day 03:
Farewell IAPEX 2023: The 3rd IAP National Council Meeting was held on the morning of January 22′ 2023 at the IAP-RIC Secretariat alongside the ongoing building materials exhibition and students design charette. The meeting was attended by office bearers and Chairmen of 05 Chapters. Future plans for the council were conferred and planned in union, with reports presented by Chairman BAE & Hon. Treasurer IAP. President IAP, Ar. Saad Mahmood Khan also distributed membership Cards to the new National Council members after the meeting.
An appreciation award ceremony was held for the vendors, students & volunteers and certificates were distributed. The event closing at SSMC, Islamabad was conducted by Convener Ceremonies Ar. Hamid M. Hussain and concluded by a thank you note by Chairman IAP-RIC, Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi followed by group photographs.
The closing ceremony held at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, invited many VIPs and guests with highest gratitude and appreciation. Nine IAP Fellows and distinguished architects were honored for their contribution to the profession. These include Ar. Anwar Said, Ar. Suhail Abbasi, Ar. Sikandar Ajam Khan, Ar. Salman Mansoor, Ar. M. Tahir Banuri, Ar. Tahira Sadia Fazli, Ar. Jahangir Khan Sherpao, Ar. Naveed Aslam and Ar. Zainul Abedin.
The evening started with a group photograph of IAP Fellows with IAP President, Vice Presidents & Chairman IAP-RIC In front of the entrance picture wall. It was a beautiful ceremony when they all walked in their gowns and medals inside the main hall with a huge round of applause. Once they were seated the evening was formally initiated.
The Master of Ceremonies Architects Wajid Nazir & Mustafa Abid Paracha welcomed the guests and gave an overview of the 3 days events. Chairman IAP-RIC Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi and President IAP Ar. Saad Mahmood Khan were then invited for their speeches and vote of thanks. Convener IAPEX 2023 Ar. Salman Javaid Malik gave his concluding remarks and thank you note. He thanked the team, students, volunteers and sponsors who all worked together to make the event so successful. The Executive and Organizing were given mementos and appreciated for all the amazing work done in the last few months.
Three best stalls awards were also given during the ceremony of which the first went to Master Offisy’s, second to Brighto Paints and third to TJ Electric.
Before the musical performance students from the design charette gave their closing remarks on their experiences and learning. It was a great opportunity and knowledge sharing between 8 schools of the region.
Adding colors and life to the event, renowned musicians who have imprinted their names internationally and learned from the great ustaads known to Pakistan, made everyone dance to the cultural beats. With Salman Adil on flute, Arsalan Nizami on sitar, Bilal on rabab, Ali Raza on santoor, and Amoos Khan on tabla, the candlelit room was filled with awe and cheers. A reunion of mentors and mentees, a chance for opportunities, and a year ahead of hope and creation garnished with the flavor of a 5-star cuisine, IAPEX 2023 bade farewell to all till another year sets a mark for greater achievements.
See you all at IAPEX 2024 Islamabad from March 1-3′ 2024.
