By Rahel Kirinde

The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) on Friday announced the launch of ‘Architect 2019’ with the felicitation of stall holders from last year.

‘Architect 2019’, the annual architecture trade exhibition since its inception has transitioned into a platform for the general public to access the latest products and services of the construction industry. Last year it featured 158 companies occupying 270 stalls.

Alumex, Ranjanas Ceramics and Nippon Paints Lanka were awarded tokens of appreciation for their patronage in Architecture 2018 at the launch.

This year the exhibition will consist of 318 trade stalls and 124 display panels of work done by architects. The redesigned layout and the availability of the exhibition mobile app will grant more interactive public access and participation, making it more attractive for the building trade.

“This exhibition proves the capabilities of the architects of this country,” SLIA President Archt. D.H. Wijewardene speaking at the launch. He insisted that ‘Architect 2019’ will be unlike any other exhibition and that it would bring a whole new experience to the people of Sri Lanka as one of the best exhibition in the construction sector.

The exhibition will be inaugurated on 20 February 2019 followed by the national conference on 21 February. The exhibition will be open to the public for four days from the 21st to 24th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Elaborating on the features of Architect 2019 mobile app SLIA Vice President and Exhibition Committee Chairman Archt. Russell Dandeniya said that the app would show the user’s relevant location at the premises and indicate the precise locations of all the stores at the exhibition. 

Committee member Archt. Kosala Weerasekara said that this year a there would be a major addition to the exhibition namely the ‘A19 Pavilion’ for architecture students to display their work and an outdoor performance arena to keep people engaged. Stall reservation will be begin online on 15 August for organisations that have participated for a minimum of five years in the exhibition and it will be open from 16 August 10 a.m. onwards.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola