IAPEX-2017: Development projects ‘must not damage heritage’
Architects highlight on importance of preserving monuments.
Architects highlight on importance of preserving monuments. PHOTO: UMER IMAM UD DIN
LAHORE:
The government needs to ensure that development does not damage the cultural heritage of Pakistan and precautions are taken while executing construction near heritage sites.
This was the consensus among architects and urban planners, who came together in Lahore on Tuesday for the Institute of Architects Pakistan’s 13th international exhibition (IAPEX-2017) of building products.
The three-day exhibition showcases quality materials from renowned companies and has attracted large crowds.
IAP-Punjab Chairman Sajjad Kauser had earlier requested fellow architects to throw light on the importance of preservation of monuments in light of the ongoing work on Lahore Metro Train’s Orange Train track.
The speakers pointed out the architects had no problems with modern development and broadening of roads that would ultimately benefit the common man. Similar projects have been constructed across the world around centuries-old structures.
But the architects lamented that though the law mandated there should be a qualified architect in every TMO Office, even the Lahore Development Authority was functioning without an architect.
The blame for faulty town planning and approval of flawed construction designs could not be passed on to the architects when they have no say in government’s planning and approval, they believed.
IAP General Secretary Yousuf Ghauri said Lahore was a dynamic city rich with culture and vibrant architecture that revealed stories from different eras.
“As the city moves towards megacity scale and culture, there is a need to focus, record and preserve its heritage sites,” he said. “This holds true for other cities in the country as well.”
The speakers also pointed out the acute shortage of housing in Pakistan.
Most of the existing residences are built without providing for proper ventilation and sanitation because the designs are approved by draftsmen that are not qualified for this, they lamented.
Liveable low-cost houses can be designed easily by architects if the government desires so.
While addressing the IAPEX-2017 participants, Punjab Industries Minister Sheikh Allaudin has the government was serious in preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage and architects could play an important role in helping the state fulfil this aim.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2017.
The government needs to ensure that development does not damage the cultural heritage of Pakistan and precautions are taken while executing construction near heritage sites.
This was the consensus among architects and urban planners, who came together in Lahore on Tuesday for the Institute of Architects Pakistan’s 13th international exhibition (IAPEX-2017) of building products.
The three-day exhibition showcases quality materials from renowned companies and has attracted large crowds.
IAP-Punjab Chairman Sajjad Kauser had earlier requested fellow architects to throw light on the importance of preservation of monuments in light of the ongoing work on Lahore Metro Train’s Orange Train track.
The speakers pointed out the architects had no problems with modern development and broadening of roads that would ultimately benefit the common man. Similar projects have been constructed across the world around centuries-old structures.
But the architects lamented that though the law mandated there should be a qualified architect in every TMO Office, even the Lahore Development Authority was functioning without an architect.
The blame for faulty town planning and approval of flawed construction designs could not be passed on to the architects when they have no say in government’s planning and approval, they believed.
IAP General Secretary Yousuf Ghauri said Lahore was a dynamic city rich with culture and vibrant architecture that revealed stories from different eras.
“As the city moves towards megacity scale and culture, there is a need to focus, record and preserve its heritage sites,” he said. “This holds true for other cities in the country as well.”
The speakers also pointed out the acute shortage of housing in Pakistan.
Most of the existing residences are built without providing for proper ventilation and sanitation because the designs are approved by draftsmen that are not qualified for this, they lamented.
Liveable low-cost houses can be designed easily by architects if the government desires so.
While addressing the IAPEX-2017 participants, Punjab Industries Minister Sheikh Allaudin has the government was serious in preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage and architects could play an important role in helping the state fulfil this aim.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2017.