IIA Southern Regional Conference Aims to Address Complexities in Design for Eco-Sensitive Regions

November 28, 2024: The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kerala Chapter, in collaboration with the IIA Kannur Centre, is set to host the IIA Southern Regional Conference 2024 on November 29 and 30. The conference will bring together architects, planners, and policymakers to address the pressing challenges in architecture, with a primary focus on socially responsible design and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, says a press release issued by IIA. 

This year’s conference takes place in Wayanad, a region recently affected by devastating landslides that underscored the importance of designing for disaster-prone areas. 

A key focus of the conference will be on guiding professionals in the field to craft designs that not only harmonize with the local environment but also respect the cultural contexts of the regions where they are built. The Indian Institute of Architects has expressed its readiness to offer advisory support to the Kerala government, helping them implement strategies that contribute to a more robust and adaptive development framework for the state.

The conference will feature a lineup of speakers, including renowned professionals such as Ar. Alejandro Aravena, a Pritzker Prize winner celebrated for his socially impactful projects, and Ar. Anupama Kundoo, known for her innovative, sustainable design solutions. Other prominent speakers include Ar. Vinu Daniel, Ar. Shajay Bhooshan, Ar. Kalpana Ramesh, Ar. Damir Ussenov, Ar. Thisara Thanapathy, Ar. Pratik Dhanmer, Ar. Zamir Basrai, Ar. Deepak Gugarii, and Ar. Harsh Vardhan. Their collective expertise will offer invaluable insights to attendees and help advance architectural thought globally.“This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Binaries,’ reflects our commitment to fostering a dialogue between humanity, society, and innovation,” said Ar. Vinod Cyriac, Chairperson of the IIA Kerala Chapter. “As architects, we have the responsibility to create spaces that not only enrich lives but also foster meaningful connections. The IIA Southern Regional Conference 2024 will be a pivotal platform to exchange ideas and reimagine the future of our profession. Together, we can redefine the built environment and inspire impactful change.”