Participants from Meghalaya welcomed the conclave as a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas
KRC TIMES Assam Bureau
Guwahati : A strong call for integrating natural elements and local resources into architectural design emerged from a major conclave of architects held in Shillong.
Internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Palinda Kannangara urged architects to respect the purpose and context of the spaces they design. Addressing a gathering of over 175 architects and allied professionals, he stressed that designs should bring minimal changes to the surrounding environment. Quoting Gautama Buddha, Kannangara highlighted the value of simplicity, stating that true happiness lies in minimalism rather than complexity.
The three-day event, organised by the Association of Architects Assam at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, brought together architects from across the country to discuss the future of context-sensitive design.
Bengaluru-based architect Sanjay Mohe emphasised the need to integrate nature into modern buildings. He encouraged young architects from the Northeast to incorporate local cultural elements and environmental features into their work.
Architect Abin Chaudhuri spoke about drawing inspiration from rivers in his designs, while Delhi-based Amritha Ballal raised concerns over poor urban planning practices in several parts of the country.
Participants from Meghalaya welcomed the conclave as a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas. Freddie Wallang, president of the Meghalaya Architect Forum, said such events would help strengthen connections between architects from the Northeast and the rest of India, creating new opportunities for young professionals.
Highlighting the region’s unique heritage, Iban S Mawkhroh pointed to Meghalaya’s living root bridges as remarkable examples of sustainable architecture and called for greater efforts to promote them.
Earlier, architect Techi Gubin inaugurated the conclave and advocated the use of bamboo-based architecture supported by modern technology in the Northeast.
Held under the theme “Regionalism in Architecture: A New Paradigm,” the conclave explored evolving architectural identities and the importance of designing in harmony with local context and environment.
