Architectural conference ‘NICHE 2016’ witnessed 31 Global Giants at LPU to make World Smartly Habitable

Architectural conference ‘NICHE 2016’ witnessed 31 Global Giants at LPU to make World Smartly Habitable

• Organized in collaboration with Indian Institute of Architects (IIAs), the 3-day annual conference concluded on promising notes
• Eminent speakers, academicians and architects from across globe including USA, Australia, Italy, Slovenia, India pondered massively to churn out smart solutions

The second edition of international architectural conference NICHE-IPM (Neo- International Conference of Habitable Environments & International Professionals Meet) 2016 was concluded today at Lovely Professional University (LPU) on promising notes. 31 eminent speakers from across the world including USA, Australia, Italy, Slovenia pondered massively to churn out befitting solutions for smart living world across. LPU School of Architecture & Design had organized this three day conference in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)- Chandigarh Punjab Chapter- a part of national body of architects in the country. The conference dealt with all aspects of architecture, planning and design in relation to the principal aim of the conference �smart existence for one and all in this world�. LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal congratulated all for successful outcome of the international conference. 

The event, indeed, attracted wide range of cross disciplinary professionals dealing with built environment. National and international professionals, academicians, developers, contractors, builders, environmentalists, architects, students and policy makers from all related fields marked their remarkable presence at the conference. LPU students, reputed contractors and artisans also showcased their works and products. On the conclusive days, speaking on the smart city concept- �The Flourishing Smart City: Sustainability for All�, Prof Dr Arlene Plevin (Bremerton, USA) shared five principles for sustainability. These principles are- respecting life and natural resources; living within limits; valuing the local: respect for neighbourhood; accounting for full costs; and, sharing power. Prof Mateja Geder from Slovenia talked about behavior change towards smart sustainable participatory live-able cities. Former Additional Commissioner (Planning), DDA Delhi, Mr Vinod Sakle described about smart Master Plan for Delhi-2021; whereas, Ar Tara Sharma Singla explored possibilities of regeneration in the beautiful city of India �Chandigarh�.

Similarly, Director at Sthapati Associates (Lucknow & Delhi) Ar Harsh Varshneya wanted architectural fraternity to observe culture, climate and context, which all three have common binding with nature. Prof Dr Ashok from the School of Planning & Architecture New Delhi explained that benefits from smart cities are-Improved efficiency; Reduced pollutant emissions; and, above all, Economic growth. Prof. Mukul Kulkarni of Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur, discussed �New Office Cultures� to think differently and create purpose free common thinking with priority to processes. Ar Sanjay Goel and Ar Richa Malik talked about innovations in smart cities and intelligent building facades.

One of the participating students, Sai Manoj Kumar who is pursuing B Arch III year at LPU coming far away from Vijayawada (AP) said: �We are fortunate to be part of this international conference which has indeed provided us massive exposure. We get more of the practical learning at LPU instead of mere bookish knowledge. Recently, we have won coveted Overall Runners up Trophy at Zonal NASA competitions held in New Delhi, where more than 75 colleges of architecture had participated. Our winning is only due to such exposures which we keep on getting at LPU.�

go to link download download