Text : Ar Apurva Bose Dutta

Continuing with its tradition of escalating the pedestal of the architecture profession, Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the National Body of Architects in India is organising their annual festival, the Young Architects Festival (YAF) in Chandigarh this year. The festival which since the past few years has been an interesting platform for exchange of knowledge, discourses and interactions is going to be held over three days, from 14th-16th October.

Chandigarh by virtue of its revolutionary architecture and its legendary creator Master Architect Le Corbusier has been aptly chosen as the venue for a number of events to be unfolded during these three days. The YAF Conference on “Contemporary Architecture: Beyond Corbusierism” will be the main highlight to be held at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. Two more exhibitions on ‘Building Materials and Technologies’ and on “Contextual Architecture: An Indian Experience” will also be a part of the event. A National Council Meeting for the members of IIA will be held on 14th October.

IIA, having been founded in 1917 has always been one of the strong voices for architecture profession (both in practice as well as education) in the country. This year YAF is being organised by its Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter and for the first time is being held in North India.

Architects, Urban Planners and Interiors Designers from various countries including India, Switzerland, Egypt and Bangladesh will share a unique platform for architectural discourses. The festival looks forward to providing useful insights into various aspects of architecture including vernacular, global and futuristic architecture. Cultural programs and dinners at Lake Club and Rock Garden have also been planned to lighten the mood.

The Organising Committee working hard on the festival since the past many months proudly admits, “Bookings are almost complete. Preparations are in progress. We are expecting a great show of Architecture in the City Beautiful”.

Visit www.iiachdpb.in for more details.