An Architects’ Meet was convened on Monday at the City Convention Centre in Imphal to commemorate the Foundation Day of the Manipur Architects’ Forum (MAF). This event was co-hosted by MAF and the Town Planning Department, with notable attendees including Chief Guest Ngangom Uttam Singh, the Director of IPR, alongside Guests of Honour such as N. Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner of Manipur, Dr. R.K. Nimai, Retd. IAS, and Thokchom Budhabir, Jury Head for the Essay Writing Competition. The program was chaired by Gitkumar Nepram, President of MAF.
During his address, Uttam Singh emphasized the multifaceted role of architects beyond mere aesthetics. He underscored the necessity for compliance with building regulations, zoning laws, and safety standards, urging early engagement of architects during construction to mitigate future costs and legal concerns. Addressing climate change, he called upon architects to prioritize sustainable practices by designing climate-responsive, green, and seismic-safe structures, especially in light of Manipur’s exposure to earthquakes and heavy rainfall.
Uttam Singh elaborated on the Online Building Approval System and the accountability required from empanelled architects, advocating for adherence to established norms. He stressed the importance of ensuring accessibility in buildings in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and directives from the Supreme Court, as well as the preservation of Manipur’s indigenous architectural identity in public works.
The event featured prize distributions, including cash awards and citations for the World Architecture Day Essay Writing Competition, and the recognition of senior MAF members. A Special Award was conferred to Benson for being the first to implement the Online Building Permit System (OBPS) within Imphal Municipal Cooperation, presented by the Town Planning Department.
A subsequent technical session explored the “Role of Architects in Combating Climate Change” and “Role of Architects in Enforcing Development Control Regulations.” Presentations by Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment & Climate Change, and N. Benju Singh highlighted the essential contributions of architects to sustainable development and regulatory compliance. The session concluded with an engaged open discussion led by moderator R.K. Nimai Singh, Retd. IAS, and was well-attended by Town Planning Department officials, MAF members, and students from various educational institutes.