City School of Architecture
 

Hello, Hong Kong

BY MILINDRI PANDITHA

GROWTH AND DIVERSITY: THE GREEN AGE OF ASIA

This being the main theme of The ARCASIA Student's Architectural Design Competition 2016, our very own Sandeepa Vithanage of Part 1 Year III was more than excited to submit his design proposal of the Head Office Building for The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Sandeepa was able to attend the ARCASIA Student Jamboree which was held in Hong Kong last year. His design was shortlisted by the jury panel of ARCASIA and he participated as an Official Student Delegate nominated by the SLIA. The event was held from September 26th to the 30th and is generally known as an opportunity for architecture students from ARCASIA member countries to gather and share experiences and exchange architectural knowledge amongst each other. Accompanied by Thilanganie Dabare of Year Ill and Shan Samuel of Year II, the three students representing Sri Lanka were able to experience the vivid cultures of the surrounding company and undoubtedly forged new international friendships.

Inevitably, the group visited many interesting places whilst in Hong Kong, including the tallest building in Hong Kong, the Sky 100, the 200-year-old Hakka Walled Village as well as the museum which provided authentic insight to Hong Kong's culture and history. The students also bore the privilege of attending the 17th Congress of Architects ACA17 conference and met the head of the International Union of Architects and Architects Regional Council of Asia. It was an overwhelming moment for them.

The Cultural Night helped display the talents of the young architect and the Sri Lankan delegates performed a traditional dance/act which was deemed one of the best performances of the night. They also performed 5 songs, both Sinhala and Hindi, contributing to a night filled with excitement, culture and delicious food. As the tour came to a close, and many friendships forged, the students exchanged their farewells and headed home with their heads held high and the notion that they are ONE UNITED ASIA.