Udaipur Local Centre of the Institution of Architectural Engineers started a two day 28^th National Convention of Architectural Engineers on the theme ‘Economic Architectural Designs: Challenges and Options’ today.

R. P. Gupta, Past President of The Institution of Engineers (India) graced the occasion as Chief Guest. N. K. Saini, Additional Chief Engineer, PWD, Udaipur, Govt. of Rajasthan addressed the gathering as Guest-of-Honour and focused on the importance of architectural development in the societal reforms.

The Chief Guest highlighted about the innovative technologies in the area of architectural designs for building developmental works. He also emphasized on the cost effective technology & its sustainability towards construction works and optimum usage of materials for rapid urbanization.

The inaugural function was presided by Prof. Jitendra Singh, Chairman of Architectural Engineering Division Board of the Institution and he briefly discussed on the challenges of architectural designs in the present scenario.

Nimish Bhai Patel, a renowned Architect from Ahmadabad delivered a lecture on the topic, ‘The Under Utilized Wealth of our Traditional Knowledge, Wisdom and Crafts in our Backyards: The Explorations of a Design Practice’.

Four Eminent Architectural Engineers were felicitated on this occasion, namely, Prof. Alok Ranjan, Dean (Administration), Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, B. L. Mantri, Director, B. L. Mantri & Associate Pvt. Ltd., Udaipur, Arun Kumar Sharma, Director, A. V. S. Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Udaipur and P. K. Maity, former Vice President of IEI & former Chairman, Architectural Engineering Division Board of IEI.

On this occasion, T. R. Sharma, former Chief Architect, PWD, Govt. of Rajasthan presented the State-of-the-Art Lecture on ‘New High Court Building at Jodhpur’.

Earlier, Dr. Y. C. Bhatt, Chairman, Udaipur Local Centre, delivered the welcome address of the function and in his address, he briefed about eco-friendly architectural designs for the urbanization of the rural sectors.

Dr. Ravi K Sharma, Convener, stressed upon the eco-functional designs for the sustainable development. Syed Irshad Ali, Honorary Secretary, Udaipur Local Centre delivered the vote of thanks.