coming of age - a mid centuary architectural conversation on more than architecture

 Recently we has very interesting seminar  under the theme "Coming of Age - A mid century architectural conversation on community, shared values and possible horizons" at Moratuwa university. Apart from  seeing quite a few interesting projects from different parts of the world we had the opportunity (and time) have a lively discussion at the end and true to the title of the seminar actually the participants were able discuss thing beyond architecture and how these issues impinge on our architecture from time to time. Presenters went beyond their presentations were keen to see the Sri Lankan perspective on things.

Recurring themes at the discussion were;
- what have you guys been doing, in terms of architecture;with  the wonderful climate you have in this country.
- What does post / neo colonialism means to you?

There were more direct questions like
- policy on affordable housing in Sri Lanka
- and finally the most in teresting, I think this came from Julie Eizenberg "we come and show all these things, what do you  think of us"

The presenters at the seminar were
Julie Eizenberg - The children Museum at Pittsburgh
Ricardo Vanucci - Beyond the prototype: After the CBF in Ougadougou
Emanuela Valle - The student cafeteria at the Polytechnic of Turin
William Lenart - The relocatable classroom design program in Florid
Hank Koning - Low cost high value housing in California
Paolo Tombesi - On measure in architecture: The toilet of the Sydney Opera House
Ashley De Vos chaired the proceeding