The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : State can be habitat technology hub: Viswom

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State can be habitat technology hub: Viswom

Special Correspondent

Colloquium organised by Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra

— Photo: S. Mahinsha

Discussing technology prospects: Minister for Housing Benoy Viswom addressing a colloquium organised by the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra for conceptualising the Laurie Baker International School of Habitat Studies in the city on Thursday.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala can emerge as a global training hub in habitat technology, Minister for Housing Benoy Viswom has said.

Inaugurating a one-day colloquium organised by the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra here on Thursday to conceptualise the Laurie Baker International School of Habitat Studies (LABISHAS), he said a batch of 25 to 30 students from Africa would be among the first to receive training at the institution.

Margin-free outlets

Mr. Viswom said the Kalavara margin-free market for construction materials would be opened in all districts soon. The scheme, he explained, is part of a market-intervention strategy formulated by the State government to control the prices now dictated by the real-estate lobby and builders. He said the scheme would help the beneficiaries of the EMS housing scheme, the MN Lakshamveedu project and the Tsunami Rehabilitation Project.

The Minister said climate change posed a new challenge to habitat science and technology. “The only way to overcome the challenge is to adapt to regional conditions,” he added.

Mr. Viswom said the school would provide a platform for educational and research institutions, engineers and architects to come together and promote the values upheld by Laurie Baker. “We will ensure that the faculty is top class,” he added.

Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) K. Ramamoorthy, Principal Secretary (Power) L. Radhakishnan, Kerala State Planning Board Member Mridul Eapen, school Special Officer P.R. Sreemahadevan, Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra Director G. Harikumar and Chief Technical Officer K. Nanda Kumar also spoke at the inaugural function.

The colloquium proposed the establishment of a finishing school for young architects and engineers to familiarise them with the concepts and principles of habitat technology. The finishing school would be set up as the first phase of LABISHAS.

It was also decided to tie up with HUDCO to launch a training programme for administrators, architects, engineers, construction supervisors and skilled workers. The programme would later be conducted with assistance from the United Nations for trainees from developing countries.

Speakers at the colloquium stressed the need to create social commitment among engineers and architects. They recommended social engineering as a part of the curriculum of LABISHAS.

The colloquium highlighted the importance of research into vernacular architecture and technology for the common man. It recommended the establishment of sub-centres for the school at different locations in the country.

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