Architects' Meet highlights need for climate-responsive designs
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 19 2026: An Architects' Meet was held today at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, to mark the Foundation Day of the Manipur Architects' Forum (MAF).

The event was organised by the Manipur Architects' Forum in association with the Town Planning Department.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Ngangom Uttam Singh, Joint Secretary, TA & Hills; Ar N Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, Manipur; Dr RK Nimai, retired IAS officer; Ar Thokchom Budhabir, jury head, Essay Writing Competition; and Ar Gitkumar Nepram, president, MAF.

Speaking on the occasion, Uttam Singh highlighted that the role of architects goes beyond aesthetics and includes ensuring legal compliance with building bye-laws, zoning regulations, and safety norms.

He stressed the importance of consulting architects at the initial stage of construction to avoid fixture costs and legal issues.

Emphasising climate change concerns, he called upon architects to design climate-responsive, green, and seismic-safe buildings, considering Manipur's vulnerability to earthquakes and heavy rainfall.

He also spoke on the Online Building Approval System, deemed approval mechanism, and the accountability of empanelled architects, urging strict adherence to norms.

Uttam Singh further underscored the need to preserve and promote Manipur's indigenous architectural identity, particularly in Government buildings.

The event included distribution of prizes for the World Architecture Day Essay Writing Competition, felicitation of senior MAF members, and presentation of special award to Ar Benson for being the first to adopt the Online Building Permit System (OBPS) in Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC).

A technical session on the themes "Role of Architects in Combating Climate Change" and "Role of Architects in Enforcing Development Control Regulations" was also conducted, with presentations from Dr T Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment & Climate Change, Manipur, and Ar N Benju Singh.

The event was attended by officials, MAF members, and students, emphasizing the critical role of architects in sustainable development.

Comment