KARACHI, – Civil Engineering Department of Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology organized a workshop on Green Housing Affordable Resilient (GHAR): Challenges and Opportunities. Guest speakers were Ar. Babar Mumtaz and Dr. Engr. Suhaib Ahmad. Dean of Faculty of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Prof. Dr. Mir Shabbar Ali, and Chairman of Department of Architecture, Ar. Fazal Noor were the Workshop Chair and Chairperson of the Civil Engineering Department, Dr. Imran was the Workshop Secretary. The event was attended by the faculty and students.
Giving an informative and comprehensive presentation, a distinguished Alumnus of the University of Illinois, USA, and world-recognized civil and environmental engineer, Dr. Shuaib Ahmad said that green technology is considered environment friendly helping to reduce the adverse impacts of buildings on the environment due to existing conventional construction practice. Green technology is an integral part of a country’s economy and industrial development, especially for developing countries.
He pointed out that the construction industry is considered to be the driver of economic growth especially in developing countries. The housing sector of the construction industry affects over 40 industries through linkage. Pakistan is included in the Top 10 countries in the world experiencing climate hazards. Green technology should be utilized so that the effects of climate change do not result in economic loss for Pakistan, which is close to 20 to 30 billion dollars every 3 years.
Eminent Architect, Urban Planner/ Development Economist, and former Director of Bartlett’s DPU, University College London, Babar Mumtaz, said that housing is a universally acknowledged basic right. Its supply, availability, and affordability continue to be one of Pakistan’s major issues. Up to 70% of Pakistan’s housing is “sub-standard” and in “slums”. Pakistan’s Housing needs could be better met through the development of Green Housing Affordable Resilient (GHAR).
He underscored that if resilience is against Mother Nature, we will always lose. We have to respect Mother Nature. Resilient Housing is built and located to minimize loss or damage by natural or man-made calamities, including climatic change. In terms of Pakistan, 2 fundamental things need to be careful about, certainly floods (horizontal water) and rainfall (vertical water). All types of building construction within the flood limit of rivers, natural streams (Nallahs), and natural drainage systems are prohibited.
Presenting a vote of thanks, Registrar SSUET, Cdre. (R) Syed Sarfraz Ali said that we had two interesting sessions, which were rich in information. Green Housing Affordable Resilient is a challenging issue. Vernacular architecture is very popular in the present era. It is an architectural design that reflects the geographic and cultural context of the site and surroundings, focusing on local construction with traditional and regional materials. Its best example is Bangladesh where over 70% of housing is made from bamboo because the country has the rich growth of it.
Earlier, presenting a welcome note, the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Prof. Dr. Mir Shabbar Ali, said that all universities are supposed to provide leadership and exposure to new knowledge, ultimately finding the solutions to address the challenges and avail the opportunities. It is a moment of pride that Sir Syed University has been selected as a leading effort of this kind throughout Pakistan.
Abdul Hamid Daccani
Dy. Director Information
Caption: (L-R) Registrar SSUET, Cdre. (R) Engr. Syed Sarfraz Ali SI (M), Ar. Babar Mumtaz, Dr. Engr. Shuaib Ahmed, Prof. Dr. Mir Shabbar Ali and Ar. Fazal Noor at the end of workshop held by Sir Syed University.
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