Society of Nepalese Architects (Sona) is hosting the 14th regional assembly of Saarc Association of Architects from the first week of February.

The assembly will elect Nepal as the chair of the association for the next two years. Besides electing the new chair, the assembly will also deliberate on traditional but resilient architecture. The Saarc member nations, except Afghanistan, are participating in the event.

Sona President Kishore Thapa said Nepali architects have an important role in making sure that the country’s heritage sites and historical buildings which were destroyed in the April 25 earthquake of last year are built without compromising on their original designs. “We have been mobilising our architects to assist Department of Archaeology and National Reconstruction Authority to rebuild the nation with earthquake-resistant technology while retaining their original architecture,” Thapa, said.

He also pointed out that the market of architects has increased in the country compared to the past as public, commercial and institutional buildings are being built under the supervision of architects.

Expertise of engineers and architectures are seldom used while constructing new buildings in Nepal. But that is expected to change after Nepal has been elected the chair of the association, said Thapa.