From left: Lascelles Dixon, Louise McLeod, Robert Woodstock treasurer); Karin Hay, vice-president; Christopher Whyms-Stone, president; Cheryl Pouchet and Franz Repole all have radiant smiles for the camera, at the Jamaican Institute of Architects banquet, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on October 4.

The Jamaican Institute of Architects (JIA) held the Awards for Excellence in Architecture 2008 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Saturday, October 4.

The Governor General's Award (the top award) was presented to Marvin Goodman and Associates for work at Jencare Spa. The project was selected from those receiving awards of merit from each of the JIA's seven categories.

Renowned architects

The more than 35 projects entered were assessed by Jamaican-born University of Florida architect, Professor Karl Thorne, and renowned Trinidadian architect, Mervyn Awon. Thy spent four days visiting and reviewing the projects.

President of the JIA, Christopher Whyms-Stone, called for Jamaica's architectural, urban and landscape culture to move towards better social and environmental solutions. He also focused on the garrison as a special urban element, whose constitution is as much about its boundaries, form and physical characteristics as it is about the human occupation and lifestyles that exist within them.

"As architects, our concern is that the lack of wholesome application to the design and maintenance of our built environment is one of the causes for the symptom which is crime." Whyms-Stone asked members to continue to lobby that the key component on the path for development must be to begin to rebuild from within.

"By that I mean we must stop spreading and begin fixing our decrepit urban centres. No one can deny this is the right approach. It is not so much about using valuable agricultural lands as it is about common sense and a sustainable future."

Ann-Marie Dukharan (left) chats with Alicia Bahadur (centre) and Shari Williams, at the reception for the new Indian high commissioner. - Contributed photos

Architect Mervyn Awon (left), BIA, Christopher Whyms-Stone (centre), president of the Jamaican Institute of Architects, and architect, Professor Karl Thorne, fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Chairman of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica, Vishu Tolan (centre), introduces new Indian High Commissioner Mohinder Grover (second left) to (from left) Seragh Lakasingh, Mahadev Dukharan and Lloyd Ramdeen, at a reception in the new high commissioner's honour at the Courtleigh Hotel, New Kingston, last Thursday. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer