Design Katha:
Impact of Public Art
Port City Future City: A creative viewpoint
The two Design Kathas are led by Creative Director James Balmond of Balmond Studio. One looks at the impact Public Art has through the Port City's first Design Competition, that opened doors to artists around the island to showcase their perspective and their vision into new cities and cityscapes. The other brings together both Port City and pavilion architects Balmond Studio in a discussion about the Port City project, architecture and how it is poised to be the future city.
Design Katha: Impact of Public Art in Society
15 Jan, 17:00 - 18:00 GMT+5:30
Online Zoom Event
Public art is a distinguished part of our public history and our evolving culture. It reflects our society, adds meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. It provides an intersection between past, present and future. Join us as we explore all these elements on Design Katha.
Speakers*
JAMES BALMOND
Moderator
James graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BA Hons Degree in French Linguistics, moving into the advertising world in 2007. Over the next 7 years he evolved into a senior creative copywriter, brand guardian and Creative Director, working on brands including Disney, Toyota, Lexus, Puma, Citroen, Nissan and Starbucks. In 2015, James joined Balmond Studio as Creative Director exclusively. He is responsible for the development of brand infrastructure and communication as well as conceptual and strategic growth throughout the organisational network.
ANOMA WIJEWARDENE
A contemporary artist whose work encapsulates her passion for sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, transformation, unity and climate change. Anoma’s art has been displayed internationally at Sotheby's Hong Kong show 2016 and the Venice Biennale 2019 and at galleries in London, Dubai, New Delhi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney and in Sri Lanka as well. She is an alumni and former lecturer at Central Saint Martins.
RUCHI JEYANATHAN
Ruchi Jeyanathan is a practicing architect and interior designer. Originally hailing from India, she graduated from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, where she started her career in architectural practise before relocating to Sri Lanka in the early 90s. She counts over twenty years of active practise in Sri Lanka, is a director and head of design at The Contemporary Design Studio Pvt Ltd. and a self-confessed ‘disruptor’ of design and process oriented conversations in architecture.
AZARA JALEEL
A Founder & Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine, Sri Lanka’s Contemporary Art Magazine established in 2012 with the aim of celebrating visual/ performance/ applied written art whilst strengthening the growth of the local art ecosystem and industrial footprint. ARTRA collaborates with leading local and international art festivals, corporates and cultural partners to ensure the growth of the local art scene in promoting a cultural economy.
Design Katha: Port City Future City: Creative View Point
16 Jan, 18:00 - 18:30 GMT+5:30
Online Event
Buildings transcend function. They are symbols. Icons reflecting visions, missions and philosophies. What are the connections between aspiration and execution? In other words, how do we translate wider objectives into tangible architecture? Port City embodies this question. The mission is to create a smart city of the future. A fully self contained ecosystem offering new urban, consumerist, lifestyle and business experiences. Every city has a beginning. The unique and dynamic Port City sales pavilion is the first structure on site, marking the intent of the project. Join both Port City and pavilion architects Balmond Studio in a discussion about the Port City project and how it will impact the future.
Speakers*
JAMES BALMOND
Moderator
James graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BA Hons Degree in French Linguistics, moving into the advertising world in 2007. Over the next 7 years he evolved into a senior creative copywriter, brand guardian and Creative Director, working on brands including Disney, Toyota, Lexus, Puma, Citroen, Nissan and Starbucks. In 2015, James joined Balmond Studio as Creative Director exclusively. He is responsible for the development of brand infrastructure and communication as well as conceptual and strategic growth throughout the organisational network.
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Hania Halabi
Hania Halabi is a Palestinian Architect ( Bsc, MA, ARB, RIBA), registered in the Architects Registration Board and a Chartered Member of the Institute of British Architects. She joined Balmond Studios in January 2016 as the personal research assistant for Cecil Balmond OBE, to help with his last research about a new theory of form. By the end of 2012, she moved to working on architectural projects within the studio, which range in program and scale from a small pavilion to complex integrated resort. Prior to that Hania worked as an Architect at Senan Abdelqader Architects in Jerusalem for 18 months, practicing in three major competitions, one of which was given an honor prize.
Yamuna Jayaratne
Yamuna Jayaratne is a marketing professional and Real Estate expert with over 20 years of experience predominantly in foreign owned and global real estate companies. She has held senior management positions for over a decade and currently serves at the Director for Sales and Marketing for CHEC Port City Colombo. She is also the mother of two and an avid art enthusiast.
Amy Yang
A book author and blogger lives in Colombo, the one who writes Sri Lanka most in Chinese Language. 7 books pubished and with more than one million follower in China. Chief Media Officer for Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka