IAB is hosting the programme on behalf of Architects Regional Council for Asia (ARCASIA), an international organisation with which it is affiliated. ARCASIA currently constitutes of 17 national institutes of architects and provides a platform for Asian architects to interact, share experiences and foster the concept of environmental architecture.

Members of the IAB believe that the present period of human history is obsessed with the idea of globalisation and its discourses. Hardly any human activity or process is found free from its effect and architecture is no exception.

"Globalisation sometimes hampers the 'architectural identity' of a developing region by affecting people's visual expectation. People want to see same type of architectural work as they see in other parts of the world. Mere copying of western architectural ideas like small apartment houses, overhead footbridges or underpasses will not benefit people unless they are accustomed to it. Besides, it may endanger architectural heritage," said an architect.

On the positive side, globalisation enhances architects' endeavour. It offers better access to materials, technology, and concepts. It widens the scope to practice creativity across national boundaries.

The members believe that architects in the Asian region should remain aware of not becoming victims of globalisation entirely. But at the same time, they should not get constricted by religious or social limitations and avoid globalisation.

The seminar will be a platform to discuss and debate the pressing questions on globalisation. 'Materials and technology', 'Culture and Identity', 'Social Divide and responsive design', 'City and its Context' and 'Practice and Pedagogy' will be the seminar's sub-themes.

Professor Anthony Vidler of Cooper Union, New York will present the keynote paper at the meet. Renowned architects Shigeru Ban, Axel Schultes, Kazi Khaled Ashraf, Suha Ozkan, Prof Mozzaffar Ahmed, Tay Kheng Soon, Khadem Ali, B.V. Doshi, and Adnan Morshed will be among the invited speakers.