Friday 19 December 2008

CEPT University - venue for APSA 2009

It's been decided. Mark your calendar for November 24 - 27, 2009. The Asian Planning Schools Association (APSA) will hold its biennial Congress and Conference at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India. The first announcement and call for papers will be 1st January 2009 with dateline for submission of abstracts being 1st April 2009. Notification of acceptance by 1st June and full paper submission by 1st August. Only full papers submitted by 1st August will be considered for the Best Paper which be submitted for publication in the "Dialogue in Urban and Regional Planning".

The APSA EXCO at its meeting in CEPT on 8th December 2008 have decided to launch a membership drive through several activities including offering one complimentary (free) conference registration to APSA 2009 for each current Full Member Schools as well as those who submit their application for full membership by 1st August 2009 (subject to approval of admission by the EXCO).

The Steering and Coordinating Committees of GPEAN (Global Planning Education Association Network) are also scheduled to have their annual meetings in Ahmedabad in conjunction with APSA 2009.

The theme for the conference is "Future of Asian Cities". There will be numerous parallel tracks and sessions so I am sure you will be able find one which fits your area of interest. If you are in a hurry, you can contact Prof. Utpal Sharma (utpalsharma2008@yahoo.com), the Chair of the local organising committee. The conference website will be up by 1st Jan 2009.

CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) started with an architecture school in 1962 while the planning school was started 10 years later. Since 2005, it has become CEPT University via an Act of law introduced by the Government of Gujarat.

The campus is very compact and lively. I love the relaxed atmosphere with the soft winter sun providing a feast for your eyes. The campus was designed by a famous architect Doshi who was student of Le Corbusier. Here's a few pictures to vet your appetite.


You can see more photos in my online photo album.

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