Mud is an excellent construction material. It is being used as a building material since prehistoric times. Mud structures can still be found in a variety of climates across the globe; In Pakistan, it is most strongly associated with rural culture. The idea of mud building is now coming to urban areas. Construction of model mud village in Lahore is the case in point.

Society for the Promotion of Art and Culture (SPARC), registered in Lahore since 1994, is starting construction of mud village for handicraft men. Prof. Dr. Norbert Pintsch (Senior Expert Service Bonn, Germany) is planning to coordinating the project and giving it a practical shape.

Prof. Dr. Norbert Pintsch is an experienced architect by profession is very passionate about mud architecture. Since completing first building project as an architect at the age of 18, Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch has been in various activities as an architect and civil engineer all his life.

In addition, Iqbal, a local builder from Harrapa, Ghayyoor Obaid, a local architecture and very interested in mud construction material, Peerzada Festival Area, a concern that is providing space for construction of mud village near world famous Puppetry Museum are also involved in the project. Beacon House University, Department of Architecture and Building Research Institute are also likely to participate.

It is not good enough to assume that “everything from the past is good. It is necessary to show,” says Dr. Norbert Pintsch who is very passionate about the project. Like national University in Colombia where students practice construction with local materials like bamboo and wood, the project will give an opportunity to the students of Beacon House University to practice what they have been learning while adapting the construction technique mixed with appropriate technology in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Norbert Pintsch never gets tired of talking about his passion and, given my own interest, I don’t get tired of listening about the details of the project. Hope you enjoy reading it. {X-Posted From Light Within}

BNU New Campus Location - Source: bnu.edu.pk

According to a Daily Times report, BNU is going to spend a massive Rs1.2 billion at the new site, out of which, a major chunk will be raised through donations. Designed by Nayyar Ali Dada and already constructed is the Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts, named after the mother of prominent industrialist and donor, Mr. Hussain Dawood.

Renowned artist and Dean of School of Visual Arts at BNU, Ms. Salima Hashmi said that classes will begin at the school’s new premises from September this year while rest of the construction will end within 12 to 13 months. BNU is currently offering degrees and courses in architecture, digital photography, visual arts, textile & jewellery design, sculpture and painting while it plans to add more programs after the expansion of its facilities.

The 23rd Lahore International Book Fair, being held at Fortress Stadium Grounds, has started from Februrary 14 and is going to continue till 18th of this month. Iqbal Academy, the organizers and their sponsors this year, Zong and Express Media Group, should be appreciated for supporting Lahore’s biggest book fair which has grown in size and popularity over the years. At the same time  Lahore International Book Fair has also become a regular mark on the city’s spring calender of exciting activities.

Just as you enter the make-shift yet spacious venue filled with books, books and books all around, it gives you an overwhelming sense of serenity while watching crowds of visitors indulged in reading, browsing or just roaming excitedly provides you with a satisfaction that people still do read. And a lot of them do it still now!

The Fair is hosting about 30 to 40 different publishers, book houses and agents. All big names in Pakistan including Vanguard, Liberty Books, Paramount, Sang-e-Meel, Ferozsons, National Book Foundation, Oxford University Press, Cambridge Press, Lahore’s own beloved Readings as well as publishers from India and the United Kingdom are present with mounds and loads of ‘readings’ to offer. There is also a visible presence of publishers of the Holy Quran and other interesting Islamic multimedia products for children.

Most of the stalls are giving lucrative offers and discounts ranging from 15% to 25% which will help you extract the maximum utility out of your limited budget especially if you are a student.

Even if you do not plan to purchase any books, it is highly recommended that you should visit the fair, roam about, browse through stuff and enjoy the essence of a literary phenomenon which is fast depleting from our society.

Now into its second year, the annual Synergies event held under the auspices of the Global Management Club at SDSB LUMS, strives to provide an exponential platform, monetary rewards, wide exposure and opportunities for those who dare to accept real challenges of the corporate world.

Synergies ‘09 is a three day event to be held from the 3rd – 5th of April at LUMS. With focus on “Collaborative Excellence” in information technology, energy, agribusinesses and other sectors, the event comprises of the following four main events:

• Kaavish - Business Plan Competition
• Hippocrates - Business Case Competition
• Éclat - Request for Proposal (RFP) Presentation
• BootStrap - Business Simulation Game

Deadline for Kaavish registrations has been extended to February 20, 2009

This year, in addition to a sizable corporate presence, prospective participants from over 60 universities and business schools in Pakistan are expected to attend and take part in different activities.

Further details and information regarding pre-requisites, requirements, conditions, how to apply and most importantly, the deadlines, can be found out at the event’s website: http://synergies.com.pk/

So, if you think you have what it takes to become a global business leader, go ahead, spread the word, sign up and register yourself as soon as possible…

This time, Startup Insiders will be hosting a session with Mr. Carlos Cashman covering the following major topics:

1. Raising Funds
2. Surviving in a tough environment and
3. B2B Sales

Mr. Cashman is a guru at starting and funding ventures and has been a card counter in his MIT days (Remember “21″??). Details of the event are as follows:

Date: February 13, 2009

Time: 3:00 PM

Venue: A13 – PICIC Auditorium, LUMS

More information on the event and Mr. Cashman’s profile can be read at Jehan Ara’s blog.

In audience will be,

Imran Zia, CEO, VahZay Ltd (Chairman P@SHA)
Zafar Khan, Founder, Sofizar
Dr. Umar Saif, Founder, Bumpin
Fahd Bangash, CEO, Amaana
Monis Rahman, CEO, Naseeb Networks
Jehan Ara, President, P@SHA

Registration is FREE but essential. All are welcome. Please register by emailing at president@pasha.org.pk.

So, see you there!

Check out this video of a free volunteer school that’s doing the most unbelievable work in a working class abadi in Saddar, Cantonment. Watch this to see the amazing philanthropic work of the people responsible for this great school.

You can find out more by visiting the Foundation’s website at http://almashalfoundation.org/

The Lahore School of Economics Association of Debaters (LSEAD) is holding Logic is Variable the Lahore School inter-varsity debates 09 from January 23 to 27, 2009. Total 42 teams from all over the country and also from Sri Lanka are participating in this mega debating event being help in Lahore. That reminds of what Lahore is famous for; the city of educational institution. At Lahore School one can see the Asians format of debates – the 3 on 3 debating reply speeches  - at its best.

Three reasons you should attend:

• Lahore is home to a lot of “interesting” means of transportation not found anywhere else in the world
• “Helvetica” is a great documentary
• Registration for the event is free

So if you have some time to spare this Thursday, and are intersted in “Usability” either as a user or a creator, head over to the registration page and let IXDC know.

The scheduled event details are as follows:

Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008

Time: 9am to 6pm

Venue: Avari, Lahore

For further information and queries, please visit Jehan Ara’s web-place or the event’s page on Facebook.

Organizers are bringing a bunch lot of Information Technology companies based in and around Lahore including NetSol Technologies, InfoTech, VahZay and internationally renowned firms like Intel and IBM this time.

Following the career expo will be held the volume next of previous year’s super charged Startup Insiders 11; a session to inspire, encourage and support entrepreneurship among passionate individuals with sharp and innovative brains.

So, just be there!! ;)

 This event provides an excellent opportunity for people planning for or thinking of getting higher education in the United Kingdom. A lot of useful information is being dispensed by foreign representatives of educational institutions such as the University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, Aston University, University of Sheffield, University of Swansea, Cardiff University, Kaplan Colleges and Cambridge Group.

 So if you have any reservations to be cleared, questions to be answered, or queries to be listened to regarding prospects of studying in the United Kingdom, just head off to the Emerald Hall, Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore.

The Education Fair will continue for the 13th and 14th May 2008 with timings of 12:00pm to 6:00pm.