Addressing a press meet on Wednesday, architect and convention chairman Karan Grover said, ``The theme Ethics and Aesthetics has been specifically chosen as IIID believes that in the present context, the influence of professionals in the society is diminishing. Simultaneously, there is an erosion of values and the general ethics of practice. Thus, in order to effect change at a broader level and work within the larger cultural, social and economic context, designers have to re-examine certain issues''.

The abbreviation ETHICS denoted education, technology, heritage, identity, conservation and sustainability, which combined with aesthetics, he added.

The international speakers include architects like C S Jimmy Lim, Aga Khan awardee 1998 (Malaysia), Shane Thomson (Australia), Brian Ford (UK), Hitoshi Abe (Japan) Hurbert and Phillipe Somm (France).

The convention will coincide with the first Showcase, a high profile trade fair of the industry, which would serve as an opportunity to display and launch products by the interiors and related industry. It will be held at the convention venue itself to enable participants to take part in both events.

The convention has been organised in keeping with the assurance of the two-year-old Vadodara Chapter of the IIID to hold the national event, said Grover. More details about the convention and the fair could be had from Amitsinh Rathore, 204 Gayatri Chambers, R C Dutt Road, Vadodara 390 007, phone: 351664, fax: 340218.