25th World Congress of Architects

The 25th International Union of Architects World Congress of Architects, UIA 2014 Durban, is being held at the International Convention Centre in Durban from 3-7 August 2014. This is the first time that this Congress is being held in Southern Africa, with nearly 6.000 delegates from around the world.  

This World Congress is organized every three years by the International Union of Architects (UIA), a non-governmental organization accredited by the United Nations, representing professional associations of architects in 124 countries, and approximately 1,3 million architects worldwide.

UIA 2014 Durban is a unique and highly relevant opportunity for South Africa to showcase the development of its built environment in the twenty years since democracy. The Congress theme is ‘ARCHITECTURE OTHERWHERE’ and will celebrate diversity by exploring other communities, other regions, other disciplines, and other ways of thinking about, practicing and teaching architecture. The intention is to acknowledge the built environment as a major force that may be harnessed towards a better life for all – through the sub-themes RESILIENCE, ECOLOGY and VALUES.

Against the backdrop of this diverse and multi-layered city, UIA 2014 Durban invites practitioners, academics, designers, students, thought leaders, activists, artists and communities  from all disciplines involved with city making to contribute to a unique debate on human settlements and the evolution of cities.

At this moment in time, more than half the world’s population is living in urban environments.

Major challenges facing communities and the environment – which are inextricably linked – are resource scarcity; food and water security; and the loss of culture and local knowledge in a globalised society.

The Congress programme is being based on an in-depth investigation of cities, the way in which architecture is produced, and how communities interact with the built environment.

South Africa’s concerns are strongly linked to Africa’s concerns. UIA 2014 Durban will acknowledge the relationship between the urgent human need for shelter, infrastructure, basic services, employment and social development; how political decisions are made; and how the global economy impacts on communities and the environment. 

More at: http://www.uia2014durban.org