Old Market Library By TYIN Tegnestue, Min Buri, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo © Pasi Aalto

Declaration from the UIA's Region IV regarding Responsible Architecture

At the 25th UIA Congress in Durban, the UIA Work Programme for Responsible Architecture in Region IV presented a declaration focusing on the role the architectural profession plays in creating a safe, flexible and resistant built environment that ensures a balance between development and the ecosystem. Submitted to the 26th General Assembly of the UIA, and subsequently adopted, the declaration establishes the principles for a practice that is respectful of communities, cultures, ecosystems and biodiversity. Formulated by the UIA’s regional work programme, it constitutes the culmination of their work completed under the direction of Yolanda Reyes, elected UIA Vice-President by the Assembly in Durban.

declaration of the uia region iv world congress session on the work programme for responsible architecture

The UIA Region IV World Congress Session on the Work Programme on Responsible Architecture recognizes the important role of the architectural profession in creating a safe, resilient, and responsive built environment that strikes a balance between development and the ecosystem.

This declaration resolves that:

That architects have an inherent moral responsibility of being part of their community and the earth as a whole, to ensure that in the course of their practice, they minimize the impact of the built environment on the natural settings.

That architects must always be ready to respond to emergencies brought about by natural and man-made calamities, such as war and conflict, in assisting the displaced communities, in finding sustainable solutions to loss of shelter, community and heritage.

That architects must be catalysts and take it upon themselves, to create architectural projects,that are universal in terms of accessibility, taking into consideration the welfare of all persons particularly those requiring assistance.

That architects must practice, as a primary design principle, sustainable planning and design, adopting the use of renewable resources and energy efficient principles to reduce carbon emissions; promoting healthy buildings; and protecting the ecosystem and its biodiversity.

That architects working in another country must collaborate with local architects, in order to achieve a culturally sensitive design and to foster mutual respect particularly in the sharing of knowledge , work and skills.

That architects must reach out to their national and local governments to inform them the vital role of the profession in achieving the  goals and objectives of their communities.

That architects have the obligation to act, to benefit society at large as a primary consideration for the practice of responsible architecture.

> via uia.archi

Done this 5th day of August 2014 during the 25th International Union of Architects World Congress at the International Convention Center, Durban, South Africa.

Submitted and accepted by the UIA General Assembly on the 8th day of August 2014 during the 25th International Union of Architects World Congress at the International Convention Center, Durban, South Africa