It is a pleasure to address this message to all governmental
representatives, participants and those following the proceedings of the 28th
Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(COP28) in my role as president of the International Union of Architects (UIA).
Building is a public act. It depends
on political and economic factors and requires interdisciplinary collaboration.
Architects are challenged to design
places capable of generating a better and more friendly society, as well as
buildings that contribute to the wellbeing of the people that use them and
respond to environmental challenges.
Architects are educated and trained
to coordinate the knowhow of other disciplines and specialists, use technology
intelligently and find solutions within the given economic and legal framework.
At the same time, they are active in promoting changes in legislation to
improve public policy, optimise the use of land and natural, renewable
resources, reduce energy expenditure and improve environmental protection.
What is truly essential and unique
for the profession of architect, though, is the ability to translate needs into
spatial solutions and respond with design creativity to the particularities of
the task, place and context with consideration of all constraints.
As a design specialist, the
architect is challenged to understand the needs of both users and investors and
interpret them in the interest of society. The profession does not only have
an aesthetic, but also a social, ethical and political responsibility.
Uncontrolled urban sprawl all over
the world threatens not only the environmental, social and economic balance of
the globe, but also its relation to nature and biodiversity. Climate crises,
frequent natural disasters, political upheavals and wars in many countries have
revealed social, economic and environmental inequalities that disproportionally
affect those living in poverty. The world faces the difficult task of how to
best respond to today's climatic and social challenges.
Architecture, including territorial
planning and urban design, is a discipline of public interest and can only
successfully contribute to innovative solutions if the clients are responsible
and the legal framework favourable to innovation.
The UIA promotes sustainable
architecture in alignment with the UN 17 SDGs. The theme of the 2023 UIA
Congress in Copenhagen was focused on “Sustainable Futures, Leave No One
Behind”. The Congress resolutions are part of the legacy of the UIA for the
coming years.
With publications of selected
projects in the UIA Guides on the 17 UN SDGs, the specialised UIA Commission
demonstrates the capacity of architecture to contribute with valuable solutions
and helps to create a broad awareness of sustainability. With student
competitions, like the GGWI (Great Green Wall Initiative) conducted in
connection with the 2023 Congress, the Union has been raising awareness amongst
the coming generation of architects of the challenges they will face.
The relation between urban and
rural areas is in all countries a decisive factor for the climate. Territorial
planning is a key issue that needs to be addressed in the climate discussion.
On its 75th anniversary this year,
the UIA invites the governments and planning authorities of all countries to
address the urgent issue of urbanisation with measures encouraging politicians
and clients to cooperate with architects and with progressive legislation
allowing innovative solutions.
Regina Gonthier
UIA
President
Zpět na výpis novinek