Canada contributes internationally: RAIC attends UIA General Assembly
As the member section for the Canadian architectural profession within the International Union of Architects (UIA), the RAIC sent three delegates to the Congress and General Assembly held in Istanbul in July. RAIC President, Yves Gosselin, FIRAC was unable to attend; however, Vivian Manasc, FRAIC, RAIC First Vice President led the Canadian delegation which also included Past-President Bonnie Maples, PP/FRAIC and Executive Director, Jon Hobbs, MRAIC.
Canada has four votes at the General Assembly during which a variety of model international documents for the architecture profession, new dues structure, and a work program were approved.
In addition, elections were held for a new Council and for the venue of the 2011 UIA Congress and Assembly. Ms. Maples was named to chair the jury selecting student awards from more than 1,000 entries worldwide. Mr. Hobbs was selected to be one of three scrutineers for the elections.
Martin Fiset, MRAIC, former Director of the UIA Work Programme on Public Health Architecture also led a successful conference during the Congress.
Bilateral meetings were held with a few associations from other countries.
More information is available at www.uia- architectes.org
RAIC pledges to help reduce carbon emissions
RAIC President Yves Gosselin, FIRAC represented one of 16 of the world’s architectural institutions in the recent signing of the Las Vegas Declaration. The declaration recognizes the great responsibility placed on the architectural profession to do all it can to achieve a major reduction in the level of carbon emissions that result from the creation and life-cycle of the built environment.
“With 30 to 40 per cent of all energy being consumed by buildings, it is natural that Architects with their understanding of energy-efficient building design and also the issues surrounding urban sprawl that result in greater energy consumption and thereby increased emissions, be in a key position to offer creative solutions,” said Gosselin. “This declaration is an affirmation of our commitment to do all we can to reduce emissions.”
George Ferguson, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) president, took the lead in drafting a statement that was agreed to by all the presidents. The declaration was signed during The International Presidents’ Forum, a meeting held during the AIA National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The agreement along with the full names of the leaders who signed it is available on the RAIC web site.
Architects applaud Green Cities Accord
In the same vein, RAIC applauded efforts during World Environment Day in San Francisco June 5 that saw mayors from around the world declare their support to green cities.
“This is a great step in the right direction. The RAIC has long been stating that it is critical that planning at all levels ensures an integrated approach to sustainable planning,” said RAIC President Yves Gosselin, FIRAC. “What we see is a need for more inter-governmental co-operation and inter-jurisdictional co-operation in land use planning and design.
“Architects are in the position to help ensure Mayors around the world and in Canada keep the environment in mind when planning cities,” said Gosselin. “Our talent, vision, training and experience puts us in a key position to offer creative solutions to build healthier cities. At this time, when cities are looking for creative solutions to increasing urbanization, Architects are at the forefront – helping citizens, mayors, builders and developers address the challenges.”
Mayors signed an accord that commits them to building ecologically sustainable, economically dynamic, and a socially equitable future for urban citizens, by attending to energy, urban design and urban nature, as well as water, environmental health and transportation issues.
Four lucky members to visit Italy and attend Marmomacc for RAIC!
This year the RAIC will be sending a total of four architects to Italy from September 27-October 2, 2005 for a terrific professional development opportunity. These scholarships, open to RAIC members only, cover tuition, meals, accommodations and local transportation and the administration fee. This year’s recipients will be announced in the RAIC August electronic Bulletin.
RAIC joins APEC Architect Project
At a meeting May 31 and June 1 in Tokyo, Architects from 14 Pacific Rim countries, including the three Chinese economies (Peoples’ Republic of China, Chinese Taipei or Taiwan, and Chinese Hong Kong) agreed to launch the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Architect Project September 19, 2005. This project will establish a framework and register for Architects qualified to be recognized as APEC Architects (eg. registered Architects with seven years experience – three years of which must be in responsible control).
APEC Architects will be listed in a database and can collaborate or joint venture with other APEC Architect members. Each will receive an identity card, a certificate and other benefits.
The APEC Architect Project is an effort to facilitate the provision of architectural services and the mobility of Architects throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Members should watch the RAIC web site for application forms and more details in the coming weeks!