UIA Congress & Assembly

From June 29 through July 3, nearly 10,000 architects from around the world came to Torino, Italy, to attend the XXIII World Congress of Architecture of the International Union of Architects. Keynote sessions, talks, paper presentations, specialist sessions and exhibitions were organized on the theme of “Transmitting Architecture,” with each day dedicated to a special theme: culture, democracy, and hope.

The General Assembly, the business meeting of the organization which followed the Congress, adopted a Turin Declaration on Sustainability and Cultural Diversity.

Louise Cox (Australia) was elected president for the triennium 2008-2011. Cox has ambitious plans to build upon the Vision & Strategy developed under immediate past president Siew.

The sudden and tragic death of Giancarlo Ius (Italy), candidate for president, had a profound effect on the delegates and the Assembly. Business was concluded in an abbreviated manner, and included the elections of Bureau and Council members for the next triennium.

James A. Scheeler, FAIA, was elected to a second term as Council Member, Region III (the Americas), with Gene Hopkins, FAIA, serving as Alternate Council Member.

At the organizational Council meeting immediately following the Assembly, the Council approved the request from the Architectural Society of China (ASC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to continue to sponsor the UIA Professional Practice Commission. Douglas L Steidl, FAIA, will take over as Co-director and Secretary, replacing Russell V. Keune, FAIA, who served in this capacity for the past two UIA triennia, until his retirement this summer.

For the AIA delegation, the Congress and Assembly underlined the importance of the UIA as a global forum, a place where architects of all nations can learn from each other, and undertake the critical work of discussing and defining professional standards.