UIA 2014, held in Durban recently brought architects from around the world to debate their common concerns and interests – through an unashamedly African lens. African knowledge, African challenges and African opportunities entered into a dialogue with the world.
South Africa’s concerns are strongly linked to Africa’s concerns. 2014 acknowledged the link between urgent human need for housing, infrastructure, basic services, employment and social development which are acknowledged as being strongly linked to political decisions and economies. UIA 2014 was an opportunity for African architects to make their mark in the debate that perceives poverty eradication as a first unavoidable step in human progress.
2014 explored how architects might play a pivotal role in addressing social inequalities. 2014 also explored concepts of sustainability through links to OTHER global initiatives and refers to COP 17 (Built Environment Charter) and RIO+20 (Soil Programme) – with a focus on urbanisation and the agricultural opportunities in and on the peripheries of cities.
2014 presented alternative views of the OTHER, challenging false readings and architectural hegemonies. In 2014, African space will be recognised and communicated in a language that is accessible to people of the continent – Architecture will be presented as a construct of our own vocabulary – Africans will be recognised as equals in defining space. Africa has great consciousness of the interconnected nature of things – every action has a consequence. This is a consciousness that needs to be shared with the world – bringing greater wisdom to international architectural practice.
Watch our video of the event here.
Filmed by: Concrete.TV staff, Nawaal Deane
Edited by: Adrienne Taylor
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