Source: UIA

The World Architecture Day, introduced by the International Union of Architects (UIA) for the first time in 1985, is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October, in parallel with the United Nations (UN) World Habitat Day. Following the announcement of the theme for the 2023 World Habitat Day as “Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery”, the UIA Council has, in line with this, selected “Architecture for Resilient Communities” as the theme for this year’s World Architecture Day.

With this theme, the International Union of Architects aims to spark an international debate on the relationship between urban and rural areas, placing special emphasis on the capacity and responsibility of architecture to ensure the sustainability of community life.

Source: UIA

Uncontrolled urbanization worldwide poses a significant threat to the environmental, social, and economic balance. Climate crises, pandemics, and political upheavals in many countries are giving rise to social, economic, and environmental inequalities that disproportionately impact particularly poor and marginalized groups. Responding to the current climatic and social challenges in the best possible way presents a formidable task. This brings up the concerns about the efficiency and adequacy of traditional planning tools for organizing territories and developing architecture that is environmentally and socially responsible.

In the 2023 celebrations, the International Union of Architects encourages its members to continue the discourse on this issue and advocate for regional and urban planning policies that empower architects to devise innovative solutions, to create livable buildings, and to design public spaces for resilient societies. Within this framework, the “humanization” of urbanization, respect for cultural heritage, and the restoration of the relationship with nature and biodiversity hold significant importance.

As part of the World Architecture Day celebrations, numerous events are organized in our country under the theme “Architecture for Resilient Communities”. From the branches of the Chamber of Architects all around Turkey to private institutions like Salt, focusing on culture and arts, a variety of events including presentations, talks, workshops, and movie screenings will engage those interested throughout the week of October 2.

Source: https://www.uia-architectes.org/