Architects urged to be city changers

MANILA, Philippines - City dwellers will make up 70 percent of the world population by 2050, and cities must enact drastic changes now in order to accommodate the city dwellers of the 21st century; and offer them living conditions that are conducive to personal development and well-being.

Architects can play a crucial role in the city evolution by their capacity to meet the challenges of urban sustainability, and develop the tools needed to create resilient, sustainable and livable cities.

Renowned architect Philip H. Recto, the keynote speaker during the Philippine observance of World Day of Architecture celebration conducted by the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) recently, urged architects to be city changers by playing an active role in the city evolution, especially in areas such as: mitigating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and improving management of resources and energy; structuring cities to be more socially-inclusive, accessible and equitable; developing cities that can resist crises and cataclysms; developing economic, educational and creative opportunities for all; and ensuring the security and sanitation conditions essential to all inhabitants.

“Architects alone, and on their own, cannot bring about the ideal change that society needs in the face of climate change…. however, we are in a position to initiate and lead the desired change to mitigate the challenge and get our communities more prepared in dealing with the adversities that climate change may bring”, Recto said.

“The task is not really as awesome as it seems. The first step is to work towards getting everyone engaged in the change process, and inculcate the notion that the change has to begin with oneself,” he continued.

At this point, he also mentioned that his own architectural office was furnished with 97 percent recycled materials in support of sustainable development.

Recto stressed that “in the context of the UN Human Settlements campaign “I am a City Changer,” it begins with an awareness of the urban issues that confront us today; and it is this awareness that should transform our attitude -- from one of resignation that things happen by chance, to a victorious attitude that we can make a difference because things happen by choice.”

The World Day of Architecture celebration was initiated by the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA) or International Union of Architects which is an international federation of national associations of architects with headquarters in Paris. Since its founding in 1948, it has grown to encompass the key professional organizations of architects in 124 countries and territories, and counts on some 1.3 million members worldwide today.

In 1996, the UIA arrived at a decision to celebrate the World Day of Architecture on the first Monday of October of each year. This is the same day that the United Nations observes World Habitat Day in order to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all.