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International Union of Architects Holds World Day of Architecture

October 1 was also the United Nations World Habitat Day.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 10/4/2007 12:00:00 AM

This past Monday was World Day of Architecture 2007, according to Switzerland-based international organization the International Union of Architects (UIA). This year’s theme, Transmitting Zero C02 Emission Architecture, addressed carbon dioxide emissions.

Conceived to “demonstrate architects’ ability to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” the theme focuses on ecological design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and cities. The initiative was held in conjunction with the United Nations World Habitat Day, an day reserved annually by the United Nations to "reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all."

Approximately 50 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the construction and transportation sectors and the construction sector alone is responsible for 50 percent of annual energy consumption, according to the UIA.

UIA members--including the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the UIA Member Section for Canada--were asked to share their actions, methods, and objectives addressing climate change.

Over one million architects around the world are members of the UIA, which was founded in Lausanne in 1948.