Egy éves a Davosi Nyilatkozat - a Magyar Építész Kamara elkészítette a nyilatkozat fordítását.
A kulturális miniszterek konferenciája
2018. január 20-22. Davos, Svájc
A magas színvonalú Baukultur* (építéskultúra) európai megteremtéséért
Mi, az Európai Kulturális Egyezmény aláírói és az Európai Tanács megfigyelőként részt vevő államainak kulturális miniszterei és delegációvezetői, az UNESCO, az ICCROM, az Európai Tanács, az Európai Bizottság, az Építészek Európai Tanácsa, a Várostervezők Európai Tanácsa, az ICOMOS és az EuropaNostra képviselői, Alain Berset úrnak, a Svájci Államszövetség elnökének, a Szövetségi Belügyminisztérium vezetőjének meghívására a svájci Davosban 2018. január 20. és 22. között tartott találkozónkon, a Kulturális Örökség Európai Évében, a Világgazdasági Fórum éves találkozójának előestéjén,
figyelemmel a jelenlegi kihívásokra, közöttük a gazdasági és pénzügyi válság, a negyedik ipari forradalom, a növekvő ütemű városiasodás, a peremterületek csökkenése, a migráció és a társadalmi változások, a növekvő egyenlőtlenség, a klímaváltozás és a környezeti károk hosszútávú hatásaira, valamint ezeknek élő környezetünkre gyakorolt főbb hatásaira,
ismerve azon alapvető lépéseket, amelyeket a nemzetközi közösség tett egy befogadóbb és fenntarthatóbb világért, azonban azt is, hogy égetően szükséges ezen erőfeszítések megerősítése és új megközelítések kialakítása az európai épített környezet kulturális értékeinek védelme és elősegítése érdekében;
elismerve a magas színvonalú épített környezet alapvető hozzájárulását a fenntartható társadalom kialakításához, amelyet magas életszínvonal, kulturális sokszínűség, az egyén és a közösség jóléte, társadalmi igazságosság és kohézió, valamint gazdasági hatékonyság jellemez;
ismerve azt a tendenciát, amely Európa-szerte mind az épített környezet, mind a szabad tájak minőségének romlása felé mutat, amely az építés trivializálódásában, a tervezési értékek hiányában mutatkozik meg,ideértve a fenntarthatóság iránti elköteleződés hiányát, a városok arctalan terjeszkedését és a föld felelőtlen használatát, a történelmi sokszínűség hanyatlását, valamint a regionális tradíciók és identitások eltűnését;
ismerve azt, hogy legfőbb ideje olyan intézkedéseket hozni, amelyek biztosítják, hogy a jelenlegi és a jövőbeli társadalmi, gazdasági, környezeti és éghajlati fejlemények és trendek ne rontsák tovább az épített környezet minőségét, hanem javítás lehetőségként szolgáljanak, valamint azt, hogy a 2018-as év, amely az Európai Kulturális Örökség Éve, melynek célja az épített környezet történelmi dimenziója értékének elismerése, a megfelelő pillanatot jelenti ennek a megtételéhez;
hangsúlyozva azt, hogy háttértől függetlenül mindenkinek joga van a kulturális környezet megtapasztalásához, ahhoz, hogy abból részesedjen és ahhoz tartozzon, hogy alapvetően kulturális módon élünk együtt és fejlődünk a társadalomban, valamint ebből következően élő környezetünk alakítása is mindenekelőtt kulturális tevékenység;
kijelentjük:
Az épített környezet kultúrájának központi szerepe
Égetően szükséges épített környezetünk alakításának új, adaptív megközelítése; olyan megközelítés, amely a kultúrában gyökeredzik, aktívan elősegíti a társadalmi kohéziót, biztosítja a környezeti fenntarthatóságot és hozzájárul mindenki egészségéhez és jólétéhez. Ez lenne a magas színvonalú építéskultúra.
Az épített környezettervezése, az objektumok kapcsolata épített és a természetes környezetükkel, térbeli koherencia, nagyságrend, anyagszerűség: ezek mindegyike közvetlenül befolyásolja életminőségünket. Ezért a magas színvonalú építéskultúra minden egyes építési és várostervezési tevékenység tudatos, alaposan megvitatott folyamatában megjelenik, főleg abban, hogy a kulturális értékeket a rövidtávú gazdasági előnyök elé helyezzük. Ily módon a magas színvonalú építéskultúra nemcsak a funkcionális, technológiai és gazdasági előírásoknak felel meg, hanem az emberek társadalmi és pszichológiai szükségleteit is kielégíti.
A magas színvonalú építéskultúra javítja identitásunkat. Ha lehetővé tesszük az emberek számára, hogy azonosuljanak lakóhelyükkel, az elősegíti a befogadó és összetartó társadalmat, visszafogja a diszkriminációt és a radikalizációt, valamint elősegíti az integrációt és a polgári öntudatot. Ez nemcsak a városközpontok és a történelmi helyek, hanem az európai lakókörnyezet minden aspektusa, azaz a zöldövezeti és vidéki területek, falvak, ipari területek és az infrastruktúra szempontjából is fontos.
A magas színvonalú építéskultúra pezsgő, vegyes használatú negyedek kialakulását segíti. Olyan épített környezetet hoz létre, amely a modern (kulturális) kifejezésmódot a kulturális örökség tiszteletével ötvözi. Fenntartható életfeltételeket nyújt és tisztességes, megfizethető és elérhető lakhatást biztosít.
Davos, (Svájc) 2018. január 22.
*Az eredeti angol nyelvű Nyilatkozatban és annak egyes fordításaiban a német Baukultur kifejezést használják az "építéskultúra" / "építészeti kultúra" tömör, a témakört komplexen lefedő megnevezésére. A Nyilatkozat magyar fordításában a"Baukultur" szó helyén az "építéskultúra" szót szerepeltetjük.
5 FINALISTS FOR THE 2019 EUROPEAN UNION PRIZE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE – MIES VAN DER ROHE AWARD
The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe have announced today the five finalists that will compete for the 2019 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award.
PC CARITAS in Melle by architecten de vylder vinck taillieu; a new kind of public space in an existing construction.
Plasencia Auditorium and Congress Centre by selgascano; a place not only to organise conferences.
Skanderbeg Square by 51N4E, Anri Sala, Plant en Houtgoed and iRI; a square in Tirana becomes a hall, a space to walk through, a place to sit and play and organise many other activities.
Terracehouse Berlin by Brandlhuber+ Emde, Burlon and Muck Petzet Architekten; different volumes that can be occupied in different ways.
Transformation of 530 dwellings - Grand Parc Bordeaux by Lacaton & Vassal architects, Frédéric Druot Architecture and Christophe Hutin Architecture; by increasing the volume, light and air conditions of the apartments, multiplies the inhabitants options to use them.
All these 5 works tackle undetermined programs which allow people to find different ways of using spaces and transform them into different places.
The Jury will visit the 5 works to select the Prize Winner and the Emerging Architect Winner that will be announced at the end of April.
Between 9 and 19 of May, on the EU Mies Architecture Days the 4 Finalist works, the Winner and the Emerging Architect buildings will open their doors to all publics to be visited and have an in situ experience, together with the architects and those involved in the organisation of the Prize.
The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion on May 7th, in the context of a series of debates and conferences, directed at all audiences. A presentation of the catalogue with all the nominated projects for the 2019 Prize, the exhibition and an evening celebration open to everybody will also take place.
Save the date!
ACE INFO #1 - The Newsletter of the Architects' Council of Europe
Message from the President
"High-quality architecture and built environment for everyone“ is one of the 17 topics of the Council Work Plan for Culture. Through this, the EU has taken up the momentum created by the Swiss President with the Davos Declaration last year, which is also referred in the document.
Of course we were not the only ones to push for this, but we did so by having a few meetings, in the Commission, with the Austrian Permanent Representation in Brussels, etc.
There shall be an Expert Group (using the Open Method of Coordination - OMC) on High-Quality Architecture & Built Environment starting in 2020. Its work will conclude with a final conference and possibly “Council conclusions“.
Just lean back, relax and read the following quote from the Work Plan: "The focus will be put on architecture as a discipline that encompasses the right balance between cultural, social, economic, environmental and technical aspects for the common good".
Have you ever heard such a statement from the lips of a political institution?
This is a major step forward towards recognising architecture as being a matter of cultural good and common interest.
It is a major step towards getting us from the business services and construction sectors to the cultural field, the field of quality and the field of the common interest.
And I am pleased to report some news from January: the OMC group mentioned above will be starting its work next year, leaving time, this year, to prepare and collect topics. We are informed that the ACE will be part of the OMC group as experts.
Why do I think that this field is important for us?
Within the EU-institutions the architectural profession is officially classified as being part of business services, though mostly understood to be part of the construction industry. Every colleague who knows the reality might be left to wonder. We might be the ones who develop projects, design and guide their execution, and if things go well, we have a say in what is going to happen. But: the driving force is finance, the investors and the construction industry. Interests other that those we have in mind (e.g. the quality of architecture, the built environment and the daily life of citizens) dominate.
In this respect a quote such as the one I mentioned, saying that our activity contributes to “the common good“ acknowledges our interests and ascribes a different role to our profession.
This is also important with regard to other tasks we are facing with other Directorates of the Commission.
The endless debate about the “exclusivity of practice“ of our profession, the “lack of competition“ among professionals, talks of price-competition - regardless of how many architectural competitions take place, questions concerning the education of architects: in all these debates, we are seen as entrepreneurs in the same way as many others, selling products or services. But we are doing more than just selling services. And this becomes clearer, when we are able to show and state our creative and productive role in the building of our environment and through this also of our societies.
Making our role publicly clearer will be beneficial to our debates in other fields.
Georg Pendl, ACE President
EU conference on Level(s) with the participation of Dr. Judit Kimpian
On 18 December 2018, Dr. Judit Kimpian, Chair of the ACE Sustainability Work Group, participated in a panel discussion at a conference on Level(s). Level(s) is a new voluntary tool developed by the EU Commission to improve the sustainability of buildings. Using existing standards, it provides a set of indicators to building professionals for the assessment of the environmental performance of buildings.
J. Kimpian underlined the importance of having a holistic approach to buildings performance, throughout their life-cycle – beyond energy aspects, it is crucial to target improvements across all four pillars of building performance: consumption of natural resources, indoor environmental quality, occupant satisfaction and value over the life-cycle. Level(s) can help building professionals to better account for these aspects. Level(s) has also the potential to contribute to closing the performance gap between calculated and achieved performance by helping professionals to collect meaningful data throughout life-cycle.
The recording of the full event can be found on this webpage.
ACE partner of a Commission survey on the uptake of nzeb and energy-efficient renovation
The ACE is supporting a survey conducted by the EU Commission on architects’ activities in the field of energy renovation and nearly zero energy buildings (nzeb). The survey shall enable a better understanding of solutions developed by architects, barriers to their implementation and drivers behind architects’ and clients’ choices. The outcomes of this survey will inform future EU policy-making.
You are an architect based in the European Union? Respond the survey at the following address: https://web70.gfk.com/projects/BEL_471419_A/addrandom.asp
The consultancy in charge of the survey (GfK) will treat answers with full anonymity. For more details on how GfK ensures the confidentiality of responses, click here.
The ACE will disseminate the results when available in 2019.
COP24: ACE reiterates its commitments with respect to climate change
On the occasion of the 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 24) which took place in December in Katowice, the ACE recalled that the buildings and construction sector can contribute significantly to achieving climate goals and that Architecture is a powerful means of preventing the worst effects of climate change and providing mitigation solutions, with benefits both at buildings and city levels.
In the framework of its Architects Against Climate Change Campaign, the ACE has been seeking to raise the awareness of the public, construction professionals and decision-makers to the solutions that architecture can bring. This year, the ACE published a booklet featuring 20 Architectural Projects Against Climate Change which demonstrate that it is possible to design urban spaces that are capable of dealing with extreme weather conditions, while at the same time adding new qualities to the urban space; and to design low-carbon buildings while increasing occupants’ comfort and well-being.
Today, the buildings and construction sector accounts for more than 35% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Due to demographic growth and increasing urbanisation, built areas continue to grow at an unprecedented pace. Over the next 40 years, it is estimated that 230 billion square metres of floor area will be built, adding to the planet, every single week, a built area equivalent in size to the city of Paris - or the equivalent area of Japan every single year. Reaching the climate objectives set out in 2015 in Paris will require game-changing policy actions in the buildings sector.
Read the full ACE press release on the ACE website.
EU Mies Award 2019: 40 works shortlisted
The jury of the EU Mies Award 2019 selected 40 works that reflect the most relevant challenges that European contemporary society and its architecture are facing (existing constructions, collective housing, territorian organisation and planning, and the importance of culture).
The five finalist will be announced on 13 February and the Award Ceremony will take place on 7 May 2019 at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.
More information on the Mies van der Rohe website
Ongoing negotiations of the next Creative Europe programme
On 30 May 2018, the EU Commission published a proposal for a regulation establishing the next Creative Europe Programme (2021 to 2027), the EU Commission's framework programme for support to the audiovisual and culture sectors, including architecture. The Commission proposes sectorial actions targeting specifically the architectural sector: "targeted actions for the mobility of operators, capacity-building, audience development and internationalisation of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors, promotion of Baukultur, support for the safeguarding, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through awareness-raising, networking and peer-to-peer learning activities".
At the end of December, the Council of the EU agreed its position, in which it supports the Commission’s proposal regarding the targeted actions for the architectural sector. In the Parliament, following the publication of the Rapporteur’s draft report (Culture Committee) all amendments tabled by MEPs were made public in December. In January, the ACE sent a letter to the shadow rapporteurs of all political groups to share its views on these amendments. The ACE expressed concern that these amendments give the impression that the architecture and heritage sectors are one single sector (Amdt 498), or that architecture is a sub-sector of the heritage sector (Amdt 81). While both sectors must work hand in hand to achieve quality in the built environment, Architecture goes well beyond heritage issues. Architectural creation raises specific challenges and the sector requires targeted support from Creative Europe to cope with these. ACE regrets that two amendments were tabled with the objective of removing the “promotion of Baukultur" from the list of actions to be supported by Creative Europe and recalls that the Davos Declaration, which was endorsed last year by Ministers for Culture and several NGOs, invited all stakeholders to support “further actions and measures which contribute to the promotion and implementation of the vision of a high-quality Baukultur”.
MakeHappen! Inspiration Night on the International Business of Architecture. Amsterdam, February 7th, 2019
On 7 February the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects BNA will organise the 4th edition of the MakeHappen! Inspiration Night in the creative hub Pakhuis De Zwijger in Amsterdam. This event about working internationally includes a networking dinner and inspiring Key Notes such as Eran Chen (ODA Architects), Francine Houben (Mecanoo) and Carolien Gehrels (Arcadis). The Break-Out Sessions will cover the most promising international markets such as The Gulf, Africa and Germany. Participants will receive practical Know-How on how to create international partnerships, broaden their business models and how to grow internationally step by step.
Simone Vella Lenicker is the new President of Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) Malta
During the Annual General Meeting of the KTP held on Thursday 10 January 2019 in Valletta, Simone Vella Lenicker officially commenced her tenure as President of the Kamra tal-Periti (Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers) Simone has been active in the KTP for several years and occupied various posts. She is a former Vice-President and editor of The Architect, the official journal of the Chamber.
On the same evening, André Pizzuto was elected Vice President for the coming two years, after serving for four years as a Council Member. He has been instrumental in the organisation of the highly successful Emanuele Luigi Galizia Awards, and spearheaded the KTP’s work on a proposal for a revamped Building Regulation system.
For 2019 the KTP Council is composd by: Perit Simone Vella Lenicker (President); Perit André Pizzuto (Vice President); Perit Amber Wismayer (Honorary Secretary); Professor Alex Torpiano (Past-President); and Periti Jeanette Muñoz Abela, Anthony Bezzina, Lara Brincat, Gaston Camilleri, Sandro Cini, Ivynne Grixti, Alberto Miceli Farrugia, and Damian Vella Lenicker as Council Members.
The year 2019 will be very important for KTP, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the profession and the constitution of KTP itself in 1920.
The Swedish Federation of Consulting Engineers and Architects (STD) is now The Federation of Swedish Innovation Companies
From January 2019 the Swedish Federation of Consulting Engineers and Architects (STD) has changed its name in the Federation of Swedish Innovation Companies (the Swedish name: Innovationsföretagen).
Innovationsföretagen's mission is to create the conditions for a world-leading architecture and engineering industry. By forming an association, Innovationsföretagen will have a stronger voice and create increased opportunities to coordinate and drive industry throught societal challenges, promoting innovation, creativity and digitalisation.
More information on the Innovationsföretagen website
HOAI-Infringement procedure: Opinion will be published on 28 February 2019 / Case C-377/17
The hearing before the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to the case of the Official German Scale of Fees for Services by Architects and Engineers (HOAI) took place on 7 November 2018 in Luxemburg. Professor Ralf Niebergall assisted for the profession at the hearing.
The opinion of the Advocate General Maciej Szpunar will be published on 28 February. The final judgment is expected in the first half of 2019.
News from the Latvian Association of Architects
Call for submissions for The Latvian Architecture Award 2019
The Latvian Architecture Award (LAA) is the most significant annual national architectural competition with the goal to identify and popularise the best Latvian architectural accomplishments and to encourage the development of architectural performance. Each submission is evaluated as equally valuable because the decisive criteria that make an object stand out is a good architecture, not its size.
Entries can be submitted online until 1 March 2019 via www.latarh.lv. The Award ceremony will be held on 17 May 2019.
The International Conference “Architecture of Migration” will be held in Riga, Latvia from 6 to 8 November, 2019.
The event is organised as an initiative of the Architects Associations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all together forming Baltic Architects Unions Association (BAUA).
The conference “Architecture of Migration” will tackle the topic paying attention to different measures from the interest points of architecture, spatial and territory planning, infrastructure and urban development.
On the same dates, the International Union of Architects (UIA) will hold the Region I and II Presidents' meetings. More information available soon in www.latarh.lv.
AN ARCHITECTURE GUIDE to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals represent the aspiration of the people of the United Nations for a more sustainable future.
The Institute of Architecture and Technology at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, the Danish Association of Architects and the UIA Commission on the UN Sustainable Development Goals have created an architecture guide to the Goals
Global Status Report 2018
The UN Global Status Report "Towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector" documents the status and trends of key indicators for energy use, emissions, technologies, policies, and investments to track the buildings and construction sector, globally and in key regions.
Read the report here
Kiállítás a bécsi Architekturzentrumban
Rural Moves – The Songyang Story
14.03. – 23.04.2019, Galerie
Eröffnung: Mi 13.03., 18:00
Pressekonferenz: Mi 13.03., 11:00, Az W Bibliothek
Die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums ist eine dringende globale Herausforderung. Best practise Beispiele aus China zeigen, welche Strategien die junge Pekinger Architektin Xu Tiantian in der Region Songyang der Landflucht entgegensetzt.
Dynamische Urbanisierungsprozesse prägen weite Teile der Welt. In China begegnet man dem Strukturwandel nicht nur mit neuen Schnellzugtrassen und Breitbandversorgung bis ins hinterste Bergdorf, sondern auch mit kleinmaßstäblichen architektonischen Interventionen. Bauten, die vorhandene Ressourcen und oft schon vergessene handwerkliche Traditionen einbinden, schaffen positive Zukunftsperspektiven für die kulturelle, soziale und ökonomische Entwicklung.
Songyang ist ein von Bergen und dem Fluss Songyin geprägter Landkreis mit mehr als 400 Dörfern im Südosten der Provinz Zhejiang. Die besondere Landschaft mit sanften Hügeln, Reisfeldern und Teeplantagen lässt sich in der traditionellen chinesischen Literatur und in vielen Gemälden wiederfinden. Hier hat die Architektin Xu Tiantian mit ihrem Büro DnA_Design and Architecture in Zusammenarbeit mit den Dorfgemeinschaften, der kommunalen Regierung und lokalen Handwerkern eine Vielzahl von „Akupunkturen“ in der Landschaft umgesetzt. Die Ausstellung zeigt ausgewählte Projekte und erläutert sie mit Modellen, Plänen und Fotografien. Filme veranschaulichen die neue Architektur, die Kultur und auch die Geschichten der Menschen von Songyang.
Ausstellungsgestaltung: Xu Tiantian, DnA_Design and Architecture, Peking
in Kooperation mit Aedes Architekturforum, Berlin
Kuratoren: Eduard Kögel, Hans-Jürgen Commerell
Zur Ausstellung ist ein Aedes-Katalog erschienen:
Rural Moves – The Songyang Story
ISBN 978-3-943615-49-4
€ 10,00
Mit Unterstützung von:
Aedes Architekturforum, Berlin
The People's Government of Songyang County
Songyang Cultural Bureau
Zeijang Xinhu Foundation
383 WORKS COMPETING IN THE EU MIES AWARD 2019!
383 épület versenyez a 2019. évi Mies van der Rohe díjért
Ebből 9 épület Magyarországról
Az épületek listáját lásd: https://miesarch.com/archive?editions=17&countries=13
383 WORKS COMPETING IN THE EU MIES AWARD 2019!
The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe are pleased to announce the names of the works competing in the 2019 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe.
Buildings related to culture continue forming the biggest group of works with 15% of the total (4% less than in 2017), followed by mixed-use buildings with 14% (2,5% more than in 2017). These two groups are followed by collective and single housing and education facilities, which represent 10% each. Collective housing has increased 2%, a substantial increase with regard to the previous cycles of the Prize.
The Jury, formed by Dorte Mandrup, George Arbid, Angelika Fitz, Ștefan Ghenciulescu, Kamiel Klaasse, María Langarita and Frank McDonald, will shortlist 40 projects and select the 5 finalist works which they will visit in April. The process will culminate with the Award Ceremony on May 7 at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.
At this link you will find: www.dropbox.com/sh/rmvsbgupifemfml/AAAFV88vxWfm3nGq9IiCsPNTa?dl=0
- Press Releases (EN, FR, IT, DE, PL, DK, ES, CA);
- Press Kit (EN);
- List of the 383 works competing in the EU Mies Award 2019;
- Image and logos;
Architekturpreis des Landes Burgenland 2018
Do. 29.11.2018 - 19:00 Uhr
Projektraum Burgenland
Esterhazyplatz 5; A-7000 Eisenstadt Das Kulturreferat lädt ein zur
Verleihung der Architekturpreise des Landes Burgenland 2018
Donnerstag, 29. November 2018, 19.00 Uhr
Projektraum Burgenland | ehem. Stallungen | Esterházyplatz 5 | 7000 Eisenstadt
Gespräche: Mag. Hans Peter DOSKOZIL, Kulturlandesrat
Univ.Prof. Arch. DI Hans GANGOLY, Vorsitzender der Jury
DI Martin MOSTBÖCK, Architekt
Walter REISS, Moderation
Vorstellung der PreisträgerInnen mit anschließender Preisverleihung
Ausstellungseröffnung: Die Verleihung der Architekturpreise des Landes Burgenland findet heuer zum neunten Mal
statt. Gezeigt werden alle eingereichten Bauten der diesjährigen Ausschreibung.
Im Anschluss laden wir zum Buffet und hoffen auf anregende Gespräche bei einem guten Glas Wein.
Wir freuen uns auf Ihr Kommen!
Ausstellungsdauer: 30. November bis 23. Dezember 2018 | geöffnet von Di – Sa: 9.00–17.00, Sonn+Feiertag: 10.00–17.00
Anmeldung: Dr. in Pia Bayer, T: 02682 600-2248, pia.bayer@bgld.gv.at
New ACE Work Group: Women in Architecture Task Force
On 12 October the Women in Architecture Task Force held its first meeting in Brussels (photo below). The Task Force was created upon request of its Chair Ursula Faix to exchange information on the different approaches to improve the gender gap situation in the EU Member Countries (E28+3) .
In fact, although the share of female architecture students is more than 50% throughout European architecture faculties, female architects are experiencing pay, visibility and stereotype gaps. In its first year of activity, the Task Force aims to understand what drives women out of the profession and to reflect on the main hands-on strategies currently implemented in the EU Countries to balance the gender gap in the architectural profession
The Task Force will run until spring 2020 and will deliver a report that will be accessible form the ACE website.
ACE Brexit Task Force
ACE recently set up a Brexit Task Force to explore options relating to EU-UK mutual recognition of qualifications, post-Brexit.
Although the subject of mutual recognition of professional qualifications was only briefly mentioned in the White Paper published by the UK Government in June, and the precise circumstances will related closely to the withdraw a settlement reached, ACE is taking precautionary steps to identify some of the issues that will need to be addressed.
Amongst other things, the ACE Brexit Task Force will consider the possible scope and content of a Mutual Recognition Agreement on qualifications in architecture between EU27 and the UK which will need to be appended to a broader EU-UK Free Trade Agreement.
European Year of Cultural Heritage: ACE conference on Adaptive Re-use and Transition of the Built Heritage, 23 November in Leeuwarden (NL)
In the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH), ACE is organising a full day conference on the theme "Adaptive Re-use and Transition of the Built Heritage". The event will take place on Friday 23 November in Leeuwarden (Netherlands), one of the 2018 EU Capitals of Culture.
Due to the transformation of our societies, many places in our built environment are no longer used or occupied according to their original function, notably many industrial, religious and military sites. Through smart and innovative restoration, renovation or transformation, it is possible to give a new purpose and utility to these buildings and sites. As a result, their social and economic value can increase, bringing economic and social dynamism to the cities and regions in which they are situated, while having regard to their cultural and historical significance at the same time.
The responsibility for re-imagining our built environment and heritage is shared by many professionals and stakeholders: architects, town planners, craftsmen, public authorities, financial institutions, owners, occupants. The ACE conference will aim to bring together stakeholders of the sector to discuss the opportunities and challenges raised by the adaptive re-use and transition of our built heritage. In particular, it will be an opportunity to discuss:
This event relates to the Commission's initiative on Heritage in Transition which aims to promote good practice and smart ways to transform Europe's industrial, religious and military heritage for new use(r)s. The conference will also aim to bring together the partners of the initiative to take stock of the lessons learned over the EYCH and discuss how to build on the momentum generated by the Year for future actions in this area.
Access the full programme on the ACE website.
The event will be web-streamed from the ACE Youtube channel.
New EU Agenda for Culture
In its Communication on the New EU Agenda for Culture released on 22 May 2018, the EU Commission presented its new strategy to support the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) and promote the cultural dimension of the EU, with particular emphasis on enhancing European identity through culture and values. The Commission notably sets out to:
In the short term, the Commission will:
The Culture committee of the European Parliament is currently preparing an own-initiative report. In its response to the rapporteur's draft report, ACE supports the proposed Agenda but underlines the crucial importance of high-quality Baukultur and calls on the EU Commission to take actions in the field of architecture to implement the Davos Declaration.
The New Agenda will be implemented through a Work Plan endorsed by the Member States. The Work Plan will be adopted at the next Culture Council meeting scheduled to take place on 27 November.
Next Creative Europe programme (2021-2027)
On 30 May 2018, the EU Commission published a proposal for a regulation establishing the next Creative Europe Programme (2021 to 2027), the EU Commission's framework programme for support to the audiovisual and culture sectors, including architecture. The Commission proposes horizontal actions to support cultural platforms and networks (such as the ACE network "Connecting Architects in Europe" and the mobility of cultural professionals and their operation at international level.
The Commission also proposes sectorial actions targeting specifically the architectural sector: "targeted actions for the mobility of operators, capacity-building, audience development and internationalisation of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors, promotion of Baukultur, support for the safeguarding, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through awareness-raising, networking and peer-to-peer learning activities".
The Council and Parliament will discuss the Commission's proposal in the coming months, with the objective of reaching an agreement by May 2019.
In a position paper sent to the Parliament's rapporteurs and the current Austrian Presidency of the Council, the ACE generally welcomes the Commission's proposal. The ACE points out that, whereas Europe’s architectural market is estimated to be worth nearly 16 billion EUR and accounts for around 600 000 jobs in the EU and whereas shaping our living environment is a cultural act; Architecture is under-represented in the current Creative Europe programme. The ACE calls for increased support from the next programme to the architectural sector, in order to achieve the ambitions set out in the Davos Declaration.
Public procurement: MEPs call for better implementation and use of quality criteria
On 3 October 2017, the Commission presented a package of two Communications and one Recommendation in the area of public procurement. The first Communication sets out the priority areas for improvement in the area of public procurement both at Member State and Commission level, while the Recommendation provides for steps to be taken by Member States for the professionalisation of public buyers.
On 4 October 2018, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in response to the Commission's strategy. The excessive use of the lowest price as the primary award criterion and the need to support SMEs’ participation in tenders are among the issues addressed in the resolution. MEPs express disappointment at the pace at which many Member States have transposed the 2014 public procurement directives and by the many delays, urging them to swiftly complete the transposition. They ask the EU Commission to better and more clearly organise the guides and other tools developed to help Member States with the implementation of the public procurement framework. They welcome the fact that many EU countries have made provisions for the use of quality criteria (including the best price-quality ratio) and encourage its systematic application. The report said that contracting authorities should apply “other criteria than the lowest price or cost effectiveness only, including qualitative, environmental and/or social aspects”, and consider the full life-cycle of products, including their impact on the environment, in their purchasing decisions.
Daniel Fügenschuh is the new BAIK Vice-President
On 5 October 2018 the architect Daniel Fügenschuh was elected Vice-President of the Austrian Chamber of Architects and chartered Engineering Consultants (BAIK) and confirmed as Chairman of the National Architects’ Section until 2022. The function of the deputy chair of the National Architects’ Section will be executed by architect Katharina Fröch.
Daniel Fügenschuh, who also acts as BAIK Head of Delegation to ACE, wants to continue to focus on how to improve cooperation amongst architectural advisory boards of different parts of Austria in order to ensure institutional quality of architectural development.
With reference to the wide differences between frameworks and general regulations of advisory boards in Austria, Mr Fügenschuh declared: "We will clearly intensify our efforts in developing guidelines for the establishing phase of architectural advisory boards. The boards are doing precious work for the public. This should be recognized and supported“
Latvian Association of Architects
In September the Latvian Association of Architects held the first General Meeting of all certified Architects of Latvia. The general purpose of the Meeting was to discuss regulatory framework of the Profession and to inform about the upcoming changes in surveillance of architectural practice. More information www.latarh.lv
Finlandia Prize for Architecture awarded to New Children’s Hospital in Helsinki
Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District’s New Children’s Hospital was awarded the 2018 Finlandia Prize for Architecture. The building was designed by SARC Architects and Architect Group Reino Koivula, who focused their approach on the hospital’s young patients and their families, placing them at the centre of the design process throughout. Fresh and innovative, the end result represents an entirely new departure for hospital design.
“It is wonderful that a patient and family centred design process has also succeeded in delivering an architecturally ambitious result worthy of this incredible honour,” said Antti-Matti Siikala, the project’s chief designer.
Shortlisted projects and photos can be found on the Award Website.
ACE is currently involved in four European co-funded research projects with three more at the stage of Grant Agreement preparation, expected to start between November 2018 – January 2019.
All projects address issues related to sustainability, climate change, resource efficiency and building renovation. The projects develop and test for instance innovative building envelope systems and technologies, BIM, CPD training, desicion support tools for occupants and business models to finance energy retrofits, along with policy position papers. Through these ACE seeks to promote the architects’ role in energy efficient construction and urban regeneration, to influence cutting edge research and make it more applicable for European architects.
Roland Rainer. (Un)Umstritten. Neue Erkenntnisse zum Werk (1936–1963)
20.10.–10.12.2018, Galerie
Eröffnung: Fr 19.10., 19:00
Pressekonferenz: Fr 19.10., 11:00, Az W-Bibliothek
Spätestens seit der von der Stadt Wien in Auftrag gegebenen Studie über personenbezogene Straßennamen, worin der Roland-Rainer-Platz als „Fall mit Diskussionsbedarf“ eingestuft wurde, traten Fragen zu den biografischen Selbstauslassungen des Architekten in Bezug zur NS-Zeit auf.
Roland Rainer (1910–2004) zählt zu den bedeutendsten österreichischen Architekt*innen des 20. Jahrhunderts. Seine Bauten wurden zu Identitätsträgern für ein modernes und demokratisches Österreich.
Rainers Siedlungskonzept für die „gegliederte und aufgelockerte Stadt“, in Ansätzen realisiert am Mauerberg in Wien (1962–1963) und in Puchenau bei Linz (ab 1963), gelten bis heute als wichtiges Modell für den verdichteten Wohnbau. In der NS-Zeit eignete sich Rainer in der Deutschen Akademie für Städtebau, Reichs- und Landesplanung das Wissen der städtebaulichen Grundlagenforschung an, das ihm nach 1945 als Basis für eine Reihe von theoretischen Publikationen diente. Die Kontinuität der Konzepte im Werk Rainers und seine berufliche Karriere verweisen auf seine Anpassungsfähigkeit an die verschiedenen politischen Systeme. In Publikationen und Texten von und über Rainer wurde bisher die NS-Zeit aber ausgeklammert.
Die Übernahme des Nachlasses in die Sammlung des Az W 2015 gab Anlass, sein Œuvre und seine Biografie neu zu befragen. Im SammlungsLab #3 werden nun in Kooperation mit der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien die ersten Ergebnisse einer im In- und Ausland erfolgten umfassenden Archivrecherche in einer Ausstellung und einem Symposium zur Diskussion gestellt.
Kuratorinnen: Ingrid Holzschuh, Monika Platzer, Waltraud Indrist
Gestaltung/Grafik: Waltraud Indrist
European Year of Cultural Heritage: ACE conference on Adaptive Re-use and Transition of the Built Heritage, 23 November in Leeuwarden (NL)
In the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH), ACE is organising a full day conference on the theme "Adaptive Re-use and Transition of the Built Heritage". The event will take place on Friday 23 November in Leeuwarden (Netherlands), of of the 2018 EU Capitals of Culture.
The ACE Internationalisation & New Business Models (IBM) Task Force has produced a brochure (in 2 versions) to highlight the main reasons for working with European Architects.
Free download available:
Are you planning to work in another EU country? ACE has created a step by step guide through the registration process.
Check here to see the infograph.
On 28 June, the European Commission, the Fundació Mies van der Rohe, the Architects’ Council of Europe and the European Association for Architectural Education announced the winners of the Young Talent Architecture Award 2018 (YTAA 2018).
The 4 awarded architects are:
Berlin University of the Arts;
In June, the Parliament and the Council adopted in the same terms the Directive on a Proportionality Test before adoption of new regulation of professions (Directive 2018/958 of 28 June 2018). The text was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 9 July and entered into force 20 days later. This Directive lays down rules for a common framework for conducting proportionality assessments before introducing new, or amending existing, legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to, or the pursuit of, regulated professions, with a view to ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market, while guaranteeing a high level of consumer protection. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 30 July 2020.
On 9 July 2018, the revised Directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) (Directive 2018/844/EU) entered into force, closing the legislative procedure started in November 2016. Decarbonising the existing highly inefficient building stock is one of its long term goals. The Directive promotes cost-effective renovation work, introduces a smartness indicator for buildings, simplifies the inspections of heating and air conditioning systems and promotes electro-mobility by setting up a framework for parking spaces for electric vehicles. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 10 March 2020. The Commission shall review this Directive by 1 January 2026 at the latest, in the light of the experience gained and progress made during its application, and, if necessary, make proposals. As part of that review, the Commission shall assess in particular the need for further improvement of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
The ACE calls for an ambitious implementation of the Directive by the Commission and Member States. It welcomes some improvements (renovation targets, consideration of well-being and comfort) but regrets that the co-legislators have not gone far enough in some areas (EPCs, disclosure of data, measurement of actual performance). Read the ACE position on the final EPBD.
On 3 October 2017, the Commission presented a package of two Communications and one Recommendation in the area of public procurement. The first Communication sets out the priority areas for improvement in the area of public procurement both at Member State and Commission level, while the Recommendation provides for steps to be taken by Member States for the professionalisation of public buyers. In June 2018, MEPs of the Internal Market committee (IMCO) adopted a report in response to this package. MEPs expressed disappointment at the pace at which many Member States have transposed the 2014 public procurement directives and by the many delays, urging them to swiftly complete the transposition. They asked the EU Commission to better and more clearly organise the guides and other tools developed to help Member States with the implementation of the public procurement framework in a more accessible and user-friendly way. They also welcomed the fact that many EU countries had made provisions for the use of quality criteria (including the best price-quality ratio) and encourage its systematic application. The report said that contracting authorities should apply “other criteria than the lowest price or cost effectiveness only, including qualitative, environmental and/or social aspects”, and consider the full life-cycle of products, including their impact on the environment, in their purchasing decisions. This IMCO report is due to be voted by the full House in September’s plenary session.
On 30 May, the EU Commission published a proposal for a regulation establishing the next Creative Europe Programme (2021 to 2027), the EU Commission's framework programme for support to the audiovisual and culture sectors, including architecture. The Commission proposed horizontal actions to support cultural platforms and networks (such as the ACE ConnectArch network) and to support the mobility of cultural professionals and their operation at international level. The Commission also proposed sectorial actions targeting specifically the Architecture sector: "targeted actions for the mobility of operators, capacity-building, audience development and internationalisation of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors, promotion of Baukultur, support for the safeguarding, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through awareness-raising, networking and peer-to-peer learning activities". The Council and Parliament will discuss the Commission's proposal in the coming months.
The Romanian Order of Architects (OAR) is pleased to announce the election of its new President, arch. Alexandru Găvozdea, by the National Conference held on 30 June - 1 July 2018.
Alexandru Găvozdea is the founder of the a.plan architectural practice from Sibiu, in 2006. In 2004, he graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Bucharest University of Architecture and Urban Planning and holds a PhD in Built Heritage Preservation. He is a certified urban planner, a specialist in urban history studies and heritage protection and a judicial technical expert near the Ministry of Justice.
At European and international level, he is committed to work for the further strengthening of the OAR cooperation with the Architects Council of Europe (ACE), the International Union of Architects (UIA) and other regional and international organisations. Thus, by sharing good practices and successful experiences in architectural design and urban planning with his fellow architects from around the world, he aims at advancing the interests of the architectural profession and increasing the quality of architecture and, ultimately, the quality of people’s living standard and well-being
Alan Jones has been elected as the next President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Alan will take over the two-year presidential term from Ben Derbyshire next year (1 September 2019); from 1 September 2018 he will officially become RIBA President Elect.
Alan Jones is a chartered architect, director of his own architecture practice based in County Antrim, Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and the RIBA’s Vice President for Education.
For the first time, UK students hoping for a career as an architect can access two apprenticeships as a route into the profession.
Apprenticeships are an initiative backed by government, the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA) and industry. Employers are able to access funding to take on apprentices and enable them apprentices to receive on and off-the-job training while earning a salary.
Two sets of standards for the UK were developed through the collaborative working of an Architecture Trailblazer Group of 20 practices supported by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and several UK universities.
Approved in June 2018 by the IfA, the Architectural Assistant apprenticeship encompasses a UK Part 1 level qualification (first degree) and the Architect Apprenticeship encompasses Part 2 and Part 3 level qualifications. It is hoped this new route to registration in the UK will be a significant step towards diversifying the profession by providing increased accessibility to education and employment.
As ARB and RIBA are fully supportive of this exciting new route into the profession and welcomed the opportunity to work with a range of organisations on this initiative to ensure all relevant requirements for registration, the prescription of qualifications in the UK and RIBA Chartered Membership would be covered by the apprenticeships’ framework. The ARB website features a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist institutions considering developing provision and will host guidance for apprentices in the near future. The RIBA website features information for practices and those interested in becoming apprentices.
Both apprenticeships are expected to be offered by UK universities from September 2018
On 29 May Mr. Juris Poga was elected new President of the Latvian Association of Architects. The Council of the Latvian Association of Architects Congress was also renewed and a new Board of Directors is in place since July.
> On the occasion of The Latvian Association of Architects' Congress architects were introduced to a study about the improvement of continuous education of architects and participated in a discussion about guidelines of the Architectural law in Latvia.
> The Liepaja State Gymnasium No. 1 ( architect Ilze Meksha, Wonderfull Ltd) was awarded the Grand Prix of the Latvian Architecture Award 2018.
More information www.latarh.lv
The presentation of the Davos Declaration 2018 took place at the head office of the Order of Architects of Madrid (Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Madrid) on Friday 8 June 2018. It was attended by the instigators of the Declaration together with representatives of the main institutions and entities related to culture, architecture, heritage and society. ACE President Georg Pendl, CSCAE President Lluis Comeron and other ACE Delegates took part to the debate.
See here the full video of the event.
Booking Opens for the 2018 RIAI Annual Conference, Dublin RDS Main Hall, 5-6 October
Booking has now opened for the biggest Irish architectural gathering of the year – The RIAI Annual Conference 2018. An impressive line-up of international and national speakers will discuss this year’s conference theme Leadership | Innovation | Creativity including Professor Phillip G. Bernstein from the Yale School of Architecture who will discuss why architecture needs a new business model; Sadie Morgan, a Director of drmm Architects in London, will share how architects extend their influence into areas such as London’s new transport infrastructure High Speed Two; while architect Philip Vivian, a Director of Sydney-based Bates Smart Architects will speak on developing architectural practice through design competitions.
For further information on the speakers and the programme click here
All Eyes on Ireland - FREESPACE, La Biennale di Venezia, until 25 November
Open to the public until Sunday 25 November 2018, at the Giardini and the Arsenale, the 16th International Architecture Exhibition, titled FREESPACE, is curated by Irish architects Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara and organized by La Biennale di Venezia chaired by Paolo Baratta. For further information click here
In addition, the digital edition of Architecture Ireland issued a special edition on the Venice Biennale, which is now available to view online
RIAI Marked ‘International Women in Architecture Day’ on 17 July
The RIAI marked 'International Women in Architecture Day' on 17 July. This was the second year of the hugely popular event curated by RIAI Past President Carole Pollard.
The event featured talks on the Irish pavilion at the Venice Biennale Free Market by two of its curators Miriam Delaney and Tara Kennedy. The Members and guests were welcomed to the RIAI by CEO Kathryn Meghen and President David Brown.
Click here for further information
RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2018
The RIAI announced on 8 June – at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House, attended by over 350 – the winners of 2018 RIAI Architecture Awards. Now in their 29th year and with 15 categories, this year’s shortlist included 32 projects, spanning 12 counties across Ireland as well as an international project in India. The jury chose 20 Award Winners and gave awards to 12 Highly Commended and 8 Commended entries. 2018 saw the highest number of entries to the awards since before the recession and the standard was so high that the jury also selected 63 projects for exhibition, which will be shown at the RIAI offices and online later this year. Full details and images of all the winning projects are available at www.riai.ie.
ACE is currently involved in four European co-funded research projects with three more being in the stage of Grant Agreement preparation, expected to start in November 2018
All projects address issues related to sustainability, climate change, resource efficiency and building renovation. The projects develop and test for instance innovative building envelope systems and technologies, BIM, CPD training, desicion support tools for occupants and business models to finance energy retrofits, along with policy position papers. Through these ACE seeks to promote the architects’ role in energy efficient construction and urban regeneration, to influence cutting edge research and make it more applicable for European architects.
Read here ACE project's news
ACE Webinar on Level(s): Report, video and presentations available
On 25 June, in collaboration with BUILD UP, ACE organised a webinar to inform architects about Level(s) and invite them to engage with piloting the Level(s) scheme. Level(s) is a voluntary reporting framework developed by the EU Commission to improve the sustainability of buildings. Using existing standards, it provides a common EU approach to the assessment of environmental performance in the built environment. Speakers discussed the aims, applicability, case studies and benefits of the Level(s) scheme and outlined ways of participating in the testing phase. A summary of the webinar, speakers' presentations and a recording of the session are available on the ACE website.
EU Sustainable Energy Week: ACE Energy Day and Policy Conference
On 7 June, in the framework of the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), ACE organised a half-day public workshop on the theme Smart and Smart-er: Architecture and Building Performance, in order to discuss the opportunities and risks raised by digitalisation, data collection and the use of smart technologies in buildings; as well as the potential benefits of data collection and smart building management on architectural quality and occupant well-being. All speakers' presentations and video recording of the sesions are available on the ACE website. The day before, ACE Executive Board Member Ruth Schagemann participated in a EUSEW Policy Conference on the Contribution of Energy Smart Solutions to Social Cohesion.
