Durbs is ready to host international architects
Durban is the playground where the UIA 2014 conference takes place as architects throughout the world gather to xperience ‘otherwhere’ through the inspiring scientific sessions, diverse fringe programme, and vibrant social activities planned.
ARCHITECTS from around the globe will converge in Durban next week for the anticipated International Union of Architects Congress, UIA 2014 from 3 to 7 August with over 350 sessions in 38 venues to debate and discuss their common interests and concerns about the built environment and urbanisation.
Public Works minister, Thembelani Nxesi, launched the countdown to UIA this week, which is expected to bring 4000 delegates to the city for the five day event.
Commissary General for UIA 2014 in Durban, Karen Eicker said, “The Congress takes place during the time when global debate is currently raging around city development. The Congress will offer theoretical and practical solutions around infrastructure and sustainable human settlements.”
UIA 2014 organising committee member Nina Saunders said the preparations for the event were a “smooth” process as it took nearly a decade to plan for the Congress. “A lot of projects have been started by the Municipality and are currently underway, such as the pocket parks where private land owners and entrepreneurs were encouraged to utilise left over spaces to plant small gardens to assist those in need,” she said.
Saunders said the municipality also wanted to involve the broader public with local exhibitions where they could learn more about architecture and not only architects during the Congress.
