post by Marines Pocaterra
The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year, as World Habitat Day. Its purpose is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all, to adequate ‘shelter.’ It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
The International Union of Architects (UIA), published through their channels that October 6 was chosen to celebrate World Architecture Day. The theme of 2014 World Architecture Day, October 6, is “Healthy Cities, Happy Cities.” The UIA invites its members to organize special activities linked to the event, which will celebrate the role architects and architecture play in the vitality of the urban setting and in the well-being of its inhabitants. Although the conference in Shangai, relaying the latter, was cancelled, we hope the efforts will be renewed next year.
This day is also the birth date of Le Corbusier, a man who displayed great passion for the transforming capacity of architecture.
Thus, such a day is optimal for propositions exploring urban development, and particular, the connections between urban projects and housing, and the new opportunities linking to public space. Quoting Arch. Oscar Tenreiro “without architecture there is no Public Space, which always determines the quality of urban life”.
Today I would like to congratulate all of you in this group of architecture and planning lovers, for continuously pursuing the social edge of architecture and urban planning.
It is a privilege to interact through FAVELissues to comment and share experiences. Exposing our points of view, aspirations or even deceptions about particular local situations encourages me to feel part of a significant group convinced of the social responsibility entailed in our work. Let’s continue the work and keep it up!
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