UIA Istanbul 2005

The 21st century has already introduced complex new priorities and challenges for the benefit of all humanity, regardless of differences in political conviction, race, faith, gender, geography, or economic condition. These emerging new values focus on well being and protection of the biosphere that we share as one global community. The guiding principles in these evolving ethics include participation, partnership, economic and social equity, the conservation of resources, and the use of technology for the benefit of the environment and humanity. There is universal consensus on the need to work together towards a sustainable future for our built and natural environments.

Pluralism - in the most genuine sense - is a key factor and objective for the world of the future, a world where differences will no longer be a source of animosity or conflict, but instead will be valued as an essential ingredient to global and natural harmony. The architectural profession has a preponderant role and responsibility in this effort, and architecture itself is no longer seen merely as a fine art, but as a discipline that can bridge the gap between technology and social and economic needs through design and the appropriate use of resources. Even within the concept of globalisation, the recognition of local conditions - and differing values and priorities - will require architects to focus more than ever before on the provision and improvement of the environments in which people everywhere live their lives.

The importance of pluralism in our world has served to guide preparations for the 22nd World Congress of the International Union of Architects, to be held during 2005 in Istanbul, Turkey. The congress theme - Grand Bazaar of ArchitectureS - was chosen to give voice to each and every noteworthy communication from those responsible for and involved in the shaping of our environments. It will form a mosaic of colours, shapes, and movement that reflects the contemporary concerns of architects and others; the congress' structure will allow every person, action group, company, client, supplier, artist, or architect to present their ideas and share their accomplishments with the rest of the world. Also under the congress theme, we plan to “Celebrate our Cities” in order to reinforce the notion of plurality and the interaction of humankind together.

On behalf of the International Union of Architects, it is a great pleasure for me to invite all architects, students, clients, decision-makers, industries, hardware and software companies, community leaders, and concerned individuals and institutions to join us during July 2005 in Istanbul, where the interaction between architects and other professionals will serve as the focal point for a celebration of world architecture.



	UIA Istanbul 2005 - Cities: Grand Bazaar of ArchitectureS


	W E L C O M E T O I S T A N B U L !

	The 21st century has already introduced complex new priorities and challenges for the benefit of all humanity, regardless of differences in political conviction, race, faith, gender, geography, or economic condition. These emerging new values focus on well being and protection of the biosphere that we share as one global community. The guiding principles in these evolving ethics include participation, partnership, economic and social equity, the conservation of resources, and the use of technology for the benefit of the environment and humanity. There is universal consensus on the need to work together towards a sustainable future for our built and natural environments. Pluralism - in the most genuine sense - is a key factor and objective for the world of the future, a world where differences will no longer be a source of animosity or conflict, but instead will be valued as an essential ingredient to global and natural harmony. The architectural profession has a preponderant role and responsibility in this effort, and architecture itself is no longer seen merely as a fine art, but as a discipline that can bridge the gap between technology and social and economic needs through design and the appropriate use of resources. Even within the concept of globalisation, the recognition of local conditions - and differing values and priorities - will require architects to focus more than ever before on the provision and improvement of the environments in which people everywhere live their lives. The importance of pluralism in our world has served to guide preparations for the 22nd World Congress of the International Union of Architects, to be held during 2005 in Istanbul, Turkey. The congress theme - Grand Bazaar of ArchitectureS - was chosen to give voice to each and every noteworthy communication from those responsible for and involved in the shaping of our environments. It will form a mosaic of colours, shapes, and movement that reflects the contemporary concerns of architects and others; the congress' structure will allow every person, action group, company, client, supplier, artist, or architect to present their ideas and share their accomplishments with the rest of the world. Also under the congress theme, we plan to “Celebrate our Cities” in order to reinforce the notion of plurality and the interaction of humankind together. On behalf of the International Union of Architects, it is a great pleasure for me to invite all architects, students, clients, decision-makers, industries, hardware and software companies, community leaders, and concerned individuals and institutions to join us during July 2005 in Istanbul, where the interaction between architects and other professionals will serve as the focal point for a celebration of world architecture.
	Suha Özkan President and General Reporter for the 22nd UIA Congress Istanbul 2005