‘Preserving Memories in Times of Conflict’
The International Union of Architects (UIA) was conceived in the aftermath of the devastation wrought by World War II, a moment when our profession became a fundamental pillar for the reconstruction of a world ravaged by conflict. The imperative to rebuild cities, schools, hospitals, and living spaces emerged, as architecture is not an instrument of destruction; rather, it is a vehicle for creation and hope.
From the utopia that inspires us to envision a better world to the practicalities of professional practice, our work transcends the mere design of buildings; we are the artisans of possible futures. We design communities, create healthy environments, and foster social cohesion through territorial planning. Architects propose spaces and scenarios that promote a dignified and enriching life.
Thus, our professional ethics must call us to action in times of war and destruction. We must raise our voices and echo our responsibilities in a context where memory, heritage, and collective identity are threatened. In many places, the notion of destroying what has been built is presented as a path to a new beginning. However, it is essential to remember that destruction is not the solution for reconstruction; instead, we must find ways to revitalise and honour the heritage that is part of our communities. As was highlighted during the event organized by UNESCO and the UIA at the Venice Biennale: everything is heritage.
As architects, we have the obligation to defend the integrity of places and to protect what has been constructed through collective effort. Each stone tells a story and reflects the lives of those who have inhabited these environments. Urbanism, one of our professional competencies, is sometimes wielded as a weapon of destruction, obliterating identities and devastating memories. This is a reality we cannot ignore.
As the President of the UIA, Regina Gonthier has noted, “Good architecture and urban planning create quality, respect the local population, reveal the characteristics, memory, history and culture of a place, reinforce its identity, and create a sense of belonging. When confronted with destruction caused by natural or human-made disasters, responsible architectural and urban design – following the above principles – helps local communities face uncertainty and restore faith in humanity and hope for a resilient future”.
There are moments in human history, such as in 1948, when we raised our voices and established an organisation in defence of an architecture that not only seeks to meet functional needs but also advocates for social justice and the preservation of cultural heritage. We are guardians of collective memory and must propose solutions that integrate the past with the future.
The construction of a better world can only be achieved through respect for and appreciation of what already exists. Therefore, in contexts of war, the role of the architect is crucial. We cannot allow the destruction of territories and the denial of memory to become the norm. Instead, we must harness our creative capacity to propose alternatives that foster dialogue and reconciliation.
Architecture possesses the power to transform realities and build bridges between communities, to heal wounds, and to offer a hopeful future. These are the professional ethics and commitments that must guide our discipline. Thus, in this moment of crisis, let us speak and act. We have the responsibility to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.
T. Táboas
Chair of the UIA Communications Committee
World Architecture Day (WAD), created by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in 1985, is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October. This day coincides with the United Nations World Habitat Day, aligning the architectural community’s efforts with global urban development goals.
Learn here what the UIA Member Sections did on World Architecture Day.