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Other Important Issues

The issues faced by the architectural profession in the country are well within the purview and control of the Institute and the Council of Architecture. It is firmly believed that national problems must have national solutions. International Co-operation is seen os a logical extension to facilitate the Members a wider field of operation.

The Institute, following the notional policy of Non-alignment, has participated on the basis of equality in all major international programmes. The IIA has been founder member of the ARCASIA and has actively participated in protecting and promoting the unique Asian Character.

The Indian institute of Architects today is at an important stage in its existence. Within a span of 80 years, much has been done in the way of general preparation. Earnest work however lies ahead - work for National, Civic, Professional and Educational interests, work, wherein, the individual outlook is sub-survient to the common good. It con only be in this spirit, a spirit of common service, that any approach can be made to the further problems waiting to be tackled. The institute has had a post in which its members may well take pride. Its future, however, lies largely with the younger members themselves, for it is their own efforts that will shape its destiny and their own. May they far-sightedly unite and incessantly labour for worthily building up that future. [In the absence of an official history of the Institute, we have taken liberty to rely heavily on the Article in January, 1942 Silver Jubilee issue of the Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects - The Origin and Growth of "The Indian institute of Architects" by Ar. H.J. Billimoria, A.R.I.B.A., AIIA and Ar. J.B. Fernandes in Diamond Jubilee Issue of the Journal, with a few additions by Prof. Shireesh Deshpande, Immediate Past President, IIA and Ar. Vasant B. Ranade. Council Member and Chairman, Publication Board of IIA.]

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

IIA History The history of The Indian Institute of Architects is one of absorbing interest. Unfolding the scenes throughout the years, it speaks in its manifold aspects, of the struggles and influence of architectural education from one solitary centre throughout India, of the rebirth and youth of a profession which the Country had almost forgotten, of a struggle for existence and the need to have the meaning and value of Architecture and architectural service understood and attempts and experiments towards a new stage in the architecture of the country. In the Renaissance or reawakening of India, the Institute has its due place in the sphere of Architecture. Its history is also one of men with vision and ideals, men who had at heart, the welfare of architecture and the profession and who with such a goal, helped to lay and build up the foundations of an architectural future fraught with the finest possibilities conceivable. THE ARCHITECTURAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION [1917-22] On May - 12th, 1917, the first historic meeting was held in Mr. Foster King’s bungalow, set in the sylvan surroundings of the School of Art compound. It was here, according to a tablet on the building, that the famous Rudyarad Kipling was born on the 30th December 1865. One may well imagine what the scene must have been then, for some of the beautiful surroundings of trees and greenery are fortunately still preserved in the very heart of a great industrial and commercial city. In such a setting of beauty and peace, the child that was to grow up into the Indian Institute of Architects, was also born. At the first meeting held, the members present decided to form themselves into an association of the past students of Architecture of Sir J.J. School of Art and it was decided to christen the infant "The Architectural Students Association". Late Mr. George Wittet, the then Consulting Architect to the Government of Bombay, was unanimously elected as the first "President" of the Association. THE BOMBAY ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION [1922-29] The activities of the association showed, steady progress and after Professor cables term office Mr. BatIey was elected president in 1921 , and it was about this time, that members began to seriously consider on improvement in status of the Association.The word "Students" seemed inapt for a body and that had now practising Architects within its fold and at a special General Meeting held on the 15th June 1922, the changes in the Constitution and Bye-Laws, were unanimously approved and in the 3rd ordinary meeting of the members on 3rd August 1922, Mr. Bately, President, announced the formal inauguaration of the rechristened Association. AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH-ARCHITECTS [1925] As for back as the beginning in 1922, there had been tentative visions of affiliation with that powerful and Empire-Wide architectural body, The Royal Institute of British Architects. On a requisition made by 15 members, a special General Meeting was called on 20th November 1924 in which Prof. Claude Bately moved the resolution of getting the final examination of RIBA to be held in India. The alliance was formally confirmed at a Special General Meeting held in the School of Architecture on the 14th May 1925. The first examination could be held only in 1939. The five year Diploma Course inaugurated in 1923, was recognised for exemption from the intermediate examination. This step allied the Association with the most powerful body of Architects. THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS [1929] Affiliation with R.I.B.A. in 1925 led to consideration of further changes in the existing Constitution and Bye-Laws. One of the first was that members of the R.I.B.A. in the Bombay Presidency and throughout India were now coming into the fold of the Association. It was on 2nd September 1929 that the new body was re-organised in Bombay and officially registered as THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. Its chief objects, among others, as stated in the Memorandum of Association were: "To continue the work of the Bombay Architectural Association founded as the Architectural Student’s Association in 1917" and "To encourage the study of Architecture, to elevate the standard of Architectural Practice and by mutual support, to promote the interests of Architects throughout India". The Institute began its activities in the room of the Sohrab F. Bharoocha Architectural Library, 7-10, Elphinston Circle, Bombay and this therefore was the first permanent headquarters for the various activities of the Institute. Later, as things improved, the institute and Library moved into the new and more convenient quarters which it at present occupies at 5th floor, Prospect Chambers Annexe, Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Mumbai 400 001. Maharashtra, India. In 1929, the membership was 158. Today it has crossed the 11,000 mark. Legal Status of the Institute The Indian Institute of Architects is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 as a voluntary organisation of Architects.The only other organisation at the national level is the Council of Architecture established under the Architects Act 1972 with the statutory duty of Registration. Outreach Programmes of the Institute The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture. It has very large area and population of the ‘Republic of India to serve. The ‘Outreach’ programmes ore conducted through its Chapters and Centres who communicate with the public in various regional languages by using the press and electronic media. Public lectures are also arranged on commemorative days such as the World Environment Day, the World Habitat Day etc. The IIA Publications Board and the Editorial Committee publish the Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects [JIIA] and a Newsletter every month. Circulation of both the publications is about 7000. All members of the Institute receive a free copy. The Institute reaches out to the public through its Chapters and Centres. Some special programmes are however arranged at the headquarter, mainly involving international participation. Resources of the Institute The Institute has continued to face a "Resource Crunch". Although an 80 year old organisation attention was neglected in giving itself a fitting ‘Head Quarter Building’. This is attributed, most likely, to the location of the rented premises in the most preferred location in the commercial heart of the city of Mumbai and that too under the old rents! The Institute does have a library established by an/endowment. The "Sohrab Bharucha Architectural Library" is located at the Headquarters in Mumbai. It is open to all members and students of architecture. Plans for the Future Plans for the immediate future as adopted by the previous Council and visualised by the Council of the current term 1994-96 are possible to be only itemised at this stage.
The Headquarter Building Project The establishment of independent IIA Publications Ltd. The Professional Legal Cell in collaboration with the Council of Architecture The setting-up of the Heritage Cell The strengthening of Chapters and Centres the Institute has at last acquired a land of its own in the C.B.D. Area at Belapur, Navi Mumbai, admeasuring about 893 sqm. A two stage design competition had been arranged for the new Head Quarters Building. The competition did not evoke expected response. Hence after terminating the earlier competition, a single stage competition is being organised. The Institute has received Income tax Exemption to donations under Section 80G and drive for collection of necessary funds for the Building, has been taken up vigorously. Foundation stone for the proposed building was laid by Ar. H.C. Thimmaiah, President, IIA, 1994-96 on 1996 May 26. The Building plans have been sanctioned and the construction start soon. It is expected to complete the building positively before the turn of the Century.
Other Important Issues The issues faced by the architectural profession in the country are well within the purview and control of the Institute and the Council of Architecture. It is firmly believed that national problems must have national solutions. International Co-operation is seen os a logical extension to facilitate the Members a wider field of operation. The Institute, following the notional policy of Non-alignment, has participated on the basis of equality in all major international programmes. The IIA has been founder member of the ARCASIA and has actively participated in protecting and promoting the unique Asian Character. The Indian institute of Architects today is at an important stage in its existence. Within a span of 80 years, much has been done in the way of general preparation. Earnest work however lies ahead - work for National, Civic, Professional and Educational interests, work, wherein, the individual outlook is sub-survient to the common good. It con only be in this spirit, a spirit of common service, that any approach can be made to the further problems waiting to be tackled. The institute has had a post in which its members may well take pride. Its future, however, lies largely with the younger members themselves, for it is their own efforts that will shape its destiny and their own. May they far-sightedly unite and incessantly labour for worthily building up that future. [In the absence of an official history of the Institute, we have taken liberty to rely heavily on the Article in January, 1942 Silver Jubilee issue of the Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects - The Origin and Growth of "The Indian institute of Architects" by Ar. H.J. Billimoria, A.R.I.B.A., AIIA and Ar. J.B. Fernandes in Diamond Jubilee Issue of the Journal, with a few additions by Prof. Shireesh Deshpande, Immediate Past President, IIA and Ar. Vasant B. Ranade. Council Member and Chairman, Publication Board of IIA.]

Sourced from :-THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
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