The UIA (International Union of Architects): Professional and Ethical Accords
UIA Charter:
From the International Union of Architects' Charter:
Principle 2 - Obligations to the Public:
“Architects have obligations to the public to embrace the spirit and letter of the laws governing their professional affairs, and should thoughtfully consider the social and environmental impact of their professional activities.”
2.1 Standard: “Architects shall respect and help conserve the systems of values and the natural and cultural heritage of the community in which they are creating architecture. They shall strive to improve the environment and the quality of the life and habitat within it in a sustainable manner, being fully mindful of the effect of their work on the widest interests of all those who may reasonably be expected to use or enjoy the product of their work."
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(see also legal aspects and international law relating to architectural practice
http://apjp.org/legal-aspects-of-architectural/
Recommended Guidelines for the UIA Accord On Recommended International Standards
of Professionalism in Architectural Practice Policy on Ethics and Conduct - Adopted JUne 1999
Preamble
Members of the architectural profession are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism,
integrity, and competence, and to the highest possible quality of their output, and thereby bring to
society special and unique knowledge, skills, and aptitudes essential to the development of the
built environment of their societies and cultures. The following are principles for the conduct of
architects in fulfilling those obligations when undertaking a consulting service. They apply to all
professional activities, wherever they occur. They address responsibilities to the public, which the
profession serves and enriches; to the clients and users of architecture and the building industries,
who help to shape the built environment; and to the art and science of architecture, that continuum
of knowledge and creation which is the heritage and legacy of the profession and of society.
Principle 2
Obligations to the Public
Architects have obligations to the public to embrace the spirit and letter of the laws
governing their professional affairs, and should thoughtfully consider the social and environmental
impact of their professional activities.
2.1 Standard: Architects shall respect and help conserve the systems of values and the
natural and cultural heritage of the community in which they are creating architecture.
They shall strive to improve the environment and the quality of the life and habitat
within it in a sustainable manner, being fully mindful of the effect of their work on the
widest interests of all those who may reasonably be expected to use or enjoy the product
of their work.
2.4 Standard: Architects shall uphold the law in the conduct of their professional activities.
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Principle 4
Obligations to the Profession
Architects have an obligation to uphold the integrity and dignity of the profession, and shall in
every circumstance conduct themselves in a manner that respects the legitimate rights and interests
of others.
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Principle 5
Obligations to Colleagues
Architects should respect their rights and acknowledge the professional aspirations and
contributions of their colleagues and the contribution made to their works by others.
5.1 Standard: Architects shall not discriminate on grounds of race, religion, disability,
marital status, or gender
4.1 Standard: Architects shall pursue their professional activities with honesty and fairness.
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RIBA Disciplinary Code:
----------------------------------------------------------------------Re: Violation of the code of RIBA Professional Conduct. An RIBA member could be in violation of the RIBA code by accepting a commission that violates the rights of Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem and fails to take due regard for its effect on the local community.
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http://www.architecture.com/TheRIBA/AboutUs/Ourstructure/Constitution/CodeOfConduct.aspx
Principle 3: Relationships
Members shall respect the relevant rights and interests of others.
3.1 Members should respect the beliefs and opinions of other people, recognise social
diversity and treat everyone fairly. They should also have a proper concern and
due regard for the effect that their work may have on its users and the local
community.
Guidance Note 7 - Relationships
7.1 The Royal Institute expects its member to place their duty to their clients and/or employers ahead of their personal religious beliefs or political convictions (see also Guidance Note 2 on conflicts of interest and Guidance Note 8 on employment). If members are faced with an instruction from a client or employer which presents them with a personal moral dilemma, they should withdraw from the situation if at all possible and explain their reasons for doing so to the client or employer. Where members are the 'conscientious objector's' employer, agreement to the withdrawal should not unreasonably be withheld.
7.10 If members become aware of a breach of the Code of Professional Conduct by another member, they should report it to the Royal Institute, with such supporting documentary evidence as is available, for investigation under the Disciplinary Procedures. Failure to report a breach may only be justified when prevented by law or the courts (such as an agreed settlement which precludes any further action).
Decisions taken at the UIA Council meeting in Brazil 2009
To:
Mr Abe Hayeem RIBA
Chair, Architects & Planners for Justice in Palestine
Dear Mr Hayeem
RE: WHY ISRAELI POLICY ON PALESTINE IS AN ARCHITECTURAL ISSUE FOR ALL PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES
Thank you for your letter to me as President of UIA, of 22nd June 2009. I understand that you also sent it to all members of the UIA Council.
The Council at its meeting in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil on 31st July 2009 noted your letter and its attachment. It asked me to let you and your organization know of our existing Policy regarding this sort of matter.
UIA has a policy on this issue that was made as Resolution 13 at the UIA Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey from 8th to 10th July 2005. It reads as follows:
“The UIA Council condemns development projects and the construction of buildings on land that has been ethnically purified or illegally appropriated, and projects based on regulations that are ethnically or culturally discriminatory, and similarly it condemns all action contravening the fourth Geneva Convention”
The Council also asked that the UIA Secretariat send a letter to every UIA Member Section reminding them of this policy, which we have done today.
Yours Sincerely
Louise Cox AM
UIA President
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Motion to the UIA Council (deferred and still to be considered at future Council meetings)
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