Union Professionnelle d'Architectes
Beroepsunie Van Architecten

KUALA LUMPUR DECLARATION : PEOPLE AT THE CORE OF URBAN AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT (2024)

As people increasingly migrate from rural to urban areas in pursuit of greater opportunities and an improved quality of life, a shift towards balanced development has never been more urgent.
By 2050, two-thirds of humanity are expected to live in urban areas - the largest consumers of energy and materials, and producers of waste. Environmental degradation, exposure to climate and disaster risks, public health issues, housing shortages and rising inequalities are some of the most visible challenges of rapid and ongoing urbanization.

In recognition of the essential role that cities play as dynamic hubs of cultural interaction and of their responsibility towards a balanced and sustainable Habitat;
Acknowledging the responsibility of architects in shaping inclusive, resilient and respectful urban environments;
The International Union of Architects (UIA) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) hereby declare their commitment to the following core principles :

CORE PRINCIPLE 1 : INCLUSION IN THE URBAN AND TERRITORIAL FABRIC

To ensure a balanced habitat, we must go beyond the simplistic dichotomy between urban and rural areas and recognise that our built and natural environments encompass a broader and more complex system, in which social sustainability should come first. This entails providing adequate social support, economic opportunities, and safe shelter for all.
We strongly oppose social exclusion and marginalisation, and firmly believe that urban design must prioritise inclusivity and integration, ensuring social cohesion, safety and the well-being of all inhabitants. The identity of our cities is defined by the cultural diversity of their residents.
We encourage active community participation in land-use planning and the design of public spaces. By fostering a democratic and inclusive approach to our territory, we can ensure that cities and their surroundings reflect the true spirit and aspirations of the people.  

CORE PRINCIPLE 2 : BALANCE BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVA

To ensure sustainable development, we must recognise the invaluable contribution of local craftsmanship and traditional knowledge to the cultural identity of our cities.
There is wisdom and resilience in diversity. It reflects both the plurality of identities and cultures present, as well as their intrinsic knowledge in responding to local climates and cultural contexts.
We encourage the integration of traditional knowledge with modern technologies to create resilient and sustainable built environments.
We advocate for the preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and spaces, which embody the collective memory and cultural identity of cities, fostering a sense of belonging.

CORE PRINCIPLE 3 : FAIR ACCESS TO THE PROFESSION

To ensure sustainable architecture, we must foster inclusivity both in architectural education and practice.
We are committed to promoting architectural programmes that address local and regional realities, with a focus on sustainability and inclusion.
We call for fair and transparent design competitions that provide equal access and objective professional evaluation to all practitioners, regardless of their background, to promote innovation in the field of architecture.

As we look to the future, we urge all those responsible for the transformation of our territories to commit to these principles.

We can make the shift and move towards balanced development that respects and celebrates the cultural and environmental richness of our communities while promoting a resilient and equitable future for all.

Regina Gonthier UIA President and Adrianta Aziz PAM President
Kuala Lumpur, 17 November  2024

source : https://www.uia-architectes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kuala-Lumpur-declaration_UIA_Final.pdf