Kwazulu Natal Institute For Architecture
Community Service in Durban

About the KZNIA, vision, its history, formation and people.

This conference will reveal and explore what these levers are, how they can be exercised, and the impact they can have on our future and the future of our Cities, Towns and Villages. The more we look around the world, in rich, poor, or in-between countries, the more we see the increasing economic, social and cultural influence of architects and urbanists. No matter which indicators you chose, here in South Africa it's clear that there is urgent need of ideas that work. In support of the newly defined mission of the SAIA KZN this year, the conference will focus on the capacity of the City itself to enable radical transformation of our national economic, social and cultural condition and trajectory. The economically most successful and sustainable Cities are those with the highest densities, greatest diversity, most connectivity and best public space. The KZNIA is a voluntary organisation of architectural professionals: from students to practicing architects and technologists. Begun in 1901, it is one of the oldest architectural institutes in South Africa. The KZNIA is steered by an elected Board of Representatives who holds office for a period of two years. The board elects the president and vice-president, and a management committee. We aim to connect and enrich our local architectural community through various events and media as well as through a professional support system. The various KZNIA committees mount exhibitions, produce a tri-annual journal and run awards programmes, amongst other projects aimed at ensuring that our members are kept abreast of current practice. We also provide our members with up-to-date information and represent them at many levels in the public domain. To assist our members in meeting their SACAP Continuing Professional Development requirements, we research, generate and deliver ideas for enriching programmes, including CPD courses. For our members, the KZNIA strives to create a workplace in which they can pursue excellence each day, knowing that their Institute is constantly and vigilantly monitoring the environment in which they practice, is feeding them with up-to-the-minute information, protecting their interests, monitoring standards and representing them at all levels in the public domain. For the members' clients, and the public at large, the KZNIA strives to ensure that our members conduct themselves ethically, morally and professionally, perform to the best of their abilities, and serve their communities with integrity. In terms of the constitution the Institute is committed to the principle of striving to be an outstanding professional organisation, which upholds the dignity of the profession and its members. It aims to promote excellence in architecture and it seeks to contribute to the enhancement of society and the environment. The South African Institute of Architects and the Regional Institutes are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence. Members of the Institute, registered as professional architects, are educated and trained to provide leadership, critical judgement, specialist knowledge, skills and aptitude, for the design and development of the built environment. The Code of Ethics establish principles for the conduct of Members in pursuance of these goals. Rules are mandatory: violation of a rule is grounds for disciplinary action by the Institute. Notes serve as commentary to assist members in complying with the Code and those charged with the enforcement of the Rules. The public which the profession serves and the environment which the profession strives to enrich. The promotion of the art and science of architecture- that continuum of knowledge and creation which is the heritage and legacy of the profession.