Redefining Future of Architects and Architecture in the changed context of Architect’s Registration under Indian Architects Act

Redefining Future of Architects and Architecture in the changed context of Architect’s Registration under Indian Architects Act

Introduction Juxta-positioning four major fields of human endeavour involving; Humanities for thinking, Science for exploring, Art for expressing, and Technology for inventing; as integral part of architectural professional education and practice, has led to the acceptance of architecture as one of the most iconic, unique and multidisciplinary profession. Amalgamation of four distinct fields of humanities, art, science and technology has also led to creation of spaces, environment, structure and monuments, which continue to define the growth trajectory of homo-sapiens since their inception on planet earth. Also called the matrix of human civilization – Architecture is known both as definer, authentic measure of the social status and an evocative expression of the ethos of an era to which they belong. It is widely believed that when conserved, buildings are known to create heritage but when in ruins, they become archaeology. Buildings are known also for their value, role and importance to reconstruct the past glory of human civilizations.
In this era of globalization, liberalisation and opening of the economies, nature and context of built environment is changing rapidly. Buildings are becoming more complex in their product mix, usage, planning, designing, structure and services. Buildings are expanding both horizontally and vertically. Footprints/volume of buildings are fast expanding with buildings gaining rapidly in height. Innovative new building materials and emerging state of art construction technologies are changing the basic approach to planning, designing and construction of buildings. Use of computers and innovative programming/soft skills are helping Architects to explore new typologies of spaces by experimenting with new forms, fabric and functions, changing the architectural context and building vocabulary.
Led by increasing expectation and changing building typologies, profession and practice of Architecture is passing through an era of great experimentation, innovations, challenges and competition. Accordingly, demand on the profession over the years has become much more complex in nature and wider in scope. Originality, creativity, conceptualization, perception, aesthetics, sustainability, energy/water efficiency, productivity, high indoor air quality, quality of life and a holistic judgment of people, places, objects and events have emerged as the basic elements of designing built environment. Being primarily and essentially, the art and science of designing spaces for serving the multifarious activities of human beings and for meeting their specific needs in an effective and efficient manner, Architecture has critical role in making people and communities healthy and productive besides making them environmentally, socially and physically sustainable.
Criticality of the profession of architecture, to make this world more productive, liveable and sustainable, has been universally accepted. Seventeen Global Sustainable Development Goals mandated by the United Nations have also accepted the critical role of built environment in making this world sustainable. Buildings are known for their role as major consumers of energy & resources besides generators of waste, making them largely responsible for global warming, climate change and creating large carbon footprints. With human beings spending 80% of their life span within buildings, making people healthy, productive and happy also largely depends upon how the buildings are planned, designed and constructed and quality of indoor living offered to the end users. Accordingly, Architect’s role assumes critical importance and profession of architecture is being valued globally in promoting global stability.
Considering role and importance of Architecture in promoting sustainability, conservation of non- renewable resources, preserving ecology, protecting architectural heritage , promoting affordable shelter, making human habitat more liveable, it becomes critical that Architects are appropriately trained and provided with appropriate vision, skill, knowledge and expertise to render quality services to create state of art buildings before they are allowed to practice as a professional architects. This calls for laying down a well-defined framework for checking the competency of a professional before authorising him/her to render quality services as a professional Architect. Understanding and valuing the importance of quality architectural services to be rendered, nations across the globe have used the mechanism of registration of Architects as a corner-stone before permitting them to operate as professional Architects. Accordingly, registration process of Architects has gained enormous importance in the professional domain of architectural practice. Considering the critical role and importance, process of architect’s


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registration needs to be made more rational, objectives, transparent, effective and efficient in order to ensure the quality of profession and professional services.
Practice of Architecture–Indian Scenario
The practice of the architectural profession is regulated by the Architects Act, 1972, and the regulations framed there-under. The Council of Architecture has prescribed the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges under the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989. The documents stipulate the parameters within which the Architect is required to function. They define the responsibilities, the scope of work and services and prescribe the mandatory minimum scale of professional charges with a view to make client fully aware of the duties and services which he may expect from the Architect. The professional services required by the client may not be comprehensive in scope in all cases and accordingly a clear understanding between the two must be arrived at. The Council of Architecture has prescribed the conditions of engagement based on general practice of the profession in India. These documents are applicable to all the registered architects.
Comprehensive architectural services
Since architects are known to be providers of wide and varied range of services, accordingly Council of Architecture has detailed out the professional services along with schedule of services required to be provided by Architects in respect of the following:


ARCHITECTURE:
• Taking client’s instructions and preparation of design brief. • Site evaluation, analysis and impact of existing / proposed development on its immediate environs. • Design and site development. • Structural design, sanitary, plumbing, drainage, water supply and sewerage design. • Electrical, electronic, communication systems and design. • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning design (HVAC) and other mechanical systems. • Elevators, escalators, etc. • Fire detection, Fire protection and Security systems etc. • Periodic inspection and evaluation of Construction works.


ALLIED SERVICES: • Landscape Architecture, • Interior Architecture, • Architectural Conservation, • Retrofitting of Buildings, • Graphic Design and Signage.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES: The Architect shall, after taking instructions from the Client, render the following services: • Concept Design • Preliminary Design and Drawings • Drawing for clients/ statutory approvals • Working drawings and tender documents • Appointment of contractor • Construction of project • Completion of project


Registration of Architects
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Registration of Architects, as an issue, as an option and as a strategy, to secure the authenticity, recognition, exclusiveness and assurance to the end users, of the quality of professional architectural services rendered, is gaining currency both locally and globally. Objective of the registration of architects is to ensure that the person registered, possesses necessary qualification, expertise and experience for rendering professional services related to planning, designing, supervision and completion of the building /project, as an architect, for the work/service he has been hired. Considering the fact that Architects are required to provide wide range of services to the client, therefore possessing required qualification and experience would be critical to provide quality services to the client for the project. Registration, as a matter of fact, is valued globally for the reason that it assures client that registration has been granted by the appropriate authority after following defined process and checking the credential, that person registered has required level of skill, experience and expertise to undertake the job and deliver the right kind of service/product for which he has been registered. Accordingly, all nations in the world have made it mandatory for Architects to obtain registration before they are allowed to practice and render professional services to the public at large. In addition, registration also makes it obligatory on the part of Architects to follow the specified Professional Code of Conduct, governing their services ensuring protection to the client in its professional dealing.
Professional requirements for Registration
Prior to the late 19th century, professionals engaged in design /supervision of construction projects were not necessarily trained in architecture program in academic setting. Instead, they usually carried the title of Master Builder, or Surveyor after serving for a number of years as an apprentice under people of eminence However, formal study of architecture in a academic institutions has changed the entire context and has also played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole for serving as a focal point for advancement in architectural technology and theory, which has led to the emergence of present system of registration. Professional requirements for registration of architects in the modern era vary from place to place and nations to nations. It generally consists of three key elements involving; a university degree or advance education; a period of internship or training in an office, and examination for registration. In order to have a feel of the global practices, study has been carried out of the process and procedures followed in the few select countries regarding registration of architects , which is detailed below ;
Australia

Australian law mandates, three basic and essential requirements to be fulfilled, before granting registration as an architect; • having obtained a professional degree from an accredited school of architecture; • with at least two years of practical experience; and • having qualified architectural practice examination In Australia, prevailing legal framework makes it an offence for anyone, other than a registered architect, to use the title of Architect. The title of architect is legally limited to those professionals, which are registered as Architects, as mandated by the law of that state. There is no uniform legal framework for the entire country. Accordingly, for registration, professionals are required to comply with the provisions of the concerned state legal framework, where they want to practice. States/ territories have separate legislation to govern the use of the title architect and for creating Architects Registration Boards responsible for granting registration to the architects. These boards are affiliated through the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).The task assigned to the Council is to conduct assessments for architects with overseas qualifications for the purposes of migration and/or registration as an architect in Australia. Schools of Architecture are accredited by state and territory boards, based on a procedure jointly agreed by the AACA and the Australian Institute of Architects. Canada Canadian system of registration of Architects revolves around three basic requirements involving education, experience and examination. Pattern defined is similar to the one followed in Australia with the exception that in case of Canada, initial education prescribed is of higher order as compared to Australia, as detailed below. After completion of the educational requirements, IAP, and examination, candidate can apply for registration/license with their respective provincial architectural institute. For maintaining their license to practice, Architects must pay an annual fee and meet prescribed continuing education requirements. • Education—Architect must hold a master’s degree in Architecture, duly certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). Candidates holding under-graduate degree in architecture


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have to undergo, Intern Architect Program (IAP) to gain a minimum of 5,600 hours of work experience, as mandated under their respective provincial Architects Act, to ensure that the Intern is provided with sufficient experience to meet the standards of practical skill and level of competence required to engage in the practice of architecture • Experience—In addition to the basic qualification, candidate has to obtain requisite experience under the direct supervision of a registered architect. Experience required for registration has been broadly divided into four main and 16 sub-categories. • Examination- All candidates have to clear a serie of seven computerized exams, known as–Architect Registration Examination (ARE),before enrolment as an Architect. Architect Registration Examinations are conducted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). France In France the profession is defined and regulated by the 1977 Law. Law protects both, the title and practice of Architecture, in France, law also defines the educational and other requirements to practice as an architect. To practice as a project manager (maître d’oeuvre in French), an architect must meet the following requirements : • hold a M.Arch or Master’s degree in Architecture • hold the “Capacitation for project management in its own name • hold certificate (HMONP, Habilitation à la Maîtrise d’Oeuvre en Nom Propre, in French) • Registered with the National Architects Order Board- the French institution that protects the architect title and profession. • have a Professional Liability Insurance coverage Germany In Germany, the title of architect is legally protected. For using the title, it is mandatory for the professional to get registered with the Provincial Chamber of Architects. Admission to a German chamber of architects is required for someone to be a professional architect besides having prescribed experience under a registered Architect. The chambers also provide registration to interior designers, landscape architects, and urban planners. For registration as an Architect, following are the basic requirements: • successful completion of a four-year architectural program • undergoing continuing professional education, and • several years of practical experience under a registered architect. Duration of experience for registration varies from chamber to chamber and is based on either place of residence/ place of residence of the architect. All provincial Chambers of Architects are members of the Federal Chamber of Architects located in Berlin. However, federal chamber does not provide professional registration. Ireland The title of ‘Architect’ in Ireland has only recently been protected under the Building Control Act 2007, which can be used only after registration. To become a registered Architect, the essential requirements are; • Completion of five years’ full-time study in the recognised schools of Architecture, • minimum of two years approved experience, and • having one of the recognised Professional Practice qualification In addition, since the year 2009, registration is also available through the ARAE (Architects Register Admission Examination),which provides opportunity to those without the required educational and professional qualifications. Italy For entering into profession and practice as an Architect in Italy, Architect is required to get registration with the Ordine degli architetti (Order of Architects). The Orders are organised by the province and registration is based on place of residence of the architect. For registration, the requirements are; • Possession of a degree in Architecture, or a degree in Building Engineering/ Architecture, • Obtaining a professional qualification- by passing a state exam with four tests (three written and one oral). .Singapore
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Singapore

legal framework protects the title of Architect and mandates two essential requirements for registration as an Architect, which includes possessing requisite qualification and a post-qualification experience as detailed below; • Recognised under-graduate five years degree in Architecture from Singapore or other recognised university • Work experience of minimum of two years under a registered architect . Sri Lanka Prevailing legal framework in Sri Lanka protects twin titles of “Architect” and “Chartered Architect” under the Architects Registration Act,1979 and the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (Amendment) Act, 1996. However, for registration as an Architect in Sri Lanka, it is mandatory for Architects to fulfil three basic requirements which include; • Education—A recognised degree in Architecture from one of the two available institutions in Sri Lanka or by any foreign university recognized by Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. • Experience—Minimum 2 years of appropriate work experience after graduation under a registered Architect • Examination—Successful completion of SLIA Part III examination would lead to the charter and the Architectural Registration Board (ARB) registration. United Kingdom United Kingdom also legally restricts practicing under name/style/title “architect- unless registered with the Architects Registration Board. Usually, it takes minimum of seven years to obtain the necessary qualifications and experience for registration in UK. Royal Institute of British Architects has critical role in the registration process. The process of registration of Architects includes educational qualification, working in an Architect’s office and passing an exam, as detailed below; Candidate must first study at a recognised university of architecture. Before qualifying for registration as an architect, a candidate must pass through three stages administered by the Royal Institute of British Architects. • Completion of an initial degree in architecture (usually three or four years, usually either a BA, BSc, or BArch- candidate receives exemption from RIBA Part I)- followed by a minimum of one year working in an architect’s office to gain work experience. • Then on completion of a post-graduate university course, usually two years, candidate receives exemption from Part II of the RIBA process. • Candidate after spending a further period of at least one year working in an architect office is permitted to take the RIBA Part III examination in Professional Practice and Management. • On successful completion of exam, he is granted registration as an Architect.

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