Who we are
History
The Indian Institute of Architects
The history of the IIA is one of absorbing interest. Unfolding over the years, it speaks in 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.
Following is the timeline of the evolution of the Indian Institute of Architects.
The Architectural Student’s Association (1917-22)
The Bombay Architectural Association (1922-29)
Affiliation To The Royal Institute Of British
Architects (1925)
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 Prospect Chambers Annexe, Hornby Road, now Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Mumbai – 400 001.
In 1929, the membership was 158. Today it has crossed the 25,000 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.
IIA Chhattisgarh Chapter (2002)
Within The Indian Institute of Architects, every state in India has an IIA Chapter which in turn has Centers and Sub-centers. The IIA Chhattisgarh Chapter was formed in the year 2000. Architect J.H.R. Naidu was the First Chairman (Charter Chairman) of the IIA Chhattisgarh chapter. Currently, there are two centres in the IIA Chhattisgarh chapter, namely the Durg-Bhilai centre and the Bilaspur centre. Over 500 architects are registered in the IIA Chattisgarh chapter and are affiliated with its various centres and sub-centres.
IIA Bilaspur Center (2020)
Under the IIA Chattisgarh chapter, the Bilaspur centre was formed in the year 2020. Architect Debashish Ghatak is the First Chairman (Charter Chairman) of the IIA Bilaspur Centre.
The core purposes of the IIA Bilaspur Centre are
-
to develop and maintain mutual coordination and healthy professional relationships among architects
-
to provide relevant advanced information in the field of architecture
-
to raise awareness of government by-laws, and rules
-
to try to participate and give services to different social activities
-
to organize seminars and discussions with renowned, expert architects
IIA Bilaspur Centre has been conducting important works like motivating people in the discharge of responsibilities towards environmental protection. The Centre also has a very active involvement in a large number of tree plantation works in different areas with the help of the members of the organization.
IIA Bilaspur Centre, during the difficult times of the Covid 2nd wave, established the Oxy Bank in the city, providing free services by delivering oxygen cylinders to patients' homes.
​
It is a matter of joy that the IIA Bilaspur Centre, within one year of its establishment, is now 50 members strong