For the first time in its history, the World Congress of Architecture, in conjunction with the International Union of Architects (UIA) General Assembly, is taking place in Germany, July 22–26, 2002. This congress, whose general theme is "Resource Architecture," is organized by the UIA and the Association of German Architects BDA, Germany's UIA section.

The host chapters are inviting architects of the world to submit papers, films, and demonstrations for 20-minute presentations during the congress. Presentations should focus on the main themes of the congress, which will be developed in the forums and project workshops.

Forums will offer in-depth discussions with an aim toward developing regional architecture for the future and creating a dialogue on change based the notion of sustainability. The three major workshop themes are:
• Urban Societies
• Innovation and Tradition
• The Built and the Natural.

Workshops will present projects-built and unbuilt-that focus on being both creative and innovative, with an eye toward use in a sustainable future. The four major workshop categories are:
• Urban Planning and Economy
• Living and Working
• Culture and Communication
• Mobility and Infrastructure.

Criteria for submission

Presentation length: Approximately 20 minutes

Abstract length: First page (A4 [approximately 8¼" x 11 ½"], max. 3,000 characters [about 550 words]): Include the contribution to be made to a specific forum and/or workshop, short curriculum vitae, and references. Second page (A4, max. 3,000 characters): Short description of the presentation.

Format: MS Word Document, A4 with 2.5 cm (about 1 inch) margin. PDF format.

Closing date for Abstracts: October 15, 2001

Languages: Abstracts, should be entitled"Call for Contributions," and may be submitted in English, French, Spanish, or German by mail, fax, or email; or in Russian by mail or fax.

Address: UIA Berlin 2002 e.V.
Koepenicker Strasse 48/49
D-10179 Berlin (Mitte)
Phone, +49 (0)30 - 27 87 34 40
Fax, +49 (0)30 - 27 87 34 12
Email, UIA Berlin 2002
www.uia-berlin2002.com

If selected for presentation in a forum or workshop, the authors will be asked to submit a final draft, suitable for publication, to UIA Berlin 2002 e.V. by February 15, 2002. Posters (60 x 80cm) for the poster exhibition are due by April 15, 2002. (AIA members: If selected, please notify International Relations Director Ellen Delage, Assoc. AIA, at 202-626-7415.)

Food for Thought
Here are excerpts about concepts shaping the 2002 congress in Berlin, gleaned from its Web site, www-uia-berlin2002.com.

The congress, under the broad title of "Resource Architecture," will focus on four central themes:
Urban Societies
Innovation and Tradition
The Built and the Natural
Space and Identity.

Urban Societies: The current process of globalization not only involves economic, financial, and technological factors, but also affects the worldwide basis of human culture and the spiritual dimensions of society. Factors endangering the future development of cities should be defined with foresight and counterbalanced with a new and positive interpretation.

Processes of reduction and impoverishment of urban living conditions must be stopped. A meaningful handling of the opportunities provided by modernization and modernity must be made possible. This is the only way architecture can become a meaningful quality factor in the urban environment.

Innovation and Tradition: Innovation requires more sustainable and experimental concepts that promote symbiosis among technical, natural, historical, cultural, social and economical solutions; between nature and architecture; and between nature and the city. Architecture should reflect innovation and anticipate aspects of societal transformation. For instance, the energy use of solar power should be exploited, not least for developing countries.

The Built and the Natural: Architecture that is aware of environmental requirements develops and implements energy-saving technologies and makes use of renewable energy wherever possible. With a view to preserving the built heritage, architects tend to think in longer life cycles. The preservation of cultural values assumes architecture's capacity to change.

Space and Identity: Architectural and urban developments that are geared to long life cycles and marked by history on all continents must be preserved. Aesthetics as an expression of social and cultural identity needs to be revitalized. The development from architecture to building culture must be seen as constituting progress from the form to the content, and from the object to the environment. Minimalist and symbolic architecture has established itself as an important alternative to the visual chaos of metropolises and megacities.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.