Catalog

Background

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) is excited to celebrate the 65th Anniversary this year!To commemorate HKIA’s accomplishments in serving our fellow architects as well as contributing to the society over decades, and take a step forward to connect with the community, a series of celebration events were carried out spanning over from October 2021 to November 2022. With a theme “Architecture for People人人建築”, HKIA aligned a series of activities of the past, present, and future to reiterate the humanity side of Hong Kong Architects and architecture, and to embrace the community with our designs and professionalism

THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF
ARCHITECTS 65TH ANNIVERSARY

On 3rd September, 1956, 27 architects gathered and formed The Hong Kong Society of Architects. As the membership of the Society increased, recognition was given by Royal Institute of British Architects as an Allied Society. The change of name from Society to Institute was effected in 1972 and had initiated a new phase of activities for the Institute.In 1990, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Incorporation Ordinance (Chapter 1147) was enacted which governs the running of the Institute since then.Today The Hong Kong Institute of Architects ( HKIA ) has more than 4,700 members and more than 200 architectural practices as corporate members.Apart from the Hong Kong office, the Institute also operates a representative office in Beijing since 2006.

OBJECTS OF THE INSTITUTE

The two main objects of the Institute are

• to promote the general advancement of architecture and to promote and facilitate the acquisition of the knowledge of the various arts and sciences connected therewith;
• to raise the standard of architecture in Hong Kong and the standard of professional architectural services offered by members of the Institute.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

In Hong Kong, registration of architects are governed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) under the Architects Registration Ordinance (Chapter 408). Every year, graduates with recognized architectural education qualification and appropriate practical experience, aspiring to become a Registered Architect, can sit the Professional Assessment jointly held by the Institute and ARB. Successful candidates will be admitted as a Member of the Institute which, in accordance with the Architects Registration Ordinance, will be readily accepted as a Registered Architects by ARB. Alternatively for overseas professional architects with adequate relevant local experience, they can apply for HKIA membership and hence register as a Registered Architect in Hong Kong, through a Professional Induction Workshop followed with an interview held jointly by the Institute and ARB.

ACCREDITATION OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

The Institute works closely with the ARB to accredit the architectural courses offered by local universities and tertiary institutions and offers advice on the aspects of professional practice and practical experience in architecture.Apart from recognition in Hong Kong, architectural programmes accredited by HKIA/ARB are also recognised by Mainland as well as a number of overseas countries such as, Australia and New Zealand under Mutual Recognition agreement with respective accrediting authority.

SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC

The Institute also serves the public by applying the collective expertise of its members in an advisory role to government and the building industry. Today, HKIA is represented in numerous consultative or advisory bodies to government as well as non-government organizations. Moreover from time to time, HKIA would carry out various studies on issues of public interests and reflects the views of architectural profession to the public and the government.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

The Institute takes Hong Kong to the fore in international circles through its active participation in the International Union of Architects (UIA), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), the Architects Regional Council of Asia (ARCASIA) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas in relation to all aspects of architecture and matters in connection with the architectural profession.

MESSAGE FROM THE HKIA PRESIDENT

People nowadays consider 65 years old to be still young, and that’s also how we view the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA). It’s a time of our lives when we can still unveil another new chapter and redefine our responsibilities, as regards improving the liveability of our city and making a positive contribution to the world around us.

Originally named The Hong Kong Society of Architects, the HKIA was formed in 1956 by a group of 27 practitioners. Today we have more than 4,700 members and over 200 architectural practices as corporate members, under the motto of promoting the industry’s well-being and the advancement of expertise, as well as raising the standard of architecture in Hong Kong. Thanks to our members’ incredible diligence and devotion over the past 65 years, the HKIA has become one of the most respected professional institutes not only in Hong Kong but also in the world.

But our concern today isn’t just about our profession and its achievements. More important is that what we do now and how we do it is increasingly going to affect our environment and the lives of millions of people. By applying the collective expertise of our members, we can improve the city’s quality of life, bring positive social impact and create possibilities for a better tomorrow, all through our quality design and sustainable approach to construction. The HKIA strives to be inclusive and create shared value for all stakeholders. Our profession’s social contract with Hong Kong is to serve not only ourselves and our clients, but also the public and society at large. Moreover, we are accountable not just to our own generation but also to our descendants. Our professionalism needs to go beyond our own interests and contribute to the common good.

We see big opportunities ahead of us, but also many challenges that we haven’t encountered in earlier decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lifestyle and society in lasting ways, from how we study, work, play and travel to creating irreversible changes in our human relationships, as well as to the economy and government policies. Yet these moments of crisis have also triggered more sophisticated and flexible use of technology.

The impact of global warming has likewise forever changed our view of human activities’ impact on the long-term survival of our species. As architects, we must think more responsibly about designing a safer and more sustainable future for coming generations. In order to overcome challenges, we have to be agile, flexible, and ready to embrace change. Taking a humanist approach, architects should create longer-term social benefit. We need to work together to make the HKIA more relevant to our members, our profession, and to society as a whole.

Every challenge presents an opportunity. In this our 65th year, let’s move forward to embrace transformation.

DONALD CHOI

President of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects

HKIA 65TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) is excited to celebrate the 65th Anniversary this year!

To commemorate HKIA’s accomplishments in serving our fellow architects as well as contributing to the society over decades, and take a step forward to connect with the community, a series of celebration events were carried out spanning over from October 2021 to November 2022. With a theme “Architecture for People人人建築”, HKIA aligned a series of activities of the past, present, and future to reiterate the humanity side of Hong Kong Architects and architecture, and to embrace the community with our designs and professionalism.