World Architecture Day

On the first Monday of October every year, World Architecture Day is celebrated; this is an important date for all professionals involved in urban planning and the construction of buildings for various purposes. It is difficult to underestimate the importance of architecture in human life. These are our homes and schools, shops and work spaces, theaters and museums. It will be true to say that architecture is a kind of shell, the change of which changes our internal state. Architectural appearance is the calling card of every city and every country. It embraces us, envelops us in atmosphere, makes us admire and take long trips. Tourists from all over the world come to see the ancient pyramids of Egypt, the elegant temples of Athens, the magnificent baroque buildings of the Vatican and much more. Famous buildings are the most popular backgrounds for photos and selfies; it is these images that users of social networks happily post for everyone to see, proud of their involvement in the great. The date of World Architecture Day has its own history and traditions, which began in September 1946 in London. It was there that the decision was made to create the International Union of Architects. This unification was an urgent need in the conditions of devastation in post-war Europe. Many cities were razed to the ground, many were in an uninhabitable condition. The architects were faced with the task of improving the territories of their countries, reviving their former greatness and providing people with housing. Surprisingly, this most complex architectural and construction mission was completed in the shortest possible time. For a long time, the union did not have its own official holiday date. In 1985, a general decision was made to celebrate Architect's Day annually in June, but in 1996 the date was moved to the first Monday in October. Thus, World Architects Day was timed to coincide with the UN date of World Habitat Day, which can be roughly translated as housing day. The unification of the two holidays took place at the 12th General Assembly of the UIA in the city of Barcelona, ​​famous for the extraordinary architectural creations of Antoni Gaudi. Being international holidays, holiday dates draw public attention not only to high achievements in the field of urban planning and architecture, but also to the unresolved problem of lack of personal living space in many countries. The international union devotes each year to a specific topic. For example, in 2009 the theme was “The energy of the architect to combat the global crisis”, and in 2011 “Architecture and human rights”. World Architecture Day is celebrated both in Russia and in the post-Soviet space. On the holiday, festivals, conferences, and reporting meetings are held where outstanding achievements are celebrated. A special place is occupied by concern for the condition of historical heritage monuments, the restoration and preservation of which are an important part of architectural activity. The holiday of the first Monday of October is celebrated not only by professionals. Excursions, lectures, various promotions and flash mobs are provided for ordinary people. This important date is a wonderful occasion to attract schoolchildren and young people to the world of high art, because architecture is the connecting bridge between the past, present and future.