Title: The second conference on architecture and housing in Butembo: promoting resilient communities
Introduction :
On Saturday October 21, 2023, the second conference on architecture and housing was held in Butembo, in the province of North Kivu. This event, organized as part of the International Architecture and Habitat Day, had the main theme of “architecture for resilient communities”. Renowned architects and urban planners shared their knowledge on the importance of architecture in improving the quality of life of populations, in particular by integrating the issues of sustainable development and the challenges of global warming. However, this conference also highlighted major challenges facing the architecture industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The challenge of recognizing architects:
The vice-president of the National Order of Architects (ONA), Papy Kasomo, highlighted the great challenge facing the profession: non-compliance with the law establishing the status of the architect. He denounced the presence of numerous “charlatans” posing as architects without having the required skills. According to the law, an architect must graduate from an institution recognized by the Congolese state and be registered with the Order of Architects. Any professional who does not respect these criteria is liable to legal sanctions. Thus, better application of the law and support from the authorities are necessary for the recognition and protection of the profession.
Participant satisfaction and architecture student learning:
The participants in the conference were very satisfied with the knowledge and exchanges they were able to attend. Some highlighted the importance of this opportunity to better understand the differences between the professions of engineer, architect, town planner and surveyor, which the general public often confuses. Architecture students, particularly those from the Institute of Building and Public Works (IBTP) of Butembo, expressed their enthusiasm for having acquired new concepts that are not taught in classrooms. This enriching experience will allow them to better prepare for their future career.
Conclusion :
The second conference on architecture and housing in Butembo highlighted the importance of architecture in building resilient communities. The interventions of architects and urban planners highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable development issues and adapting buildings to the challenges of global warming. However, the recognition and protection of the architectural profession remain major challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the presence of many laypeople posing as qualified professionals. It is essential to strengthen law enforcement to guarantee the quality of services and the safety of construction in the DRC.