It gives me great pleasure to announce that Online Registration for the UIA 2017 Seoul is now open, and I therefore cordially invite 1.3 million UIA members from 124 countries to the UIA 2017 Seoul, which will be convened between September 3 and 10, 2017 at COEX and DDP in Seoul, Korea.
Under the theme “Soul of City,” this Congress will offer various opportunities for us to study on the architectural development of cities by analyzing and visualizing the apparent phenomena broadly witnessed across the world due to the rapid and perpetual urbanization; and to discuss challenges of the day by mapping the future we want to deliver. Together with various counterparts including world’s best architects, government representatives, institutional partners, international and non-governmental organization representatives, students, and the general public, we will, once again, continue to envision a sustainable and better urban life at the UIA 2017 Seoul.
From the day Seoul was awarded for the 26th UIA Congress in Tokyo, the Organizing Committee in close association with the Federation of Institutes of Korean Architects (FIKA), Seoul Metropolitan Government, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea and the Presidential Commission on Architecture Policy, has been exerting all efforts to prepare for the Congress and draft the 8-day programs. Detailed programs will soon be announced through the official website and I am most certain that the UIA 2017 Seoul will be a true architecture festival for all, in company with invited and public lectures, paper and design presentations, exhibitions, and students/young architects programs.
The UIA 2017 Seoul will also offer free registration for 300 architects and 300 students from the developing countries as a token of our appreciation for all that Korean architects have received from member countries in the past. Selected students, too, will be able to enjoy free accommodation. The best practices and innovative technologies and techniques introduced and discussed in and around the UIA 2017 Seoul, will then travel thousands of kilometers and in turn, transform the face of architecture of cities, countries and regions they will be returning.
Korea, with 6,000 years of time-honored history, has a unique culture that you would not find anywhere else. Korea’s distinctive culture and well-preserved traditions are well integrated in today’s people’s lives and with the state-of-the-art technology in good harmony.
Korea, as a country successfully transitioned from a recipient to a donor country with appealing development history achieved in just half a century after having the country completely destroyed from the Korean War in the early 1950s, will be an excellent platform to bridge the gaps between generations, nations, and regions. Architecture is of great significance to us, as the only country still divided into two and bracing for reunification. Sharing related architectural stories unique to Korea’s situation, and by making suggestions for further advancement, we hope that this congress can contribute to achieving the central goal of the UIA: further advancement of the human environment.
September is the best month of the year to visit Seoul and all participants will be able to explore Korean traditional and modern culture, breathtaking sceneries and enjoyable cuisines. There are also many other reasons why your visit to Seoul will be most convenient in every way, such as extensive WiFi networks provided in every corner of the City, warmest and energetic Seoullites, and trouble-free ground transportations.
I very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you all to the UIA 2017 Seoul and Seoul next year.
Jong Ruhl Hahn
President of the Congress
UIA 2017 Seoul Organizing Committee
> Organization > Welcome Message
