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History - The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)
History - The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)
History - The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)
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History
The history of the IIA is one of absorbing interest. Unfolding over the years, it speaks in manifold
aspects – of the struggles and influence of architectural education from one solitary centre throughout
India, of the rebirth and youth of a profession which the Country had almost forgotten, of a struggle for
existence and the need to have the meaning and value of Architecture and architectural service
understood and attempts and experiments towards a new stage in the architecture of the country. In the
Renaissance or reawakening of India, the Institute has its due place in the sphere of Architecture.
Its history is also one of men with vision and ideals, men who had at heart, the welfare of architecture
and the profession and who with such a goal, helped to lay and build up the foundations of an
architectural future fraught with the finest possibilities conceivable.
preserved in the very heart of a great industrial and commercial city. In such a setting of beauty and
peace, the child that was to grow up into the Indian Institute of Architects, was also born.
At the first meeting held, the members present decided to form themselves into an association of the
past students of Architecture of Sir J.J. School of Art and it was decided to christen the infant “The
Architectural Students Association”. Late Mr. George Wittet, the then Consulting Architect to the
Government of Bombay, was unanimously elected as the first “President” of the Association.
“To continue the work of the Bombay Architectural Association founded as the Architectural Student’s
Association in 1917” and
“To encourage the study of Architecture, to elevate the standard of Architectural Practice and by mutual
support, to promote the interests of Architects throughout India”.
The Institute began its activities in the room of the Sohrab F. Bharoocha Architectural Library, 7-10,
Elphinston Circle, Bombay and this therefore was the first permanent headquarters for the various
activities of the Institute. Later, as things improved, the Institute and Library moved into the new and
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more convenient quarters which it at present occupies at Prospect Chambers Annexe, Hornby Road,
now Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Mumbai – 400 001.
In 1929, the membership was 158. Today it has crossed the 25,000 mark.
The IIA Publications Board and the Editorial Committee publish the Journal of the Indian Institute of
Architects (JIIA) and a Newsletter every month. All members of the Institute receive a free copy. In
addition, all student members of the Institute receive a copy of News Letter of IIA.
The Institute reaches out to the public through its Chapters and Centres. Some special programmes are
also arranged at the headquarter, and other Chapters and centres involving international participation.
The Institute does have a library established by an endowment. The “Sohrab Bharucha Architectural
Library” is located at the Headquarters in Mumbai. It is open to all members and students of
architecture.
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