Introduction
The Council of Architecture (COA) is a statutory body set up under the Indian Architects Act, 1972, for regulating the Architects’ profession in India. It is responsible for maintaining and improving the standards of architectural education and practice in the country. It consists of representatives of central and state governments, professional institutions, and the practicing architects. The Council is empowered to grant registration to qualified persons as Architects, and to grant certificates of recognition to institutions and establishments imparting architectural education. The Council also provides a forum for the architects to express their view and ideas on matters of professional importance. This article aims to explain what a Council of Architecture is, its objectives, formation, and functions.
Objectives of COA
The main objective of the Council of Architecture is to regulate the profession of Architecture across India. It works for the protection of the interests of the architect, strengthens the professional education by introducing standards, and maintains and improves the standard of architectural education and practice in the country, through timely regulations. It also provides a forum for the architects to express their view and ideas on matters of professional importance. It also aims to ensure that the architectural profession is maintained at the highest level of excellence by setting and monitoring standards.
Formation of Council of Architecture
The Council of Architecture (COA) was established in the year 1972 with the intent of regulating the profession of Architecture across India, by the Indian Architects Act. According to the Act, the Council consists of 18 members, out of which 16 are elected members and the remaining 2 are ex-officio members. The elected members include 6 government nominees, 8 nationally acclaimed architects, and 2 members nominated by the Institute of Town Planners.
Functions of Council of Architecture
The Council of Architecture is responsible for carrying out the following functions:
- Granting registration to persons qualified to practice as architects and issue certificate of registration.
- Recommending to the respective governments to recognize certain institutes or establishments imparting architectural education.
- Maintaining a register of persons registered to practice in India as Architects.
- Granting certificates of recognition to institutions and establishments imparting architectural education.
- Conducting examinations for the registration of persons as Architect.
- Granting exemption from registration to the members of foreign architectural associations.
- Devising courses of study, courses in specialized fields and other matters relating to architectural education.
- Maintaining the standard of architectural profession and education.
- Prescribing qualifications for admission to course of study in architecture.
Role Of COA In Assessing Quality Of Practice
The Council of Architecture plays a crucial role in assessing and improving the quality of practice of Architects in India. It enforces certain codes of practice and rules related to safety and composition of construction projects in order to ensure that the developed infrastructure is of the highest quality. Moreover, it also provides accreditation for various courses related to architecture for both professionals and students, assesses the quality of practice in institutions and establishments imparting architectural education, and provides opportunity for Architect to express views and ideas on matters of professional importance through public forums and seminars.
COA’s Certification and Registration
The Council of Architecture provides various certifications and registrations for Architects and architectural establishments. These certifications and registrations ensure that the quality of the profession and practice of Architecture is maintained.
The Council of Architecture issues registration certificate to qualified persons as Architects, and certificates of recognition to institutions and establishments imparting architectural education. To obtain a registration certificate, the applicant must meet certain requirements, such as possessing adequate professional qualifications, good moral character, and having the necessary experience in the practice of architecture. Upon obtaining the registration certificate, the architect can practice architecture in India.
The Council also grants certificates of recognition to institutions and establishments imparting architectural education. The recognition is granted to institutions and establishments that meet the standards set by the Council of Architecture in teaching, infrastructure, and quality of faculty.
Schemes Launched By COA
The Council of Architecture has launched various schemes over the years in order to promote a better and safer built environment. These include the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Construction Safety Scheme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and the Smart Cities Scheme. The schemes are aimed at improving the quality of life in urban and rural areas and ensure that the built environment is safe and healthy for all citizens.
Legal Status Of COA
The Council of Architecture was established by the Indian Architects Act, 1972, which gives it the status of a legal body. The Act enables the Council to exercise its powers, including enacting regulations, conducting examinations, registering and granting recognition to qualified persons and institutions to practice architecture.
The Council of Architecture is also recognized by the Government of India as the sole authority responsible for scrutinizing, regulating, and accrediting Architectural courses and Architectural qualifications.
COA’s Impact On Indian Architectural Industry
The Council of Architecture plays a crucial role in regulating and improving the standards of the Architectural industry in India. It sets standards for practicing Architects, and maintains and enhances the quality of Architectural education in the country. It also provides accreditation to institutions and establishments imparting Architectural education, which not only ensures that the Architectural profession is maintained at the highest level of excellence but also boosts the country’s architectural industry.
Key Questions In Front Of COA
The Council of Architecture faces many key questions regarding the regulation and maintenance of the profession of Architecture in India. These include questions related to the accreditation of Architectural courses, requirements to practice as an Architect, responsibilities of Architects, and improvement of overall standards of architecture in India.
Efforts Taken By COA To Promote Architects
The Council of Architecture has taken various steps in order to promote the Architectural profession and ensure the highest quality of practice. It regularly organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops to educate architects about regulations, codes of practice, and responsibilities. It also encourages public forums, such as the International Institute of Architects, to develop insights and exchange of knowledge amongst professionals from across the globe.
Conclusion
The Council of Architecture is a statutory body set up to maintain and improve the standards of architectural education and practice in India. It is responsible for granting registration to qualified persons as Architects, and issuing certificates of recognition to institutions and establishments imparting architectural education. The Council of Architecture plays an important role in assessing and maintaining the quality of practice of Architects in India, and thus plays an important role in the advancement of Indian Architectural industry.
