Council of Architecture
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
| Professional council overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 September 1972 |
| Type | Professional regulatory body |
| Jurisdiction | Government of India |
| Headquarters | India Habitat Centre, New Delhi |
| Professional council executives |
|
| Parent department | Department of Higher Education, Minister of Education |
| Website | www |
The Council of Architecture (COA) is a professional regulatory body established by the Government of India to regulate architectural education and profession of architects throughout India.[1][2]
The role of the Council of Architecture are:[1][2]
- Registering architects;
- Setting minimum standards for architectural education;
- Inspecting higher educational institutions offering architectural programmes;
- Establishing a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct for architects; and
- Investigating professional misconduct.
History
India experienced a rapid increase in construction activities following the independence. During this period, many unqualified persons utilised the title "architect" and undertook the construction of buildings, which were frequently uneconomical and unsafe. This caused disrepute to the profession of architects.[1]
The Indian Institute of Architects, a professional association of architects, led the demand for statutory regulation of profession of architecture. They argued that statutory regulation was necessary to protect the general public from unqualified persons working as architects.[1][3]
Subsequently, the Indian Parliament enacted the Architects Act of 1972 as a statutory provision for registering architects. The Act made it unlawful for any person to use the title "architect" without the requisite qualifications, experience and registration under the Act.[1][2][4]
The Architects Act established the Council of Architecture with authority over the registration of architects. The Act empowered the Council of Architecture to prescribe a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct for architects and enforce it through enquiries and disciplinary actions. The Act entrusted the Council of Architecture with assessment of the standards of education and training of architects within India.[1][2]