The Association of Ethiopian Architects revealed its strategic plan for the 2012-14 period. The association presented its current activities and financial report.
The association has been unable to fulfill its potential in the past because it lacked a strategic plan said Addis Mebrahtu, President of the AEA.
Architecture is a thriving profession but one that is experiencing some challenges associated with inadequate training curriculum, absence of teaching space and studios for new students he noted.
The limited educational opportunities offered by emerging schools and the more established Ethiopian Architectural and Building Construction school limited by space has meant that part of the strategy is continuing education instead of the five year fixed training that is currently in place explained Addis.The association’s strategy also desires to discover innovative approaches to architectural education he added.
Another challenge faced by architects is the absence of standards for fees it was noted. Tenders are evaluated on the basis of low pricing and not quality.
The Association expects to implement strategies to support architectural professionals by establishing standard licensing procedures that will distinguish the competency of graduating architects on the basis of knowledge and technical skills. Competency could be established through the administration of qualifying exams said Addis.
The association is limited by means but plans include efforts to renovate historical landmark buildings and make use of earnings in addition to the resources allocated by the Ethiopian government he said.
Source: Capital
