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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FAA After the War, colonial development and welfare schemes led to an era of rapid development and Government increased its establishment for architects. In the private sector there were practicing qualified architects, but much design work was carried out by 'plan drawers' with some undesirable results, causing concern to local authorities. The licensing ordinance of 1935 had failed to define the term architect in its reference to licensed architects, with the result that plan drawers freely used the title architect on signboards. In 1956, at the first meeting of architects in Fiji, an interim committee was set up to investigate the possibility of establishing an organisation in close association with the Royal Institute of British Architects. Following consultations with RIBA, the FAA was established with 10 members in July 1957. The first major project for the FAA was to work towards an Architects Registration Ordinance which was passed in December 1959. In 1966 the Association joined the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) providing Fiji Architects with an opportunity for an exchange of views with architects throughout the Commonwealth. This membership lapsed in 1987 when Fiji was declared a Republic. The FAA rejoined the CAA in 1995 and now looks toward to playing an active role in the region. In October 1967, on its 10th anniversary, the Association organized a highly successful mini convention, which was attended by architects from New Zealand and Australia. The Association was instrumental in forming the Fiji Professional Centre in 1971 with assistance from the Commonwealth Foundation. From an early date, planners and quantity surveyors have been eligible for membership of the FAA as 'Allied Professional Members'. Landscape architects have also been welcomed to this category. Graduate, Student and Technician Members also play an important part in the activities of the Association. In spite of the economic downturn of '87 - '89, the past few years have seen a steady recovery and the development of a healthy environment for investors and the construction industry. The Fiji architectural profession has also adopted readily to work with the Government in nation building. In keeping with global trends, Fiji's profession is facing new challenges. Gone are the days of the life long architect-client relationship. Free market trends and freedom of choice have resulted in establishing truly performance-based relationships and expectations. Advances in computers and telecommunications have also created new modes of documentation and communications within the project team. Fiji firms have faced these challenges with confidence and are able to stand abreast with overseas firms. But we still need support and patronage. The purpose of this web site is to generate public perception of architecture, the services offered by architects and the professional capabilities available in Fiji. |
