Another important consequence of low numbers of architects in many Commonwealth countries is the small pool of professionals from which national institutes are able to attract members, coupled with their relatively low earning potential thereby reducing the institutes ability to develop the profession (ie professional, educational and technical standards) and engage with government on issues of policy making. Membership rates (ie institutional membership/ number of registered architects) range from 20% in Pakistan, 33% in India and 80% in the UK, suggesting that institutes need to do more to demonstrate value and relevance.
There is a perceived weakness in built environment policy in many Commonwealth countries in terms of standards, implementation and enforcement. Respondents were invited to comment on the perceived fitness for purpose of various instruments of built environment policy including planning legislation, building code, health and safety standards etc. 80% 70% 60%
Planning Legislation
71%
73%
Building Code
50% 40%
43%
30%
40%
20% 10% 0% Fit for purpose?
Implemented effectively?
Figure 4 Effectiveness of Planning Legislation and Building Code
10
Planning for Rapid Urbanisation