The Role of Architecture in Implementing the New Urban Agenda

The major contribution of architecture to urbanism is in the provision of a framework for housing, being a set of infrastructure and services that cater for human needs. In Zimbabwe, the lack of collaboration between architects and other built environment professions has reduced the capacity of architecture to contribute meaningfully in steering the New Urban Agenda. This chapter explores opportunities in education and practice for enhancing architects’ contribution in realising the New Urban Agenda in Zimbabwe. It is based on a desk review and structured interviews with architects in academia and practising institutions, with the data subjected to textual analysis to derive meaning and interpretation. The results show that the architecture profession in Zimbabwe does not provide adequate scope for collaborating with other built environment professionals thereby sub-optimising architecture contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The role of the architect has been confined to the design and supervision of building construction at the expense of other important duties like the carrying out of feasibility studies, environmental impact assessment, economic analysis and project management. Enhancement of the contribution of architecture to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals requires legal reform towards its teaching and practice as an interdisciplinary profession. The interdisciplinary approach will ensure that the creation of new cities, neighbourhoods and housing areas will not be left to discrete professions but will be done through collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts. The interdisciplinary approach will deliver more affordable, inclusive and sustainable housing thereby driving communities towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.