INTBAU USA, the United States of America chapter of INTBAU, the International Network of Traditional Building, Architecture, and Urbanism, was created on October 17, 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana. We are one chapter in a world wide organisation dedicated to the support of traditional building, the maintenance of local character, and the creation of better places to live. We are creating an active network of individuals and institutions who design, make, maintain, study, or enjoy traditional building, architecture, and places.
INTBAU USA believes that we in the US have a particular opportunity, and particular responsibility, to balance the powerful effects of globalization with a renewed emphasis on local heritage, culture, ecology and economy. To do so, we must begin at home. We must revitalize our own communities, building on their natural and cultural heritage, while we also work with others to do the same in their own communities around the world. INTBAU USA seeks to support practitioners in the built environment: builders, trade and craftspeople, academics, educators, students, politicians, artists, cultural activists and a general public interested in implementing a holistic and more humane vision of our built environment.
The International Organization
INTBAU’s 5,000 global members are a force for the continuity of tradition in architecture and building and the promotion of traditional urban design. 30 national Chapters have been formed in Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Island States (SIDS), Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the USA. Our Chapters work to develop programs tailored to local needs on every continent.
Why tradition?
Traditions allow us to recognize the lessons of history, enrich our lives and offer our inheritance to the future. Local, regional and national traditions provide the opportunity for communities to retain their individuality with the advance of globalization. Through tradition we can preserve our sense of identity and counteract social alienation. People must have the freedom to maintain their traditions.
Traditional buildings and places maintain a balance with nature and society that has been developed over many generations. They enhance our quality of life and are a proper reflection of modern society. Traditional buildings and places can offer a profound modernity beyond novelty and look forward to a better future.
What can you do?
We invite you to join INTBAU’s free membership program so that we may keep in touch with you by signing up here. If you are a practitioner, please consider joining INTBAU’s ICTP (International College of Traditional Practitioners) and see the USA Chapter ICTP members here. And we recommend you connect to our network via our various social media channels, such as facebook, instagram, linkedIn, and twitter. If you have an interest in serving as a board member, please contact the current chair, Christine Franck, at IntbauUS@gmail.com.
If we can help you connect to other organizations or people, or help co-sponsor and promote a program you are developing that aligns with INTBAU’s mission, please let us know. We welcome all proposals for ways that INTBAU USA can serve you as we grow our network and activities in the United States of America.
intbauusa.org 