Zurich (Switzerland) Adopts the IFI Interiors Declaration

HE IFI INTERIORS DECLARATION: A MEANS TOWARD GLOBAL CHANGE   The IFI Interiors Declaration Adoption (IFI IDA) program calls attention to the many ways the built environment affects us daily. Harnessing the passion for creativity, beauty and functionality that is at the heart of our discipline, the Interiors Declaration states the universal need for spaces that not only support but empower those who inhabit them. A product of the unanimous agreement with input from 88 world nations, the IFI Interiors Declaration exists to clarify and support the profession’s value to the world. The first document of its kind, the Interiors Declaration is a tool for the public’s education, a compass for coherent professional direction and an aid to Interior Architecture/Design advocacy and the legislative process. Addressing all aspects of Interiors education and practice, the Interiors Declaration instills principles about the purpose and ethics of the profession. It gives a baseline for defining the discipline’s worth and impact, all the while promoting a shared approach to understanding Interior Architecture/Design regardless of culture or context.

Since its initial adoption by the IFI global community in 2011, the Interiors Declaration continues to be a source of inspiration as well as an influential policy vehicle. As a foundational IFI initiative, it has been adopted and proclaimed by 126 cities and nations around the world. This number includes some of the world’s largest and smallest urban areas, from New York City in the US to Waterford in Ireland, Shanghai in China to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.

Map of cities and nations that have adopted the IFI Interiors Declaration.

These adoptions represent a remarkable and influential network of leaders who have shown they are committed to developing a healthy and balanced built environment. Increasingly, these leaders are being called upon to make critical decisions about the expansion and improvement of our communities. With population growth, shifting demographics, increased mobility and a trend toward densification, cities around the world are growing rapidly, and we must build and develop spaces to better support and accommodate these changes. Interior Architects/Designers have a responsibility to practice with greater accountability and to be powerfully instrumental in these development efforts. We can provide the skills, knowledge and expertise needed to properly guide change for more fulfilling, responsive and well-designed cities. Our need for collective global action is ever more important, and the built environment must be at the center of any and all discussions. IFI is committed to leading these efforts by doing what we do best: connecting people and places and, together, stimulating ideas for positive impact.

IFI CITY CONNECT (IFI CC) To deepen the impact of the Declaration Adoption program, we are developing an important and related new initiative, the IFI City Connect (IFI CC). This program will further help to bring together our design community, policy-makers and the people of the cities and nations that have adopted the IFI Interiors Declaration. By providing a platform for IFI IDA cities to connect on the uniting principles stated in the Declaration, IFI aims to promote and coordinate further action.

Photo credit: worldtravelguide.net

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) ADOPTS THE IFI INTERIORS DECLARATION To cap an extraordinary 2017, it gives us great pleasure to congratulate the City of Zürich on having adopted, on 14 December, the IFI Interiors Declaration. We are most proud of this first adoption by a Swiss city. Thank you, Ms. Corine Mauch, Mayor of the City of Zürich. This important adoption is the result of an immense effort by our Swiss member, Vereinigung Schweizer Innenarchitektinnen und Innenarchitekten (VSI.ASAI). Our warmest congrats to Mr. Remo Derungs, President of VSI.ASAI, our own Ms. Iria Degen, a former member of the IFI Executive Board (2009-2011) and their team who made this adoption a reality. Congratulations also to all members of VSI.ASAI.

Zürich, Switzerland's largest urban area, is a global center for international business and cooperation. It consistently ranks among the world's top cities for life quality. The Mayor of Zürich, Ms. Mauch, signed the Declaration in an official ceremony together with IFI Past President, Mr. Sebastiano Raneri, and VSI.ASAI President, Mr. Remo Derungs.

Left Image (L to R): Signing of the Zürich Declaration by Mr. Remo Derungs, VSI.ASAI President; Ms. Corine Mauch, Mayor of the City of Zürich, Switzerland; and Mr. Sebastiano Raneri, IFI Past President. Right Image: Signed Zürich Interiors Declaration.

On behalf of all at IFI, I encourage you to engage with leaders in our city, state and national governments to generate profound awareness and advocate for Interior Architecture/Design. Please have your government adopt or proclaim the IFI Interiors Declaration this year. Steve Leung president@ifiworld.org