International Federation for Housing and Planning
| Founded | 1913 London, England |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ebenezer Howard |
| Type | Non-governmental organization |
| Focus | Urbanism, housing, spatial planning |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Flemming Borreskov |
| Slogan | Understanding human settlement issues in a changing world |
| Website | www.ifhp.org |
The International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP) is a world-renowned organisation concerned globally with housing, planning and general environmental issues. Its membership is drawn from corporate organisations, professional individuals and those with vocational interests in its activities. It currently has membership representation in 80 countries.
History
The Federation was inaugurated in London on 22 August 1913 under the Presidency of Ebenezer Howard and Secretaryship of Ewart Culpin. The foundation, under the title “The International Garden Cities and Town Planning Association” was initially formed as the international arm of the Garden Cities movement.
Its purposes and areas of interest have gradually evolved and expanded and with this evolution have come changes in the titles of the organisation thus:
1922 International Garden Cities & Town Planning Federation 1924 International Federation for Town & Country Planning and Garden Cities 1926 International Federation for Housing and Town Planning 1958 International Federation for Housing and Planning
Along with the title changes, the Headquarters locations have moved 16 times over its 100+ years of existence through five countries: UK, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and now Denmark. Its present address is:
Fæstningens Materialgaard, Frederiksholms Kanal 30, st. mf., 1220 Copenhagen K. Denmark
IFHP promotes and stages international Conferences and Congresses, often on several occasions in a year. It promotes global communication and cross fertilisation of ideas and solutions amongst members, professional, corporate and governmental interests. Several working groups are sponsored to address specific global issues. As an organisation it remains neutral on party political and religious issues.
The Federation boasts a rich and honourable history as an organisation that has counted prime ministers and presidents, professors and the ‘man in the street’ amongst its esteemed membership. The tumult of its history has resulted in it being taken lock, stock and barrel behind German lines in World War II to re-surface again at the heart of government amongst the British allies.
People have flouted immigration controls to attend its congresses and presidents have given audience to its leaders when it has ‘been in town’. The United Nations and the European Union have both sought representation on their environmental groups. Students have flocked to Summer Schools and gifted individuals and groups have risen to the challenges of film, video and design competitions.
Over its hundred years of existence, the Federation has been led by no less than 21 Presidents, the first being Sir Ebenezer Howard who held the stewardship for 15 years from 1913 until his death in 1928. Others have come from Europe, Asia and North America. The greatest strengths of IFHP undoubtedly come from its members – individual and corporate - and the knowledge and expertise they can offer to address the issues of the day.
Today the Federation President is Flemming Borreskov (Denmark). As it enters its 2nd century, the Federation has a clear emphasis on the urban theme: “A Tomorrow for Cities”.