What is IFHP?

The International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP) is a worldwide network of professionals in the broad field of housing and planning. All are dedicated to one common goal: exchanging knowledge and experience for real world change and improvement.

For more than 90 years, IFHP has been exchanging knowledge and experience in the field of housing and planning.

In a word, IFHP is powered by paths yet to be travelled. These paths will lead to new perspectives, options and leadership.

IFHP is a non-profit organisation driven by the desire to improve the field of housing and planning. Whether they are engaged in policymaking, research and education or in executive practices, our members have a stake in decision-making at national, regional or local levels and are committed to the aims of IFHP.

IFHP is run by volunteers, supported by the organization they work for. IFHP has both organizational and individual members. Motivation is the only criterion for participation in IFHP activities. IFHP is open to everybody.

Founded in 1913

IFHP was founded in 1913 by Ebenezer Howard. Howard was the father of the “garden city,” a combined housing and planning concept designed to solve the problems of ever-expanding metropolitan cities and to create better living conditions. The aim of the Garden Cities and Town Planning Association – the name by which IFHP was originally known – was to promote the concept of housing and planning and to raise the standard of the profession through the international exchange of knowledge and experience.

Empowering students since 1983

The IFHP Student Competition was established in 1983 during the IFHP World Conference in Lisbon. Since then, it has taken place every second year, giving young talent from all over the world a unique chance to showcase innovative projects.

The 2007 IFHP Ranko Radović Student Competition is your big chance to shed new light on the Futures of Cities.

Who was Ranko Radovic?

Ranko Radović was a member of the IFHP Bureau for 18 years from 1974 to 2002, acting as its President from 1984 to 2002. He was Professor of Contemporary Architecture and Urban Design in Serbia at the University of Novi Sad. He was involved in numerous urban projects in many countries, and was the former Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Montenegro.

Ranko Radović had a shaping influence on IFHP. He was the initiator of the student and film/video competitions as well as of the IFHP Summer Schools.

He was extremely popular among students of many nations, especially because of his inspiring role as the director the IFHP Summer School in Finland, a role he fulfilled over a period of 10 years.

He was a great believer in the message of IFHP and a tower of strength for IFHP’s identity.

He passed away on 17 February 2005. We miss him terribly.

In commemoration of the tremendous job he has done and as initiator of the student competition, the IFHP Bureau has unanimously decided to call the IFHP Student Competition in future, the IFHP Ranko Radović Student Competition.