2024.12.13 ver.02
2019 10.15 ver.01

Articles of Association of the International Academic Alliance of Coastal Architecture (IAACA)

Article 1. Name
The name of the organization shall be the International Academic Alliance of Coastal Architecture (hereinafter referred to as “IAACA”).
The organization operates and administratively oversees the Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology (iSMART).

Article 2. Legal Status
IAACA is an independent, non-profit, international academic organization dedicated to promoting research, education, and global collaboration in the field of sustainable coastal and maritime architecture.

Article 3. Headquarters
The headquarters of IAACA shall be located at Kitakyushu,Fukuoka,Japan.
Branch offices, research units, or partner centers may be established globally as necessary to fulfill the mission of the Alliance.

Article 4. Mission
IAACA shall pursue the advancement of sustainable coastal and maritime architecture through research, innovation, and education.
Its mission includes operating iSMART as a global center of excellence that integrates environmental sustainability, advanced technologies, and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Article 5. Objectives
IAACA aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Foster Sustainability
   Promote sustainable design, planning, and construction methods in maritime and coastal architecture to reduce environmental impacts and enhance resilience.
2. Drive Innovation
   Conduct interdisciplinary research and development on innovative materials, construction systems, digital technologies, and sustainable engineering solutions.
3. Enhance International Collaboration
   Establish partnerships with universities, industries, governments, NGOs, and international organizations for joint research and academic exchange.
4. Educate and Train Experts
   Provide academic programs, professional education, workshops, and training that cultivate global leaders in sustainable coastal and maritime architecture.
5. Set Global Standards
   Develop, publish, and disseminate best practices, guidelines, and standards related to sustainable maritime architectural design.
6. Advocate for Policy Change
   Engage in policy recommendations and international dialogues to promote sustainable development in maritime industries.

Article 6. Key Activities
To achieve its mission, IAACA, through iSMART, shall undertake the following activities:

1. Research & Development
   Conduct interdisciplinary R&D on sustainable maritime structures, materials, technologies, resilience strategies, and environmental impacts.
2. Educational Programs
   Operate degree programs, certification courses, short-term training, professional development seminars, and outreach education.
3. Publications
   Issue academic books, technical reports, guidelines, and the peer-reviewed journal:
   Journal of Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology (Journal of iSMART).
4. Conferences & Workshops
   Host international conferences, congresses, symposiums, and networking events for dissemination of research and innovation.
5. Industry Collaboration
   Facilitate partnerships with private companies and industry stakeholders to implement sustainable technologies in real-world maritime projects.
6. Public Engagement
   Promote awareness of sustainable coastal and maritime development through forums, exhibitions, and public communication.

Article 7. Membership

1. Types of Membership
   Individual Members (researchers, professionals)
   Student Members
   Institutional Members (universities, research institutes)
   Corporate Members (industry partners)
   Honorary Fellows
2. Admission
   Membership admission shall be approved by the Executive Board.
3. Rights and Responsibilities
   Members may participate in IAACA activities, vote in general assemblies (when applicable), and contribute to research programs.
4. Termination
   Membership may be terminated by resignation, non-payment, or misconduct as defined by internal regulations.

Article 8. Governance Structure
IAACA shall be governed by the following bodies:

1. General Assembly
   Supreme decision-making body
   Approves major policies, budgets, amendments to the Articles
   Consists of all eligible voting members
2. Executive Board
   Manages overall administration
   Consists of:
   • President
   • Vice Presidents
   • Secretary-General
   • Board Members
3. iSMART Director and Management Team
   Operate the institute’s academic, educational, and administrative activities.

Article 9. President and Officers

1. President
   Represents IAACA globally
   Provides strategic leadership
   Chairs the General Assembly and Executive Board
2. Vice Presidents
   Assist the President in academic, administrative, or international affairs.
3. Secretary-General
   Oversees daily operations and coordination among members and committees.

Article 10. Finance

1. IAACA’s financial resources include membership fees, sponsorships, research grants, donations, and revenue from conferences and publications.
2. All funds shall be used exclusively to support the mission and activities of IAACA and iSMART.
3. Financial transparency shall be ensured through annual auditing.

Article 11. Intellectual Property & Publications

1. Research outcomes produced under IAACA or iSMART shall follow international academic integrity and IP protection regulations.
2. Publications shall be openly disseminated to promote sustainable maritime architecture, unless restricted by specific contracts or agreements.

Article 12. Amendments
Amendments to the Articles of Association shall require a two-thirds majority approval of the General Assembly.