The International Centre for Urbanism, Architecture and Landscape (CIVA) comprises seven bodies specialised in the study of architecture, design and heritage protection: Modern Architecture Archives, Architecture Foundation, Philippe Rotthier Architecture Foundation, Paul Duvignaud Ecological Documentation Centre, René Pechère Library, Parks and Garden Multimediatheque and Victor Gaston Martiny Foundation. They are very diverse organisations but all have the same aim in mind to complete a common task.

The consortium was created to promote history as a way of preserving memory based on a knowledge of architectural heritage. CIVA has worked towards publishing books and promoting exhibitions, as well as all types of media in order to spread and stimulate intellectual debate on the history of architecture, design, the city and landscape.