Young British architects have nothing to fear from Brexit

Tom Brooksbank

Tom Brooksbank outlines five reasons to look forward to a future outside the EU

Like lots of millennials I voted remain in the 2016 referendum. But I have since realised that Brexit offers my generation a rare chance to rediscover the power of architecture to accelerate progressive social change. Millennials are often said to be keen to make a difference; here are my five reasons why young British architects have nothing to fear from Brexit

1. A call for Big Ideas

Brexit has caught the political establishment asleep on the job. The referendum would never have taken place if Cameron had suspected the public might choose to leave the EU. The result is symptomatic of a breakdown in trust between the governed and governing in many regions of the UK. It is a popular rebellion against the status quo. The challenge of collectively rebuilding this trust and bridging divisions between leavers and remainers requires much more than just political spin and tinkering. Participation by the architectural community with innovative and bold ideas to accelerate this democratic process is also essential and the natural optimism of youth should serve millennials well in producing these.

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