Opinion
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What can we expect from the Queen’s Speech?
Ben Derbyshire is optimistic that Gove will propose a range of innovative proposals
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MoMA’s exhibition illustrates the rich legacy of south Asian modernism
New York museum seeks to put region’s architecture in a post-colonialist context, writes Ben Flatman
Handle with care: retrofits are full of surprises and architects have lots to learn
A standard architectural education does not equip us well for working on historic building fabric. You need a clear understanding of how materials work, writes Eleanor Jolliffe
Scrapping the S106 agreement would mean better placemaking
The government’s plan to introduce a consolidated infrastructure levy allows placemakers to focus on what’s important – creating schemes of both spatial and social quality, says James Cons
Quitting your job is a big deal. Have you really thought it all through?
Change is often good and perhaps never more so than in these post-pandemic times. But Louise Rodgers advises that you explore your desire for something different a little more carefully before you jump ship
What’s stopping us taking more risks?
The Victorians built long-lasting structures with limited foundations yet our perception of acceptable risk has changed completely and we are now overdesigning. Anna Beckett wonders if there is a better balance to be struck
‘There’s still work to be done to make space for the needs of women’
Barbara McFarlane and Jane Darke were contributors to a ground-breaking analysis of the way architecture and design were marginalising women in 1984. Here they look back at the book, its context and its legacy
What’s in store for these great British emporia?
An entire class of buildings has become redundant and risks being lost for ever, says David Rudlin. But it was never about their external appearance
It’s time to look after NHS staff if we want them to look after us
With the new hospital programme now underway, we should consider respite space provision for those expected to work in them so this can be incorporated into the design
A time to take stock – and an opportunity to do things differently
This terrible war is a catastrophe but the eventual rebuilding of Ukraine could yet provide a legacy of which future generations can be proud, says Julia Park
A time to take stock – and an opportunity to do things differently
This terrible war is a catastrophe but the eventual rebuilding of Ukraine could yet provide a legacy of which future generations can be proud, says Julia Park
Five things we have learnt about being a B Corp
Stride Treglown chairman Pierre Wassenaar explains why his firm went through the process and has some advice for others thinking of following their example
Architects have strangled themselves
We have an opportunity to re-stitch some of the professional fabric we have so determinedly unravelled and rise to the challenges of the 2020s, writes Eleanor Jolliffe
Did London really need a massive new arts quarter in Stratford?
A desire to ensure a lasting cultural legacy after 2012 does little to support a levelling-up agenda and now looks like an increasingly questionable initiative, writes Ben Flatman
Amid the devastation of Ukraine the desire to rebuild is urgent and powerful
Despite the awful human suffering and pointless destruction, there is a sense of solidarity and collective desire about the global response that brings hope for a better future, says Matthew Lloyd
Ethics in architecture includes what you specify
Positive and lasting change should follow the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and architects are uniquely placed to help, writes Tim O’Callaghan
Why selling your practice (sometimes) makes sense
Weston Williamson + Partners has been bought by Egis. Chris Williamson has some advice for other firms considering taking the plunge
What’s stopping us from having a better gender balance in the construction industry?
This is not an issue for women – it’s an issue for everyone. Things are starting to change, but there is a long way to go, says Anna Beckett
Cities are being destroyed but their residents’ spirit survives
The Russian invasion is demonstrating the fierce loyalty of Ukrainians to their home environment, says David Rudlin
The risks of overheating are real – and we must take them very seriously
New regulations may be on their way but the buildings we design and develop should limit and mitigate solar gain right now, writes Andrew Mellor
The Coach: How to manage empathy overload
Doomscrolling the news from Ukraine? Louise Rodgers explains how to turn anxiety into something more constructive
We all lose if youthful ambition is stifled
Illogical PQQs, crippling PII and rising costs are threatening the next generation of small practices, writes Eleanor Jolliffe
When will Britain’s property market stop feeding off dirty money?
As Europe descends into war, the links between the UK and financial dealings of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle have been put under a much-needed spotlight, writes Ben Flatman
If the future of housing is huge blocks of flats, now is the moment to get our approach right
The world is standing at a significant crossroads, says Matthew Lloyd
What’s stopping us using more innovative structural materials?
The ready availability of concrete and steel seems to have discouraged us from experimenting with new possibilities, says Anna Beckett
The Medici effect is real in levelling up
The new white paper’s Florentine references provoked some hilarity, but many of its ideas are sound, says David Rudlin
Let’s start designing buildings for a 200-year life
A converted warehouse in Rotherhithe gives a glimpse of how that might work, says Julia Park
When all the questions are new, don’t look for answers in the same old places
It’s time to shake up our thinking, writes Martyn Evans
Adopting Part Z is just the first step
Product manufacturers, warranty providers and contractors have an essential role in helping architects design truly net zero buildings, writes Andrew Mellor
From pencil sketch to parametrics: what’s next in the drawing revolution?
Eleanor Jolliffe examines what the pace of change means for architects
The Coach: On change, grief and adjustment
As many find themselves transitioning back into the office again, Louise Rodgers says whatever you are feeling, it’s OK
Masters of the metaverse
RIBA needs to broaden its definition of what it means to be an architect if it wants to welcome back the diaspora, writes Ben Flatman
What’s stopping us from ditching brick?
The huge carbon cost of new brick means it’s time to turn to alternatives, such as stone, timber – or even recycled and reclaimed brick, says Anna Beckett
WA100 2022: Now is the time to capitalise on your net-zero expertise
Our annual survey of the top architectural practices suggests a strong mood of optimism – but architects need to find ways to stay ahead of the game, writes Elizabeth Hopkirk
