More Comment – Page 6
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OpinionLike it or not, the baronial style still captures the essence of Scotland
It may have become unfashionable and left the modern architectural community unimpressed, but the wider public certainly appreciates the turrets and gables made famous by Sir Walter Scott. Just look at The Traitors, Rab Bennetts writes
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OpinionWhy we need to rediscover council housing
A significant increase in the number of social and affordable homes is required if we are to get close to hitting the government’s targets, David Rudlin writes
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OpinionHow popular, traditional architecture arrived in the Netherlands
For years Dutch housing architects were able to ignore the tastes and preferences of their tenants and pursue unashamedly modernist projects. But, as home ownership increased, the demand for more traditional yet affordable houses grew with it
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OpinionAir quality in green building certification: what you need to know
Julie Tait explains how indoor air-quality standards in sustainable building certification are changing – and offers her golden rules for ensuring compliance
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OpinionBrand activation – how design can combine the interests of brands and venue owners
Populous has been combining design and brand storytelling in stadiums, arenas and venues for more than 20 years. Simon Borg explains the process
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OpinionOur choices in 2026 will decide whether architecture remains a public service
The past president of the RIBA calls for bold thinking and institutional change in order that we can build better
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OpinionWe must encourage the building of urban one-home wonders
The National Planning Policy Framework includes a specific allowance for single houses in rural areas that are “truly outstanding” where they would otherwise be refused. An equivalent provision is needed in urban areas, writes Russell Curtis
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OpinionWhy I have decided I will no longer be called an architect
We need a new system of registration which focuses on the competence of all built environment professionals if we are to ensure buildings are safe and of high quality, Chris Williamson explains
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OpinionThe government’s ‘build, baby, build’ agenda cannot succeed unless architects are involved from the start
Only around 6% of UK homes are designed by architects, but getting them involved early is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that homes are built to last, to support community life, and are easier to live in over time, says Simon Vernon-Harcourt at City & Country
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OpinionSigns of progress and goodwill at this latest Grenfell landmark
This Sunday marks another significant date for the community of bereaved relatives and concerned residents in Kensington and Chelsea, but this year it takes place amid changed circumstances, writes Emma Dent Coad
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OpinionDesigning cities for play: Why child-friendly spaces matter
Children are the benchmark of an area’s liveability. They tell us whether it is healthy and inclusive. If it does not work for them, it is failing, writes Lendlease’s Nick Watson
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OpinionHow architects can unlock ‘difficult’ sites across the UK
Constrained and underused land can be transformed into a catalyst for sustainable, connected urban growth with some pragmatic, design-led thinking, writes Louise Scannell, a design director at WW+P
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OpinionWhat’s stopping us from reducing the cost of sustainable design?
Anna Beckett argues that while steel reuse and ambitious retrofit strategies remain more costly than conventional construction, the industry can no longer rely on goodwill alone and only clear regulation on embodied carbon will create the level playing field needed to make reuse mainstream
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OpinionEngineering the future: What biodiversity means for the next generation of design
The BNG requirement was meant to be a positive not a problem for developments. Design teams must take the lead to make sure it works as intended, Agata Lo Certo writes
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OpinionWhy I believe the ARB’s reforms are dumbing down architecture
As the ARB moves to overhaul the structure of architectural training, Austin Williams warns that the proposed changes will weaken standards and erode architects’ professional standing
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OpinionPublic-sector procurement in Scotland is a mess – and architects are paying the price
Given the high proportion of public sector projects and the number of small practices operating on tight margins, attempts by the RIAS to improve an unsustainable situation are most welcome, Rab Bennetts writes
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OpinionWhy AI won’t replace architects – it will make them better
Dr Stephen Hamil argues that AI’s true value lies in liberating architects from administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on creative problem-solving while machines handle technical groundwork and compliance checking
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OpinionAI could force us to re-imagine how public consultation in planning works
Local residents are increasingly using AI tools to craft letters of objection to schemes en masse. We need to think about how technology could help us to create a better planning system, writes Paul Smith
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OpinionWhy I’m still grateful to be practising architecture in New York
Chris Fogarty looks back at the culture, character and creative possibilities of New York, and why they still inspire him after 30 years in the city
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OpinionWho is really advocating for architects?
Drawing on the Fawcett Society’s findings, Eleanor Jolliffe asks whether the profession’s culture and its lack of meaningful representation is failing not only women but architects more widely