More Opinion – Page 7
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OpinionThe built environment: Britain’s hidden super industry
Martyn Evans argues that one of Britain’s largest and most vital industries remains hidden in plain sight. He urges the government and business to recognise the built environment as a unified sector central to national prosperity
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OpinionExpectant on site: reflections on pregnancy and architectural practice
Architect Jennifer Pirie explores how being pregnant and on site revealed opportunities for a more inclusive architectural culture
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OpinionTwo decades on and women in architecture still face many of the same barriers
In response to the Fawcett Socety’s independent report for the RIBA, Sumita Singha asks why so many women in architecture still struggle to be valued and recognised throughout their careers
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OpinionWhat if part of the answer to our building problem is actually to build less?
‘No-build’ and ‘low-build’ solutions are a relatively cheap and simple way to reduce the size of the housing waiting list and shrink the size of the infrastructure pipeline, writes Beth West
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OpinionMy quest for accessible cities starts here
Andrew Teacher is launching a drive to rethink how accessibility is built into cities
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OpinionTraditional architecture isn’t elitist – architectural education might be
Architecture student Elliot Robbie argues that by dismissing traditional design, architectural education risks alienating the very public it claims to serve – excluding large sections of society from shaping and identifying with the built environment
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OpinionHow waterfronts became the lifeblood of urban regeneration
Drawing on his own experience from Birmingham to Liverpool, David Rudlin explores how attitudes to water and place have shaped modern urban regeneration
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OpinionThe case for more specialist pathways in architecture is growing stronger
As construction grows ever more complex and other professions embrace specialisation, architecture risks being left further behind. Ben Flatman asks whether the time has come for change
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OpinionLosing our craft: the tragedy of replace-not-repair architecture
Tanvir Hasan argues that the growing web of regulation and risk aversion is accelerating the loss of historic craftsmanship – and with it, our ability to repair and care for buildings sustainably
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OpinionThe elephant in the lecture theatre: Why universities must rethink space, community and culture
The way teachers teach and students learn has changed and empty buildings and outdated facilities are draining resources. A culture shift is required if HE institutions are to avoid a slow decline into irrelevance, says Philip Watson
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OpinionBritain’s lost builders: making housing viable again for SMEs
Miranda MacLaren argues that financial reform, fairer procurement and design for local delivery are essential to revive small builders and rebuild housebuilding capacity
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OpinionStrengthening collaboration in bathroom design through digital tools
The shift towards using advanced digital tools in bathroom design, planning and installation is not only improving accuracy but also strengthening collaboration across the supply chain. Neelam Bala reflects on the benefits of a more connected, transparent way of working
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OpinionIt’s time to give Scottish architecture a public platform again
With no permanent venue for architectural discussion since the closure of The Lighthouse, Rab Bennetts calls for a renewed public platform to reconnect design, policy and civic engagement in Scotland
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OpinionGood housing starts with good urban design
Ana McMillin argues that the success or failure of new neighbourhoods will be decided by the quality of streets, public spaces and community life
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OpinionThe Coach: On letting go…
Taking inspiration from the changing seasons, Louise Rodgers explores how we can find strength and draw important lessons through letting go
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OpinionBeyond the quick fix: why permitted development needs strategic guidance
Diego Calderon and Gianmaria Givanni make the case for how clear, community-led design guidance could enable permitted development to become a tool for coherent neighbourhood growth
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OpinionWhy botched retrofit work risks undermining public trust in the industry
The shock findings of last week’s NAO report into botched external wall insulation installations has damaged public confidence in the benefits of retrofit. Decisive action is needed to restore faith and prevent future waste, says Thomas Lane
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OpinionNew towns. Old wisdom?
Nicholas Boys Smith celebrates the strengths and examines the flaws of the new towns task force’s recommendations and site list
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OpinionFragmented by design: what happened to joined-up construction?
As the industry splinters into ever smaller specialisms, Eleanor Jolliffe asks how we can foster more effective collaboration and greater honesty about learning from mistakes
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OpinionThis Stirling Prize winner is a model for how we can all live better
Witherford Watson Mann’s Appleby Blue scheme shows how thoughtful design can help us age well, strengthen communities and rethink how generations live together, says Ben Flatman