All Opinion articles – Page 2
-
OpinionThe quiet revolution in built environment education and engagement – starting with children
As universities widen participation, Rosie Parnell explores how early engagement is opening new pathways into the built environment professions
-
OpinionAI and advanced materials are shaping sustainable, safe structures
Architects must embrace innovation to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability and safety in building design, argues Elisabeth Montgomerie
-
OpinionIntervention Architecture turns 10: how the community-focused practice is shaping Birmingham’s future
Joe Holyoak examines the practice’s decade-long influence on Birmingham’s urban landscape, highlighting transformative projects like the Smithfield redevelopment and efforts to save Station Street as a cultural destination
-
OpinionArchitecture needs hope and innovation – not nostalgia and retreat from social responsibility
David Storring calls for a bold, future-facing architectural agenda – one grounded in resilience, collaboration, and the material realities of the 21st century
-
OpinionBeyond sustainability: what we need now is regenerative design
The industry’s focus has to move from just trying to conserve natural resources to building in a way that actually repairs the planet, Philip Watson at HLM Architects says
-
OpinionThe land banking myth housebuilders can’t shake
Despite numerous reviews finding no evidence of housebuilders deliberately withholding land from the market, we are again having to talk about ‘unbuilt’ homes, writes Paul Smith
-
OpinionThe Coach: Why age isn’t the issue – it’s the life stage that counts
Louise Rodgers challenges the idea that age defines us at work – pointing instead to the impact of what’s happening in our wider lives
-
OpinionRetrofitting social housing is the real challenge we can’t ignore
Britain’s retrofit push needs strategic vision – Chloe Phelps calls for co-produced mini-masterplans over ad-hoc upgrades
-
OpinionWhy architects must confront the changing political landscape
Austin Williams argues that architecture has embraced an ideological rigidity that limits open debate and inhibits engagement with large sections of the public
-
Opinion2,000 young people, one mission: Rethinking access to architecture at the Festival of the Future
Mary Richardson reflects on how last weekend’s Festival of the Future brought over 2,000 young people to RIBA’s 66 Portland Place, aiming to break down barriers to built environment careers
-
OpinionMore women are becoming architects – but will they stay?
Eleanor Jolliffe explores shifting gender dynamics in architecture, from changing career paths to the impact of flexible working and maternity provision
-
OpinionPostcard from Cannes: Reflections on Mipim 2025
Félicie Krikler shares her thoughts on the world’s largest gathering of real estate professionals
-
OpinionAre the culture wars distracting us from architecture’s real challenges?
Jay Morton responds to Patrik Schumacher’s recent article condemning what he calls the ‘woke’ takeover of architectural discourse, arguing that the real barriers to innovation lie elsewhere
-
OpinionInsights from tomorrow’s architects: Appreciating women in architecture and driving change
Molly Harper examines the persistent gender inequalities in practice and the barriers that continue to prevent women from securing senior roles
-
OpinionThe built environment belongs to everyone – so why are young voices so often excluded?
As the Festival of the Future takes place at Portland Place, Neil Onions challenges the industry to break down barriers and give young people a meaningful voice in architecture and urban design
-
OpinionNorman Foster and the Theatre of Dreams – a perfect match?
Manchester United is betting on Foster to create a world-class stadium – but will ambition and reality align, asks Ben Flatman
-
OpinionA new era for housing? Why co-design is a critical tool for inclusive development
Tom Greenall and Jane Wong introduce a new online co-design resource intended to support more inclusive and meaningful community participation in the development process
-
OpinionHigher fees start with smarter sales – here’s how
Oliver Lowrie argues that instead of dwelling on low fees and the market pressures facing the profession, architects must take control by adopting a structured sales process
-
OpinionIs the octopus losing another leg? Greater Manchester’s planning struggles
David Rudlin examines Greater Manchester’s planning challenges as Oldham follows Stockport in seeking to withdraw from the city region’s spatial framework
-
OpinionWomen’s sport is thriving – so why aren’t stadiums keeping up?
As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day, the rapid rise of women’s sport is cause for celebration – but many stadiums remain stuck in the past. Outdated designs fail to meet the needs of female athletes and fans, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive, future-focused venues