Angela Brady PRIBA
Best wishes for 2012
See my Twitter blog twitter.com/angelabradyRIBA
Interviews on Localism and community engagement; Jan 2012
2012 is the year when Localism moves from the desks in Whitehall and the benches of the House of Commons to a village hall near you. The Localism Act comes into effect on 1 April, bringing with it the Government ‘bottom up’ approach to planning and a more collaborative way of designing and planning large scale developments. They see it as the best way to meet its ambition to raise the standards of design in the built environment.
The new powers for communities to develop a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) will provide an opportunity to “shape the look and feel of their areas”, allowing them to develop policies on the location, type and design of developments. Meanwhile, the new requirements force developers to engage with local communities on significant developments, to include the use of collaborative design techniques such as charettes and Inquiry by Design. This is where our members can step in and help engage the public.
Whether or not localism really is the antidote to banal and poor quality development, there is no doubt that the desire to give communities a stronger voice means that local people will be able to demand more from the professionals who help shape our built environment. This represents a challenge and opportunity for architects to use our skills and expertise to help communities create exciting and bold visions. We need to act fast.
Legislation may be new but the main tenets of localism and some of the processes which will embody it – engagement, brief-making, visioning – have been around for a long time as an essential part of the design process for many architects. The formalisation of these processes in statute may therefore provide opportunities for those looking to diversify their businesses, extend their offer to clients and capitalise on the skills they already have.
Localism needs design professionals to succeed, but the quality of the places created will be dependent on our ability to appropriately engage with local people and local issues, right from the start, designing ‘with’ rather than ‘for’ communities. Many architects already have the nous to do this well. It provides an opportunity for us to break down barriers, change attitudes and demonstrate the value of what we do, in a less remote way so people understanding the difficult decisions and trade-offs that have to be made along the way
Here we discuss the architect’s role in delivering Localism with Steve McAdam (Fluid / Soundings), Jane Duncan (J Duncan Archs), Daisy Froud (‘Participation’ at AOC), Doug Hughes (Hughes Archs) and Harri Phillips (Bell Phillips Archs)
All experiences have been worthwhile and many have led to new work opportunities and raised the profile of architects within the community
Q&A highlights
What was your motivation to get involved?
JD - I felt that I could make a difference. It was fantastic to work with a huge range of community members, but also a real opportunity to get known locally
DH - Working voluntarily allows a certain amount of freedom to develop your own brief and to test the water as to whether you have your finger on the pulse of public opinion. It also allows us to make lots of new friends in the community!
DF: We believe we get a better architectural outcome by really engaging with and understanding the needs and aspirations of the people who use and interact with the buildings and spaces to which we contribute
What are your principles of good engagement?
SM: Every project is different but what unites them is a desire to get out there and talk to people before any plans take shape. It is counter-productive to try and hatch a plan secretly and then foist it on locals – so don’t do it! Recognise instead that the ‘public’ is a huge and relatively free source of knowledge, ideas and understanding which if tapped and empowered, can help define a much better product, and one which is likely to garner local support and real sustainability. It is not so much the architect leading the process, but the architect facilitating, informing and focusing the process that will be the challenge moving forward.
DH - Change your language and don't speak ‘fluent architecture’ as it turns people off. Don't be too proud!
DF: Bring vast amounts of energy, enthusiasm, and argument about why this is an important thing to do. Have a genuine curiosity to meet with and talk to people. This initial stage of a project is really important, so we map a strategy in advance and log all contact made and response given. We have to work harder to get younger people, and those who perhaps have less sense of having a voice, or who are newer to an area - involved.
Challenges and Pitfalls?
JD – Everyone has their own agenda so bringing the key issues of built environment and sustainability to the fore requires really delicate political manoeuvring.
SM: We have used community engagement in both deprived and wealthy neighbourhoods with equal success, but there does need to be a clear process that has been established or endorsed locally so all know what is expected of them, when and to what accord.
HP: The early stage of getting the Forum going was very frustrating with too much petty politics, bureaucracy and infighting between groups. Architects need to be clear why they want to get involved in Neighbourhood Planning, how much resource they are prepared to commit, how much work they are prepared to carry out on a pro bono basis and what they are expecting to get out of their involvement.
DH – Always treat the process of engagement as a live, paid project, and not as a back up for when workload dries up. You need to keep your enthusiasm, even when you feel totally exhausted by (often unpaid) input and resource. The process needs to have milestones and momentum maintained so that the interest of the community is maintained.
Do you think architects are well placed to lead on community engagement?
SM: This depends on the attitude of the architect. There are many who believe they are the professionals, they have the requisite skills and experience, and there is no need to involve end users, local communities or local stakeholders in the design process. Where that is the attitude, there is little point in pretending that a social approach to design will work.
HP: Architects have the perfect skills to assist in formulating and implementing Neighbourhood Plans. But they need to work closely with others who have complementary skills.
JD - Architects are used to being imaginative, pursuing large scale strategies, communicating ideas and fighting for them. Our allies can be many and various if we learn how to be inclusive and listen a lot. We have all the skills to become local champions.
What has surprised you most in your work engaging with communities?
JD - I was surprised by the length of time it takes to get a strategic idea embedded into a community group, find funding and help make it happen – it’s years!
SM: We have met numerous groups who could, if they chose, run circles around the ‘professional team’ and who were often as well qualified academically as the best consultants. Design has to evolve accordingly. But that, for me, does not devalue the architect, it merely changes the way design is carried out, and draws on many incipient skills architects can offer.
DH – The energy, willingness to help and resourcefulness of the community. My initial preconceptions of apathy were totally inaccurate and as soon as we had started the conversation with the community, we were amazed at the wealth of their ideas. Local residents were able to give unique insight into the reasons why some ideas had not borne fruit in the past, so we did not go down too many cul de sacs and waste time.
What was the value of the Process?
JD – Practice benefits from getting involved in local community plans are long term, and you have to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and be creative for your community before you obtain work. As a result, the practice was asked to tender for, and then selected for a number of local community design projects.
DH – We have generated many new projects from our community work, and not necessarily locally, as word has got out that we are an architectural practice willing to listen.
HP: There are several opportunities that are emerging as a result of our work on the Plan.
SA The most important thing is to understand that a collaborative approach to design does not diminish the role of the architect - but actually makes it more complex and demanding. It requires an open-minded attitude that does not decry the role the ‘public’ can play in a process of co-design.
We have had fantastic input from many sectors and professions including youth groups, amenity groups, tenants and residents associations, artists, planning consultants and various pressure groups. They all have something to add – helping this to happen is, perhaps, one of the best things we can contribute.
Comments @angelabradyRIBA#lnconversationwithABLocalism
To download the RIBA gudies on delivering localism go to;
www.archtiecture.com/localism
Localsim interview article ENDS
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'Pavillions of Protest at RIBA' exhibition/campaign and 'Vent' art expo. from ZAP Architecture til endof Jan 2012. All photos now on their website : www.zaparchitecture.com
In Conversation with Zohra Chiheb and Pol Gallagher of ZAP Architecture on their campaign for students and the ‘Pavillions of protest’ exhibited at RIBA in RIBA Journal Jan 2012
Helen Misselbrook is launching a resourcing website which will put architecture students, graduates and potential employers directly in touch via the internet without a charge with direct access to flexible online talent with minimum hassle and a minimum wage guarantee.
The website will be launched Nationwide in June 2012. Also an exclusive trial now of which Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners has already made a successful offer of employment
Contact Helen at helen.misselbrook@resolutionarchitecture.com
The RIBA are very supportive of students with the most funds so far awarded this year. The RIBA are organising a second student fundraising dinner in June 2012 at RIBA with guest Sarah Wiggelsworth and an auction. We need more practices to support students with more links to education, mentoring and proper payment to value their work. They are our future and we all need to support them now
Presdients medals: Have a look at the students work http://www.presidentsmedals.com/Project_Details.aspx?id=2779&dop=True
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RIBA J
IN CONVERSATION about PROCUREMENT Walter Menteth leads the task force with Owen O Carroll and 25 Professionals, including Barristers Engineers and Builders
Procurers are ‘ talking to monkeys about the price of oranges’!
Procurement is the biggest obstacle to work for our profession. Our task force will look at current methods in UK and EU by Public and Private clients. The current system does not work. We plan a campaign for change.
My first six weeks as PRIBA have been both fascinating and exhausting!
My first day I was launched into the RIBA Sterling judging visits with a brilliant and talented group. We had lengthy discussions with each architect client and users of the buildings. The visits to buildings really does set them apart from judging by photographs and there is no comparison for being in the spaces and making your own individual and group assessments. I have judged many buildings for various awards and the Civic Trust Awards of which I was vice chair for 6 years comes close to this experience of including a visit with the technical back up and explanation from concept to reality. The Stirling is one of our most prestigious and sought after awards and deserved it’s total scrutiny. No need to defend our decision.
It was an honour that Zaha spoke about her amazing projects at the Stephen Lawrence memorial annual lecture at a the RIBA three days later.
As a new venture for me I attended the Liberal and Conservative annual conferences but missed the Labour conf as I was at the Tokyo UIA conf. This is the first time I attended such Political debates and we hosted our own RIBA fringe debates on our Homewise campaign which were popular with energetic debate, We invited speakers including Grant Shapps, whose speech was identical to mine! I found it incredibly useful to have our ‘one to one’ meetings with various Ministers and discuss our policy and strategy and bump into other Ministers at informal meetings. There is a great will to work together.
My first trip to Tokyo for the UIA 24th world congress of architecture comprised an international network of 5,000 architects with ‘Design 2050’ as main theme - all promoting our sustainable future. The opening ceremony was hosted by the Emperor and Empress of Japan who told the audience of their gratitude that people had come to Tokyo despite their problems brought about by the earthquake and tsunami followed by the Fukushima disaster. Thus the sub theme to the congress was “ Beyond Disaster, through Solidarity, towards Sustainability”. There was a great camaraderie and understanding with many moving speeches. Some of the esteemed keynotes as Fumiaki Maki, admired by students and practitioners alike, were so humble and modest when you meet them. He gave an thought provoking talk about traditional and contemporary Japanese architects and architecture and the thought processes between the ‘Kana’ v the ‘Kanji’, the emotional v rational thoughts in design.
Alvaro Siza was presented with the UIA Gold Medal, he was delighted to have been nominated by the RIBA. His inspiring keynote was about his current plans for the 'Atrio de la Alhambra -International Ideas Competition'- New gateway buildings in Grenada. The Tokyo experience opened hearts and minds and the international stage is thriving and work seems abundant overseas. The quality of the main exhibitions was stimulating and there were about 75 different sessions you could attend from the structural engineer who questioned the authenticity of the Temple template to the presentations about Japanese contemporary architecture. Everything was extremely polite, even the street graffiti.
It was a timely conference which sent out a message about Japan’s reconstruction efforts, providing an opportunity for architects to discuss what we can do to help overcome the various disasters and difficulties faced around the world.
In between all this traveling I have had about 20 speaking engagements and my new procurement task force are working cross professionally in a really dynamic way headed by Walter Menteth. The first RIBA Board and new Council meetings have taken place. There is a great will and energy to help our profession.
Just back from the Dublin 2 day International Economic Forum. 275 of the Irish Diaspora international business people as guests of the Government invited from around the world to discuss ideas of how to improve Ireland’s predicament and come up with some innovative ideas. The final keynote was from Bill Clinton who gave a rousing speech on how we need to invest in green energy
systems and retrofitting to create jobs and an eco future. He recognized the importance of micro businesses who bring with innovation. It was great to talk to him and tell him that is exactly what we are trying to do.
Angela Brady PRIBA Oct 2011
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Letter sent out to all members 14/9/2011 re: launch of HOMEWISE campaign.
www.behomewise.co.uk
Dear Members and Colleagues
I am writing to tell you about a new RIBA initiative. As President, I firmly believe that the RIBA should be a campaigning organisation. I have been a campaigner all of my professional life; from saving loved buildings to campaigning for a more diverse profession and championing sustainable design, so I am very pleased to launch the RIBA HomeWise campaign in my first few weeks of office.
Our homes are our most personal interaction with architecture. Our living spaces and immediate environment have a profound effect on our quality of life. There is a pressing need to build more homes throughout the UK but while we think about how we do that, we should also make sure that they are the right types of homes. Our new HomeWise campaign is about making sure the next crop of homes meets the needs of today's lifestyles nationwide.
We need to start a conversation, to research if we need to change the way we design and build homes and if today's homes are suitable for the future. This research has not been carried out since Parker Morris standards in the 1960s and today our technology and ways of living have changed. It is inconceivable that the way homes are used has not changed in fifty years!
RIBA research tells us that thousands of new homes are smaller than recommended minimum standards, squeezing people with a lack of space for a decent quality of life. We want to improve the quality of the nation's new-build housing and empower the consumer to demand information to make the best decision when choosing a home.
Consumers need to be better informed - when buying or renting a new home. If you are buying a new car you ask about its performance and the mileage per gallon, so why not have similar information about the running cost and performance of your new home. We want consumers to have more choice and to be aware of the size of a home rather than just the number of bedrooms.
An important element to the campaign is the establishment of the RIBA Future Homes Commission, chaired by Sir John Banham, former Director General of CBI. The commission has been asked to look at homes in Britain with the aim of understanding how people live today and what they need and expect from their homes. They will examine whether the design and delivery of new homes is fit for purpose from the users point of view, as well as gathering evidence from experts in the field. The commission will report its findings early in 2012 and will form a vital part of our case to government.
The recommendations of the commission will be available by June 2012. This will then inform us how we go about making any significant changes - if that is found to be the need.
In the meantime there are things that can be done, we will be asking government:
to empower homebuyers and renters by making sure there is information about the floor area and energy usage of a home by making Energy Performance Certificates mandatory by the time a home is put on the market, rather than after contracts have been signed which is current practice
to work with the house building industry to produce an industry-wide voluntary agreement for housebuilders to publish data about the size of new homes, so that consumers will have a clearer picture of what they can buy before going into the market.
We need quality at the forefront and that means constructing sustainably so that new homes last for over 100 years like most older homes that are cherished today. But this also means using materials that are sustainable in their manufacture, eliminating waste, planning economically and flexibly as well as reducing the carbon footprint as technologies develop over time.
The campaign is launching today with a feature on BBC Breakfast. We are also launching a consumer website www.behomewise.co.uk, which includes an interactive tool for assessing your lifestyle needs against available space as well as other consumer guidance, information and questionnaires
There is an urgent need for new homes. The time is right now to research if we are providing the right kind of homes to reflect the way we live now and in the future
This gives us a once in a generation opportunity to seek changes to the way homes are built and to make a real difference to the quality of life for anyone embarking on buying and renting new home
Please help if you can:
Contribute information on innovative schemes you may be involved in.
Send us photos of new-build homes good and bad on Flickr.
Tell your colleagues, clients and friends about HomeWise and ask them to comment
Contribute to the evidence by keeping in touch with the campaign through email and twitter #behomewise
This is my inauguration speech of 9th Sept 2011 at RIBA
"I shall do all I can to advance the causes of architecture and architects, at a time when I believe society urgently needs our skills and vision, as never before.
Why are we needed? I believe that commentators, across the political spectrum, are highlighting significant changes, visibly and invisibly, within our society, community, and cultures.
The wider economic environment, is driving a reduction in public spending and the reconfiguration of funding strategies are causing major upheavals.
We have seen the schools programme stop, with architects being wrongly cited as an apparently, major contributor to the failure of the programme! We have had civil unrest and disorder, which when mapped, tracks the evolution and location, to significant blocks of social housing, where this so called ‘feral society’ sought by the Prime Minister, may well be found….
But let us be clear, that whilst the issues identified by the Prime Minister as a ‘broken society’ have been ‘many years in the making’, this is no reason to delay much needed change.
As architects we need to be at the centre of that change, in partnership with ALL who share our aspirations.
Ian Duncan-Smith espouses ‘punishment’ as the way to stem the growth of future civil unrest using Regulation, as the prime means of delivering change!
But surely, a society with such systemic issues, cannot be simply ‘cured’, by a large dose of regulation or reprisal?
Surely, the issues are in part, a response to our environments, and the polarisation between desirable and undesirable areas?
In tackling this problem, we architects, together, with planning and construction partners, have a huge responsibility, and a huge amount to give.
The physical environment can often embody a post code marginalisation. We need to act positively together to enrich, empower, connect and diversify our communities.
Empowerment through Localism alone, is not sufficient to tackle this marginalisation, when local people are reluctant to speak out. - as standing out is not a priority.
We have a disenfranchised youth, whose values lack leadership and aspiration, And very importantly, many of them live in a third rate physical environment, whose conditions are acknowledged by all politicians.
It needs urgent attention. Such poor conditions, lie at the very foundation and the future ‘health’ of our nation.
As architects we are trained and experienced specialists. We can help in rebuilding communities and cities, in a far more visionary and realistic way than any other sector. The challenge is to come up with remedies for these broken parts of our physical community. Going forward, this embodies, as an enormous regeneration and restructuring programme.
Barack Obama has just announced his ‘public infrastructure investment’ programme to ‘kick start’ society and the economy, so WE TOO, should recognise, the state of our own house, and begin repairing it.
We need to start an open and honest ‘conversation’ with politicians at all levels, which aims to tackle the root problems, to help focus precious investment, both public and private, across the country, which in turn, empowers localism, and which restarts the economy, on a footing for the next decade.
I have been a campaigner all of my life, and I rarely take NO for an answer! That is probably why I have been voted in! There has to be a big conversation to go with the big society, and this cannot be a one way conversation.
We need to join forces with the government, the construction industry, and the Public, to recognise and drive forward for a better built sustainable environment.
As architects , we can deliver……. and this is our biggest challenge.
As RIBA President, I will campaign for;
1. An “Open Conversation” to kick start development and regeneration, to deliver positive change.
2 To bring about reform of the procurement system which is, “the bane of our professional lives” and I have a Task Force set up for this already.
3 I will Continue the good work that Ruth has already started with our partners, around the ‘National Planning Policy Framework’, by re-enforcing the benefits of good design and Design Review.
However, there are still huge unresolved areas in relation to the Local Plans. We need to urgently help communities set these up, so they can have a say in what gets built in their area. We need to Engage the public and empower them to rebuild their communities and demand better design, as a basic human need. This is an unrivalled opportunity for us, as architects, to adopt a leadership role, within our local communities and really make a difference
Architects : foresee : create : and build We can create change
So in conclusion, I lay down a challenge for our profession, for the Government, the construction industry and the public;-
LET'S WORK TOGETHER; -
to create a happier and more resilient built environment, and meet the global, social, economic and environmental changes that face us all today.
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