#BuildTheFuture
—To build it we need to know what the brief is.
As architects and masterplanners we are reliant on our clients to tell us what they want us to design. But, as most clients will know, it is rarely a one-sided conversation. The brief can be a starter-for-ten, or perhaps slightly more than that. In any and all cases the designer must bring their knowledge, skills and experience to the table, to seek to understand the objectives of the client and help them to realise them.
As well as digging deeper in to the clients motives, the designer also needs to think about the environmental and societal context for the new building or townscape. For this reason it is important that designers explore what the future might look like, how it might work, what will not change. So as well as knowing what the current Building Regulations require, or what Car Parking standards apply, designers should also be thinking about and researching the future. Local institutions like the Future Towns Innovation Hub or initiatives like the Green Halo Project are valuable resources in this respect.
As well as digging deeper in to the clients motives, the designer also needs to think about the environmental and societal context for the new building or townscape. For this reason it is important that designers explore what the future might look like, how it might work, what will not change. So as well as knowing what the current Building Regulations require, or what Car Parking standards apply, designers should also be thinking about and researching the future. Local institutions like the Future Towns Innovation Hub or initiatives like the Green Halo Project are valuable resources in this respect.
#BuildTheFuture
Futureproofing a project or element would always happen if it was easy to do. After all, aside from box parks or pop-up shops, who wants to create something that will become redundant? Whether they knew it or not, developers of the Georgian or Victorian eras typically built to a specification and quality that has lasted well and often accommodated various changes of use. Whilst many modern developments are highly specific to their function there are many more that could serve multiple uses over time. The huge number of mid-street or suburban buildings built for employment or housing could and should be designed with future flexibility in mind. These secondary buildings are already more likely to last decades (or centuries) than those in higher profile locations. In masterplanning we know that above all else it is the street and space network that will last longest. Infrastructure is expensive and is rarely moved so that quick line drawn on screen or paper might just be the most significant act in any project.
Futureproofing a project or element would always happen if it was easy to do. After all, aside from box parks or pop-up shops, who wants to create something that will become redundant? Whether they knew it or not, developers of the Georgian or Victorian eras typically built to a specification and quality that has lasted well and often accommodated various changes of use. Whilst many modern developments are highly specific to their function there are many more that could serve multiple uses over time. The huge number of mid-street or suburban buildings built for employment or housing could and should be designed with future flexibility in mind. These secondary buildings are already more likely to last decades (or centuries) than those in higher profile locations. In masterplanning we know that above all else it is the street and space network that will last longest. Infrastructure is expensive and is rarely moved so that quick line drawn on screen or paper might just be the most significant act in any project.
#BuildTheFuture
Because we need to focus on recycling, refurbishing, repurposing, reusing and repairing our built environment if we are going to help save the planet.
#BuildTheFuture
If we are going to attract and retain the best talent in a competitive jobs market we need to be the industry which looks forward to a bright future, and doesn’t get bogged down in the present or, worse, seek to revive some never-existed halcyon period. New young architects and masterplanners expect to be driving towards a sustainable, inclusive and more equitable world and will want to share in its construction.
#BuildTheFuture
Richard Summers MA DipUD BA Hons MRTPI
Because we need to focus on recycling, refurbishing, repurposing, reusing and repairing our built environment if we are going to help save the planet.
#BuildTheFuture
If we are going to attract and retain the best talent in a competitive jobs market we need to be the industry which looks forward to a bright future, and doesn’t get bogged down in the present or, worse, seek to revive some never-existed halcyon period. New young architects and masterplanners expect to be driving towards a sustainable, inclusive and more equitable world and will want to share in its construction.
#BuildTheFuture
Richard Summers MA DipUD BA Hons MRTPI
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