Architecture, Activism and Authenticity: Navigating Uncertainty and Shaping the Future
With the general election pending, a sense of uncertainty blankets the political landscape, leaving the construction industry in a state of flux. Amidst economic weakness, raised interest rates, and persistent planning delays, architects face challenges compounded by onerous liabilities, increased regulatory climate and ever diminishing project fees -yet architects hold the skills to serve as innovative thinkers and policy advocates, shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
In an era where the built environment plays a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges, architects have the skills and are uniquely positioned to lead the charge. In anticipation of Labours proposed planning reform, we can contemplate the legacy of visionary architects from the London County Council (LCC) and the transformative power of architecture to effect positive change. The LCC were placed in the opportune position between of policy and local community, able to implement development to serve the local need. Their pioneering urban planning projects, rooted in principles of social welfare and community engagement, laid the foundation for a more inclusive approach to city building.
It could be argued that contemporary initiatives such as Public Practice, are a return to this idea, and exemplify the potential of architects to influence policy and shape public discourse. By embedding architects within local government, Public Practice bridges the gap between design and policymaking, fostering a holistic approach to urban development. This is an approach embedded in our ethos at RCKa, where the architects’ skills provide innovative ideas for tackling city-scale issues. The architects of the LCC operated at a crucial nexus, balancing political aspirations with attention to local detail. Their comprehensive approach, facilitated by initiatives such as Compulsory Purchase Orders, reshaped urban landscapes while considering broader governmental objectives.
There has been a decline in the number of architects working within local authorities since the 1970s. Action is needed, but in addition, government support of creative solutions for addressing issues such as social housing shortages and the 'right to buy' policy's impact on housing stocks. The Bartlett School of Planning paper titled "Planning for the Public: Why Labour should support a public planning system," has had a huge number of professional contributors and outlines how Labour could begin to reform policy, providing detailed insights for how Labour can counter the market-led approach to development. Labour’s manifesto, "Get Britain Building Again," appears to adopt some of these ideas and promises a housing recovery plan, the creation of new towns, and increased devolution to local authorities, however it lacks detail for how this will be achieved.
The so-called ‘radical’ and socialist policies proposed by Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour faced a major backlash and in a recent LSE talk ‘Shaping major cities – the challenge of being a Mayor,’ Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees questioned the role the media where nuances of complex issues are often overshadowed by polarizing rhetoric. We just have to look at public reaction to the Russell Curtis’s Golfbelt project to see public resistance to change. However, the UK is in a state of no return where innovation emerges as a key driver in addressing urban challenges. Only by embracing new technologies, materials, and design strategies, can solutions to developed to some of our most desperate societal challenges. Architects as built environment professionals, are well positioned to provide outside-the-box thinking for unique solutions that demonstrate the transformative power of innovation.
Reflecting on the role of the architect and the unique position of those in the LCC resulted in implementing policy in a way that reflected the uniqueness of the place and communities. Authenticity therefore remains paramount in navigating today's complex landscape. Meaningful engagement is at the heart of RCKa’s approach and advocating for community interests ensures that architectural endeavours remain rooted in place while navigating the political and regulatory structures.
In conclusion, the looming general election, although currently stalling investment, is an opportunity for major reform. For architects, Labours manifesto creates a unique opportunity to shape the future landscape of the built environment. By harnessing creativity, expertise, and passion, architects are positioned to be agents for change towards a fairer and more sustainable society.
This article was written by Rhiona Williams, Architect at RCKa.