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Articles by Simon Allford
Conversations make a ‘big, small world’
At the behest of my twin daughters, and in support of their GCSE studies, I am re-reading Great Expectations. I still struggle on occasion with Dickens’ sentence structure and length – but attribute that to my ever-shortening attention span. And of course, my daughters struggle more. A reminder that generational cognitive decline (or is it evolutionary development?) has been happening for well, generations. As was proven recently when clearing my late mother’s library.
Making the most of ‘26
The week when morale is said to be at its lowest ebb – and not just for those of us engrained in the trauma of football (for all fans, regardless of their club’s fortune and fortunes and the two are closely related, it is always drama come trauma). Football for me is also a nostalgia linking the present to the present. My twin daughters having been pursuing a similar form of nostalgia in the form of exam revision – and for sure they work harder than I or my peers did.
Higher education is in crisis
When I was at school, we were taught about ‘the three Rs’ – reading, writing and ‘rithmetic. It was the 60’s so no grammar was taught – we were part of the comprehensive school social experiment, and it was hoped we would pick things up as we went along. We were beyond the basics of the three R’s – which we learned in history classes.
What history teaches global property investors
A perhaps less than straightforward request ‘for something that addresses a significant issue or opportunity that global investors should be aware of’. I have a two-hour flight before the party starts. My mind races around the challenge. What are the issues and the opportunities? As an architect there is much we discuss with clients, consultants, and our regulators; in our endless seminars and workshop; as well as in our many consultations with our very many consultees. So, what are the challenges?
Why ARB’s education reforms don’t ‘abolish’ Parts 1, 2 and 3
ARB’s reforms invite new routes to registration, but don’t mean the end of the tripartite system for those who still wish to pursue it, writes Hugh Simpson Research commissioned by ARB in 2020 included three key findings: firstly, the competencies required of architects have changed; secondly, the time spent qualifying as an architect could be better spent; and finally, that there should be wider access to the profession.
LSA launches ‘Part 4’ modular lifelong learning programme for built environment professionals
New modular courses are a response to introduction of compulsory CPD and changing regulatory environment The London School of Architecture (LSA) has launched “Part 4”, its new programme of learning modules aimed at architects and other built environment professionals. Head of the LSA, Neal Shasore, said: “We’re launching Part 4 to provide a set of innovative, highly relevant learning experiences aimed at professional practice. The demands of modern professionalism are evolving.
Reforming the RIBA is like trying to change the course of a supertanker … but we did it
Looking back over his two-year term, departing RIBA president Simon Allford argues that substantial change has been delivered and that the profession’s future is bright Three years ago, I declared that “we should storm the building and take it back for architects and architecture”. And, when I arrived at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), architecture had indeed all but disappeared: council was consumed, the board blocked, and staff morale was understandably on the floor.
Reforming RIBA is like trying to change the course of a supertanker, but we did it
Looking back at his two year term, departing RIBA president, Simon Allford argues that substantial change has been delivered and that the profession’s future is bright Three years ago, I declared that ‘we should storm the building and take it back for architects and Architecture’. And when I arrived at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Architecture had indeed all but disappeared: Council was consumed, the Board blocked, and staff morale was understandably on the floor.
All present and correct: Simon Allford signs off as president with optimism
In his last column as RIBA president, Simon Allford leaves feeling he has achieved his aims and excited for the institute’s future In September, just over 1,000 days since I became president elect, I will be stepping down from the role. Medical science says the first 1,000 days in anyone’s life sets the precedent for all the days to follow.
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RIBA president on what AI means for architects’ knowledge, skills and engagement
For Simon Allford, the much-discussed potential of artificial intelligence highlights the value of an informed, engaged profession Much is being made of artificial intelligence and its implication for society’s future. As ever there are doom-sayers and optimists battling for headlines. As a fan of the film Terminator I can heed the warning. The debate will rage on, and as architects are at best servants of/selling/offering a service to society we will have to get involved.
ARB's education reforms ignore Part 1’s value as a degree with broad horizons
We welcome the ARB consultation, and we will be making a considered response – which will reinforce the concerns we have raised with ARB. RIBA has petitioned ARB to use RIBA Education’s Themes and Values for Architectural Education, which were the result of a long process of stakeholder engagement into curricular review. It is vital to ensure that the systems - RIBA’s as validator of education and ARB’s as professional regulator - are aligned.
Simon Allford: RIBA Royal Gold Medal deliberations reinforce the broad value of architectural training
Helping decide the 2023 RIBA Royal Gold Medal sets Simon Allford thinking about the broad value of an architectural education A few months back I spent two days with Cornelia Parker, Ivan Harbour, Cindy Walters and Neal Shasore – an artist, two practitioners and a historian/head of school respectively – to discuss the nominations for the award of the Royal Gold Medal and the Honorary Fellowships.
RIBA president Simon Allford shares celebrations of Regional Awards shortlist and ARB accord with USA
As well as the shortlist for our annual Regional Awards, ARB’s agreement with the US will boost the post-Brexit profession, says Simon Allford You will have seen a flurry of announcements in the press of projects shortlisted for RIBA 2023 UK Regional Awards. As always, their variety and quality is extraordinary. Awards are important as they promote the value of architecture to the public (the client of the future) and celebrate and share exemplary design at all scales.
Simon Allford on the merits of an unconventional education
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Balkrishna Doshi, our 2022 Royal Gold Medallist. I am pleased, however, that we had the opportunity to celebrate him last year. Doshi was both a hugely important and influential architect and a kind and generous man. On a personal note, I have wonderful memories of time with him in Ahmedabad, India. His multi-generational family life blurred the boundaries between practice and home, architecture and art, and life, religion and philosophy.
RIBA president: awards help tell us what ‘good’ looks like
February is always perceived as a difficult month. The year ahead looms large and the weather is unseasonable. However, there are upsides. We are commencing our review of submissions for the RIBA Awards – and thank you to all who submitted. RIBA Awards are not just a celebration, they are also about indicating what ‘good’ looks like. I am always reminded of Voltaire’s aphorism ‘the best is the enemy of the good’. That said, the response from many is to ask: is ‘good’ good enough?
Achievement and ambition: RIBA president Simon Allford’s update
Around this time last year, I set out my presidential priorities. These have underpinned our Biennial Action Plan 2022-23 endorsed by RIBA Council and Board that sets the focus for the organisation during my presidency. These areas include the issues that matter most to our members: Access to Architecture, addressing PII and carbon, increasing membership engagement, and ensuring our institute is in the right shape to deliver what our members and society need.
Simon Allford: 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize shows we can adapt to mitigate climate change
Our most public award celebrates not just architecture, but highlights our responsibilities as architects, says Simon Allford In October the Stirling Prize was announced live to the world on BBC TV, online to all our global membership – via a live feed – and in person at 66 Portland Place. It was a worthy celebration of architecture, practice and our profession.
RIBA president Simon Allford: Integrated design is key to climate change and energy bills
Energy price hikes have made climate change personal. As we muffle up, design is even more important, says Simon Allford COP27 is next month. The RIBA will be there as it will be an important event. The construction industry as a whole will continue to champion the vital need for better standards and regulations to help drive change.
RIBA president Simon Allford runs through key moves in the RIBA Biennial Action Plan 2022-23
The RIBA’s Biennial Action Plan covers balancing the books, PII, climate and more, says Simon Allford This week we published the organisation’s 2022-23 Biennial Action Plan, which has been set by the RIBA Board, with support, strategic advice and guidance from your elected representatives on Council, the staff team and other members.
RIBA president Simon Allford on expanding routes into architecture
There are many educational routes to becoming and being an architect, but we can make them more inclusive. RIBA President Simon Allford on the next steps We live in dynamic times. Covid, war and the ensuing tragedy, and the reality of inflation destabilise all. These are the global shifts. But there are local shifts too; the Gray Investigation, local elections, a no confidence vote and the ensuing rush to reinvigorate government have a huge impact on the context in which we live.
Simon Allford meets Balkrishna Doshi in India to present the RIBA Royal Gold Medal
Freshly returned from India, Simon Allford reports on a fascinating meeting with this year’s Royal Gold Medallist I recently spent a delightfully busy two days in a very hot Ahmedabad, presenting the Royal Gold Medal to Balkrishna Doshi. We will hold a global celebration of his remarkable career online in June and I encourage you to join us. Doshi and his wife are both sprightly nonagenarians but, in the post Covid world it was agreed it was best they did not travel this time.
Simon Allford urges RIBA members to join the race to become the next president
I am now just over 200 days into my 700 day term – I have refrained from counting the hours and the minutes! – and already the elections process for the next president, and some Council seats, has begun. Too few of our members vote and even fewer stand.
Maintaining perspective
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has thrown much of what we knew into turmoil, writes Simon Allford. Now we must help make sense of it Irpin, Ukraine on 3 March by a bridge shelled by the Ukrainians to slow down Russian convoys Credit: Newspixs / Alamy Stock Photo The world has changed dramatically. Particularly for Ukraine and its population. Proof, if ever it was needed, that we should never assume the longevity of the post-Second World War model of European peace and security.
RIBA President: the institute is getting back to business big time - come and contribute
As we move towards spring the RIBA is a hive of activity with awards, talks, a members’ hub and other initiatives. Join the party, urges Simon Allford Winner of the RIBA International Prize 2021, the Friendship Hospital in Bangladesh, by Kashef Chowdhury/URBAN. Credit: Asif Salman Courtesy of URBANA Much is going on within the RIBA just now, as we continue to transform the organisation and get it in the best shape for the future.
Simon Allford demands more debate as architects take on Covid, COP and Grenfell
The passing of some big names in 2021 reminds us of our fleeting impact: working together is key to making a difference, says Simon Allford Chris Wilkinson’s Wilkinson Eyre designed the Stirling Prize winning Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. Credit: Steve Mayes Last year was tough for many, for many different reasons. The world of architecture sadly lost a number of key figures, all of whom had been closely connected with the RIBA during their careers.
Creating 'forever architecture' is the best way to tackle the climate emergency
Adapt with optimism, these are exacting times but also exciting times, says RIBA president Simon Allford Simon Allford addressing a packed hall after 100 Days In. RIBA Late in November, 500 people attended my ‘100 Days In’ address at 66 Portland Place, where I outlined the challenges that lie ahead for our profession and for architecture.
"No-one retains a building that is not loved"
As 2021 draws to a close, RIBA president Simon Allford sets out how architects should be prioritising reuse to help fight climate change. In the wake of the pandemic and in the face of the climate emergency, what role can – and should – architects play in shaping the future? Globally, the built environment contributes almost 40 per cent of all energy-related carbon emissions. As a profession we therefore have a major opportunity and responsibility to have a positive impact.
RIBA president Simon Allford on Alex Gordon’s wise words for the energy crisis
Yesterday’s progress often looks negative today. The urgency of climate change means we must learn from the past, says Simon Allford RIBA Stirling Prize winner, Town House, Kingston University London, by Grafton Architects, correcting a 20th century aberration with natural ventilation. Credit: Ed Reeve Last month’s Stirling Prize was a watershed moment in the return to the new normal.
RIBA’s nine point plan towards the future could transform the industry’s climate action
Simon Allford outlines the key ambitions and actions that will make a 21st century RIBA – leading, collaborating and influencing As I write I am 40 days in as president, working on a document, 100 Days In, to give a broad update on the challenges we face as an institute, a profession and in respect of architecture. This is in the correct ascending order of importance: the Institute was called into being by the profession and both are servants of the art and practice of architecture.
The RIBA is ready to tackle the ‘new normal’
Covid, climate change, Grenfell... a revitalised RIBA will be well placed to tackle today’s issues, says new president Simon Allford After a very strange year for all, I took up office as president last week. Aside from continuing at AHMM (for me an essential foil to being president), I have spent the last year touring the regions, national and global; meeting individual members; and engaging in discussions with Council, Board and RIBA staff.
The ExtraOrdinary: Some Thoughts on Architecture and the Theatre of Everyday Life
PDF ShareShare Abstract Writing on behalf of AHMM, Simon Allford describes the founding directors’ catalytic joint project, the Fifth Man, developed in their final year at university: its insights, the personalities that influenced it and how, over 30 years later, its dictums are still a guiding light in their contemporary practice as they explore the idea of how the ordinary can become ExtraOrdinary architecture.
David Dunster 1945 - 2019
Iconoclastic teacher, critic and writer who sent a conveyor belt of talent to many top practices and helped forge the success of AHMM David Dunster was an influential teacher, inspiring critic and an important voice in architecture. His sharp intellect, wit and challenging style influenced the thinking of a generation of students, many of whom are now leading teachers and architects. David moved from Kent to London to study architecture at the Bartlett, UCL.
Obituary: Will Alsop 1947-2018
In the AJ’s official obituary, Jeremy Melvin looks at the life and work of the Stirling Prize-winning architect who died earlier this month Will Alsop had a penchant for difficult projects, awkward sites, inadequate budgets and unformed briefs.
‘Colourful, messy and sometimes pyromaniac’: profession pays tribute to Will Alsop
Tributes have flooded in from the profession following the death of ’charismatic provocateur’ Will Alsop Stephen Hodder, former RIBA president and winner of the first Stirling Prize ’I was a judge for the Stirling Prize in 1997 when arguably his Grand Bleu in Marseilles should have won, and on the RIBA Awards Group in 2000 when Peckham Library did win. I came to know Will for his ebullience, wit, and orthodoxy-challenging architecture. ’Two memories particularly come to mind.
Will Alsop - an independent voice who will be sorely missed
I last had dinner with Will Alsop at the end of January this year – a convivial social occasion with Sheila Alsop, Peter Cook, Yael Reisner and Susanna F. For the first time I could remember, Will neither drank nor smoked. ‘Having tests’ was his laconic explanation. I feared the worst. So his death at the weekend was no surprise but still a shock, coinciding with the announcement that Tessa Jowell, former Culture Secretary, had died.
Battle of Wills: writing about Alsop could be a hazardous experience
Will Alsop may not have liked my scoop on his practice – but he got his revenge, writes Will Hurst Walking into a high-security prison was somehow less intimidating than it should have been in the company of Will Alsop.
Allford on Alsop: ‘A global figure but also a maverick’
Will was a big man, with a huge talent for architecture and living life large. When I think of him I see a large, almost cherubic face, a smiling face, many vivid colours, a painting dripping with life, a bottle of red wine, cigarette smoke and some seriously good and ambitious architecture. His personal aphorisms, delivered in a style simultaneously conspiratorial and headmasterly, have long been, and long will be, regularly referenced in many of my architectural conversations.
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