Archinect - Features

Understanding and Combating an Architecture of Neo-Fascism

2019-06-25T09:58:00-04:00

Fascist ideologies have recently taken center stage for the first time in the 21st century, and it has since been up to a media-saturated public to make sense of what appears to be an international phenomenon. Whether as a space of gathering, protection, or protest, it is important to consider architecture's place in the matter by addressing the spatial politics of fascism.

Brexit Diaries: Neven Sidor of Grimshaw, 19 June 2017

2017-06-19T04:00:00-04:00

“They need us more than we need them”. My blood boils when I hear this delusional nonsense repeated by politicians who should know better. It doesn’t matter how many cars Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and BMW sell into the UK, they sell a hell of a lot more to the rest of the world, and let’s not forget that 44.6% of our trade is with the EU. The Brexit negotiations will dispel some of these fantasies and highlight our reduced place in the world. The UK will be poorer, smaller and, I fear, meaner.

Globe Trotting Designers

2017-04-24T04:16:00-04:00

Following my last blog on the size of London's architectural economy, I was interviewed for a programme on BBC television about the impact of Brexit. Jack Pringle, UK head of Perkins and Will and ex President of the RIBA, was also on the programme and showed the presenter around his office and quizzed his staff about where they were from - "Italy", "Slovakia", "Spain" they responded.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T01:00:00-04:00

With the London Festival of Architecture opening in June – during which Weston Williamson and Partners have events planned – the organisers have commissioned a survey of the contribution that architecture makes to the UK economy. When we met last year, Tamsie Thompson the Director of LFA was keen to promote the event on a par with London Fashion week, and we suggested she needed firm evidence of the financial musclier order to convince Government why they should support her. She now has that research, and it makes interesting reading particularly for those responsible for our Brexit negotiations.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 20 March 2017

2017-03-20T07:25:00-04:00

I am writing this month's Brexit Blog at MIPIM, the annual international property conference. The bill to leave received Royal Assent during the week with ironic timing. MIPIM is a good opportunity to find out about the real drivers of the property market and study changes post referendum.

Small Studio Snapshots: Kirkwood McCarthy

2017-02-27T12:09:00-05:00

Small Studio Snapshots is a new, weekly series in which we investigate the ins and outs of running a small architecture practice.

This week, we're talking with Kirkwood McCarthy, a London-based architecture and design studio established in 2013 by Fiona Kirkwood and Sophie McCarthy. Known for working on constrained and often overlooked sites, the two discuss how opportunity and creativity can arise during even the most trying times.

Brexit Diaries: Andrew Whalley of Grimshaw, 27 February 2017

2017-02-27T01:00:00-05:00

As Theresa May prepares to invoke Article 50 before the imminent March 2017 deadline, the UK Government are on the lookout for new economic partnerships to bolster the country’s long term financial position.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 14 February 2017

2017-02-14T05:00:00-05:00

I am writing this en-route to Australia where we are trying to win our biggest project to date. So I’m in a particularly - but not unusual - optimistic mood. I sense more optimism around generally following the PM’s long awaited speech spelling out our Brexit aims and also her visit to USA.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 13 January 2017

2017-01-13T03:28:00-05:00

With 2 months to go before Article 50 is enacted we are no nearer knowing what Brexit means.

Obviously the Government is not likely to reveal details which might undermine their negotiating position but it would be well advised to outline its objectives and strategy. A statement has been promised but is now well overdue.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 7 December 2016

2016-12-07T04:45:00-05:00

I remember standing stunned in a state of disbelief and despair outside 10 Downing Street in May 1979 amongst a cheering throng of enthusiastic supporters watching Margaret Thatcher appear as the new Prime Minister. As Jeremy Thorpe the Liberal leader awaiting trial at the Old Bailey said at the time "I am horrified. She makes Ted Heath look like a moderate.”

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 23 November 2016

2016-11-23T04:20:00-05:00

When I started to write this monthly update about the impact of the referendum result I thought we would all soon run out of things to say and the 2-3 year process would be tedious. Far from it. This month there have for me been four standout issues.

To Hire 'the Best in the World' Post-Brexit, Trade and Immigration Are Top Concerns

2016-10-25T02:56:00-04:00

In a previous article I wrote about the Brexit referendum, I concluded by saying it could be the crowning achievement of a long and glorious reign for Elizabeth II. I would like to be clear: I voted to remain in the European Union.

RIP to the EU 1973-2016: Five monumental buildings in the UK by European architects

2016-09-09T14:29:00-04:00

The UK joined the European Community, later to become the European Union on the 1st of January 1973 with Denmark and Ireland. If the UK had never joined the EU, how different would the architectural landscape be? Lets take a look at five buildings designed by European architects working in the UK from 1973 until 2016; the lifespan of the UK’s membership of the European Union.

Brexit vote was due to "a loss of identity more than anything else" – op-ed by Alan Penn, Dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment

2016-07-30T06:19:00-04:00

As an architect and an optimist, I am hopeful that the chaos in Britain triggered by the Brexit referendum may be accompanied by yet another great age of creative invention.

Brexit exposed a Britain divided, and architects must now "redouble our efforts to be at the forefront of quality and innovation." – op-ed by Chris Williamson of Weston Williamson + Partners

2016-07-15T01:00:00-04:00

I was in New York at the time of the Brexit vote. I found out the result at two in the morning and was incredibly disappointed, but not surprised.

Brexit: a chance to roll back the interventionist state and unleash entrepreneurial creativity – op-ed by Patrik Schumacher

2016-07-08T04:02:00-04:00

I have very little in common with the arguments of the Leave Campaign, and in particular reject the anti-immigration thrust of the Campaign. However, I welcome Brexit as offering an enhanced ability and chance to experiment with new policies that dare more economic freedom.