Archinect - News

Post-Brexit pessimism causes precautionary job losses

2016-07-09T04:05:00-04:00

With the construction industry expected to be the first casualty of Brexit, leading architecture firms in the UK Make, Sheppard Robson and BDP have already started to react to the uncertainties in the construction industry. In February of this year it was reported that housebuilding in the UK hit a seven-year high, as the construction industry was steadily recovering from the last recession. However, post-Brexit uncertainty has caused a crisis of confidence, prompting large firms to take precautionary measures against the loss of projects and a lull in construction.

It may seem as if optimism has been exchanged for pessimism by some big firms, however the actual impact on the architectural profession in the UK in the next few years remains open to speculation. Uncertainty based on assumptions could lead to a self fulfilling prophecy within the industry, as no one really know what will happen if the UK leaves the EU. Speaking to Dezeen, Simon Allford of AHMM respond states practically...

RIBA release a statement following EU referendum result

2016-06-24T12:38:00-04:00

RIBA President Jane Duncan said:

“The RIBA is a global organisation that supports its members, validates schools of architecture and champions the importance of a quality built environment around the world. UK architecture talent is incredibly resilient and we will continue to ensure that our profession has a bright future, whatever the operating environment.

“Clearly there is uncertainty about the timescales and impact on a range of issues important to our industry including free movement in the EU for architects as well as students, trading and material sourcing, inward investment relationships, EU procurement rules and the effect on the construction sector if restrictions are placed on EU migration.

“In common with other UK businesses and organisations, the RIBA is assessing the short and longer term effect of the withdrawal on our members and the Institute and we will provide further guidance in due course.

“Most importantly, we will work with colleagues in industry and government t...

Architects react to shocking EU referendum result

2016-06-24T11:02:00-04:00

All the progress we have made will now be put on hold and the government’s attention will be diverted while we try and work out how to deal with Brexit. - Rob Naybour, Weston Williamson + Partners

Today marks a historic turning point for the UK and European Union - the UK has voted to quit the EU. What lays ahead no one is really sure; Cameron has already resigned this morning and discussions for a second Scottish referendum have begun.

The majority within the architecture industry have strongly and vocally supported the Remain campaign celebrating the integral role the EU has played in inspiring and funding creative projects, free movement and the benefits of an internal single market. Most importantly community; a community based on respect and support that derived from the desolate situation after World War Two that at its core believed in humanity.

The referendum has revealed some alarming results about the state of the UK, a very clearly divided country. However the decision has been made and we must now face up to these consequences, we must now address what kind of a nation we want to be.

We asked top architects for their reactions to the result and how they think it ...

Tell us what does the EU referendum means to you

2016-06-22T11:33:00-04:00

According to a recent poll by the AJ 78% of architects want Britain to remain in the EU. In May David Chipperfield, Richard Rogers, Amanda Levete, and Thomas Heatherwick were among many prolific industry professionals who vocalised their decision to back the remain campaign with an open letter published in the Telegraph.

With less than 24 hours before voting begins is this percentage still the same? How will the referendum and aftermath affect the industry? And why are you voting to remain or leave? We want to know what you think.

With EU Referendum fast approaching, Rem Koolhaas speaks out against 'Brexit'

2016-06-17T12:59:00-04:00

world-renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, who recently chaired a 12-hour debate on "what is Europe?", argues the EU has been a good thing for his country and for the UK, where he began his architecture studies in the 1960s. Sitting in his Rotterdam office, he told me the Brexit camp was full of people who "fundamentally want to change England back to the way it was before" and lamented the way, as he sees it, the EU has been used as a scapegoat.

Koolhaas joins many other architects, including David Chipperfield, Richard Rogers, David Adjaye and Thomas Heatherwick, who oppose Britain leaving the EU, and support a "no" vote come the 'Brexit' decision at the upcoming EU Referendum on June 23.

For more behind 'Brexit':