Relaxing the rules over development on green belt land will accelerate destruction of the country’s natural environment while failing to provide housing in the right locations, says Kunle Barker
Opinion: Sometimes making redundancies is the only way to save your practice
In the uncertain economic climate, architects are voicing fears over survival. Best to get independent advice swiftly and be open to making redundancies, argues Kunle Barker
We are about to break the 1.5°C limit, but could we get energy from this untapped source?
Energy-hungry data centres already match the aviation industry in terms of their contribution to global warming. Could they be adapted to heat other buildings as standard, wonders Kunle Barker
Opinion: Who made you sheriff of Ethics Town?
Ethics are personal and creating a museum, train station or city for a regime is not the same as condoning its political policies, argues Kunle Barker
The government has abandoned the provision of affordable housing
The government has effectively privatised the provision of affordable and social housing, but commercial realities make it difficult for SME developers to contribute, says Kunle Barker
Long hours and overwork are testing architects to destruction
Architecture can be a stressful vocation. But how much pressure is it acceptable to expect someone to endure? asks Kunle Barker
Don’t leave succession planning until it’s too late
Practices may be reluctant to take up valuable resources planning for succession. Yet few things are more important business-wise, argues Kunle Barker
Honest debate is the best route to successfully retrofitting our buildings
Last month’s AJ Retrofit Live event, while sometimes fractious, showed how cross-disciplinary collaboration can foster innovation, writes Kunle Barker
Let’s not play the blame game with the Stirling Prize shortlist
Instead of carbon-shaming the RIBA, ACAN should work with them to set improved sustainability guidelines for future competitions, says Kunle Barker
Voter apathy is the enemy of change at the RIBA
There are some moves for reform at the RIBA, but voter apathy in the face of inertia at the institute is holding back change, says Kunle Barker