Is Sustainability Killing Architecture?

"The real problem -- and one that we miss at our peril -- is that the tail is beginning to wag the dog. One developer at the RIBA conference spoke of preparing for a scheme by actively engaging the local community, considering the historic value of the site, partnering, participatory involvement, considering the sustainable viability of the scheme… before showing the audience a block plan for a hotel (not an ordinary hotel, he was at pains to explain, but a 'boutique hotel'). Some people in the audience nodded sagely; he had ticked the right boxes – 'sustainability,' 'participation,' 'community-centered.' What value! What a client! What a guy! But what architecture?"