Is Sustainability Killing Architecture?

In today's quest to add value at all costs, are we not losing sight of the most important aspect of all -- the architecture itself?

1 minute read

September 25, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"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?"

Thanks to ArchNewsNow

FULL STORY: Ticking the Right Boxes

Friday, September 24, 2004 in ArchNewsNow.com

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