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Critical Subjects: Architecture & Design Winter School   think critically, design differently

the mantownhuman debates

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Design Like You Give A Dam:
The benefits of 'socially irresponsible' design

E:tickets here

7:00pm, Thursday, 27th May 2010

Nowadays 'architecture' and 'design' are regularly prefixed with words like 'inclusive', 'participatory', 'community-centred', 'sustainable', 'ethical', 'ecological', 'efficient', 'carbon-neutral', 'socially-engaging' or 'environmentally-responsible'. This discussion will explore why the mere act of designing has taken on such a moralistic mantle?

Isn't 'responsible architecture' the equivalent of 'sensible shoes'? 

Radical, challenging or experimental architecture always kicked against the maintream standards of the day. The question is whether 'responsible design' is anything more than architects acting out the government's inclusion and well-being policies.

Should designers play politics? This session will explore: What's so good about being virtuous?

Opening remarks:
Karl Sharro, Senior Associate Partner, PLP Architecture; founder member, mantownhuman

Respondents:
Tim Abrahams, Associate Editor, Blueprint;
Melissa Kinnear, General Manager. Architecture Sans Frontieres;
Katherine McNeil, Trustee, Architecture for Humanity UK

Chair: Michael Owens, Senior urban regeneration expert; former head of development policy, London Development Agency

Note: Email confirmation will be sent in lieu of tickets