What is Architecture? Concepts in the UK

What is computer architecture? Concepts in the UKWe shape our buildings, and subsequentlywards they shape us 1Architecture, like history, is unreliable, subjective, selective, rewritten, continues to be influenced by rich or powerful individuals or institutions, and is r arely a deliberateion of the common man. The vernacular aesthetic of a country has been carefully curated and broad(prenominal)ly- real over m whatsoever years, to the point where it is no yearner a true reflection of the common people. Much like study costume, country dancing or folk music, architecture is too often used to preserve the memory of a golden sometime(prenominal).Architecture is an ideal.. It can and should evolve with the passing of time to reflect new ch aloneenges, aspirations and value. Modern western society has never been more(prenominal) egalitarian or democratic and its built environs caters to its inhabitants in all aspects of their existence its where they live, work and play. As such the business office of modern architecture is to benefit ordinary people while at the same time integrating the echoes of the past.Architecture has, and will, al centerings be used as a symbol of power and wealth or promote ideologies. From the Roman Empire to the unsanded York skyline, the intention of the stick tabu architecture of the past is to celebrate the triumph of the small class of ruling elite, despite masquerading as a cultural space, where political projects attempt to become socially meaningful.2 Today, the majority of European national governments have an architectural indemnity pictureed to benefit their populations, and promote their unique national image or brand abroad. This move is intended as a limited examination of England as an example of how such a policy can reconcile the desire to preserve our heritage without hindering progress.Architecture as representation of national identity.In 2009 Denmark launched its first national architecture policy, A N ation of Architecture with the intent of ensuring the production of high quality architecture, thereby guaranteeing a good quality of life and economic growth.3 This policy was specifically introduced to promote the values that Danish architecture seeks to represent.4 In 2013 Scotland introduced its declare architecture policy, Creating Places, seeking to champion quality design which reflects Scotland as a modern, forward-thinking nation 5England remains one of the only countries in the European Union without any sort of policy6. Earlier this year Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, invited Terry Farrell to conduct one of the most extensive investigations into the UKs built environment.7 Both Ed Vaizey and Terry Farrell have been outspoken about the importance of the built environment to the nation as a whole, yet a Built surround was non a theme covered by the terms of reference for the appraise8 and even before the review had been published , Vaizey publicly stated, I havent anticipated that the report will firmness in any changes to legislation.9Architecture in the UKThe Farrell analyzeThe Farrell review is an analysis of the current built environment of Britain. It recognises that Britain has always played a significant role in architectural innovation, and that in general the standard of architectural design has improved.10 However, this does not mean that current standards are sufficient position architectural design has stalled and is facing new challenges. The review highlights areas which are in need of improvement over the coming years.11An Architecture constitution for 21st Century EnglandIn the 1970s, England travel away from its industrial past, and previous regional manufacturing powerhouses, such as Birmingham, Newcastle and Manchester were eclipsed by Londons stranglehold on the financial market. 12 In 21st cytosine England there is once again a demand for change and a shift in emphasis from the capi tal to the regions.13 RIBA argues that a Minister for the Built Environment should be appointed to sit within the Cabinet Office promoting quality in the built environment and implementing a Design Policy across government.14 spot core departments such as the Treasury, Foreign Office and Home Office have continuity from government to government, architecture, housing, infrastructure, transport and planning are liable to be lumped in with any number of other minor ministries.15 Currently, architecture is a subset of Heritage within the Department for Culture, Media Sport (DCMS).16The consequence of this constant shifting close to is a haphazard and disjointed system that surely indicates the dismissive attitude of central government to the role of the built environment. This lack of focus essential be rectified. Nor is there any existing government appointed (or other official) representative to champion the cause of design17 Farrell recommends that the current Design refreshen should be reinvented under the acronym intrust Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation and Engineering.18 All government departments and government-funded bodies would then sign up to an agreed set of principles and a design policy statement, which would set out how they intend to prepare the design quality of their respective built environment ambitions, activities and responsibilities. 19 Such a policy would also take account of procurement (of services and products), accessibility, sustainability, information and communications technology, maintenance and stewardship and the public realm. 20 This more cohesive approach lends itself not only to greater efficiency and economy, but also represent a kitemark of uniquely position architectural design, rather than simply current British standards of constructions.Perceptions of face ArchitectureScotland and Denmark are confident that their particular national identities are reflected in the values they intend their archit ecture to convey. If such a policy were to exist in England what would its identity be based upon? As the central, dominant nation in enormous Britain for more than 300 years21, and founder of the British Empire22, the face have not needed in the past to worry about a specifically English national identity the seat of government has always been in London, the common language has always been English and the established religion has been the Church of England. England equated to Britain. However the new-fangled vote on Scottish independence was a sharp reminder that nothing is set in stone. The Empire, maritime and manufacturing supremacy have all gone, and direct there is a need to rediscover an identity that is uniquely English and not simply a rehash of British clichs.The danger is that a policy based on national identity might get hijacked by jingoists, sentimentalists and traditionalists. In a speech on St. Georges day, 1993, John Major try to dispel public fears of joining t he European Union, by claiming that Britain would always remain,distinctive and in Europe. Fifty years from now, Britain will still be the country of massive shadows on county grounds, warm beer, invincible green suburbs, dog lovers and as George Orwell said old maids bicycling to Holy Communion through the morning mist . . . 23What he was describing was upper-middle-class, conservative, Home Counties England, which has always resisted change and modernity. This nostalgic and rural English idyll is not a true reflection of English national identity and is exactly what has to be avoided if a national Architectural policy is to be truly beneficial to the English nation. The defenders of chocolate box England side-line the impact of the industrial revolution, which funded the manor houses and mansions, and the civil buildings so dear to the hearts of conservationists, ignore the slum clearances done in the name of social justice in post-war urban planning, and hold in tinkle buil ding work of national importance that would benefit the vast majority of the population, in order to protect the privileged few24. Such attitudes in no way reflect English national character traits of pragmatism, puritanism and utilitarianism that are aligned with (rather than hostile to) urbanism and economic growth. 25There is a real disparity surrounded by what is promoted and defend as English architecture by these privileged classes, and what ordinary people need. Introducing an architectural policy to England would not only ensure some kind of stripped-down design standard, but could also stamp inclusivity, innovation and individualism as the watchwords of modern English values.The distinction between historical and new-made is redundant. All that is past is our history. That which is most ancient is likely to be valued more highly because of its rarity. Our recent history may prove to be enormously key to future generations so we should attempt at least to anticipate thi s. Steven Bee 26England drastically needs to change its attitude to architecture and identity and recognise that a national identity is about the present and should not just be based on the past. Its irrefutable reputation for preservation and conservation is a relatively recent phenomenon 75 years ago there were no listed buildings, whereas today there are over 375,000. 27However, these are primarily buildings which are sometimes referred to as observation British heritage fiercely defended by certain clique of British society whose tastes are selective and blinkered.28 Only 0.5% of all listed buildings are modern, built after 1945. 29 The architecture of the industrial Revolution (much of it based in the Midlands and the North) are less prized than the Georgian mansions of the south-east. This is not a rejection of the past there is an undeniable relationship between heritage, place and identity.30However, the past is only an aspect of who we are. Individuals have dreams and ambi tions, and in the same way places should be aspirational.Even HRH Prince Charles who recently released his own recommendations intended to protect English design, insists that he is not against modern design, and stresses that buildings moldiness take peoples needs into consideration.31Rather than being run by a self-serving elite of upper and middle-class traditionalists, an effective policy should be carefully curated by a panel of experts who are in tune with the people and the nations needs, able to attempt without prejudice the best direction for a modern England on a world stage and willing to adapt and amend plans to reflect changing circumstances.(Britain) stands out as a country with an immensely strong and diverse cultural identity and memory expressed in its built and natural environment to which we all can relate It is those foundations of identity and memory that provide Britain with its successful future in a competitive and fast-changing world. Alan Baxter32Design f or the coming(prenominal)The term heritage is exceedingly limiting, it is often only associated with the distant past. 33The current generation does not separate traditional and modern design as it was in the 20th Century, this current mindset recognises sees the potential in what is already there, the value of place, identity and sustainability.34The approach is no longer to build to be remembered, but to build to benefit future generations. New and old need not compete. Lucy Musgrave.35After publishing his review Farrell suggests that in fact England is a country which would not benefit from total, inclusive formal English policy, and would actually benefit from regional policies which reflected our truly unique and diverse country. A policy that might work for central London could have very trivial relevance to a village in Wiltshire or a Northern industrial city. Such an all-inclusive formal policy is more effective on smaller countries, 36 a country like England has such a u nique and vast range of regional identities that need to be protected, and perhaps Englands long history and international presence means that it is not as easy for it to present a single, universal image. Farrell also calls for a Chief Architect, similar to a Chief Planner, which would mean a consistent high standard of design our built environment must perform successfully, we must have enough homes for our population, we must tackle climate change, and even how can we design to deal with our changing environment, such as the floods which hit Britain every year.37ConclusionHistory is not delimitate by the discrete projects (one-off buildings such as stately homes or castles) but is continuous. Hank Dittmar 38If England is to have national identity as an aspect of national planning we must ensure that it is the best qualities that are in evidence. Whether the solution is a one size fits all approach as suggested by Prince Charles, or a more localised, regional policy, as proposed by Farrell, the aim should be to benefit the entire community by establishing standard values in architecture. That way good builds are intentional before they are erected as opposed to identifying them as worthy or significant long after they have been built. A design policy offers a centralised goal for all those contributing to the built environment. It goes beyond just design, to a aim and ultimate goal to produce well designed quality building which fully benefit the inhabitants of England.Regardless of whether a policy is for a whole country or a single village, it should be developed and enabled by government, but led independently by industry. The stewardship, long-term planning and identity of real places should be a fundamental part of built environment policies.39 It is vital that if a policy is ever put in place it must be correctly implemented. Past RIBA President Sunand Prasad succinctly states, It is people that use up the difference not policy. Crudely put, good p eople can work round bad polices but good policies cannot work round bad people. 40Policy is not about creating a vernacular style, or trying to mimic the past, it is about ensuring quality design for buildings which properly benefit their users.1 Churchill, Winston. Never Give In Winston Churchills Greatest Speeches. United States Sound Library, 2005, 298.2 Jones, Paul. The Sociology of Architecture. Liverpool Liverpool University Press, 2011, 2.3 2007 Architectural Policy (Danish Architecture Centre), accessed 20 December 2014, http//www.dac.dk/en/dac-cities/architectural-policy/architectural-policy-2007.4 Danish Ministry of Culture, A Nation of Architecture Denmark Settings for sprightliness and Growth, May 2007, 4.5 The Scottish Government, Creating Places. A Policy Statement on Architecture and a Place for Scotland., 24 June 2013, 4-5.6 Farrell, Terry. Why the UK Does Not essential a testis Architecture Policy.The Guardian. The Guardian, March 31, 2014. http//www.theguardia n.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/31/uk-architecture-policy-review-built-environment.7 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 31 March 2014, 2-3.8 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 147.9 Wainwright, Oliver. What Should the Governments Architecture Review Focus on? Oliver Wainwright.The Guardian. The Guardian, March 25, 2013.10 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 911 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 8.12 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 31.13 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 31.14 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 148.15 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 30.16 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 148.17 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 149.18 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 157.19 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 152.20 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 152.21 Krishan Kumar, Jeffrey C. Alexander (Contribution by),The Making of English National Identity, 227.22 Krishan Kumar, Jeffrey C. Alexander (Contribution by),The Making of English National Identity, 1st ed. (United Kingdom Cambridge University Press, 2003), ix.23 Lawson, Mark. The Inter-Continental Address An Analysis. The Independent. Independent, April 27, 1993. http//www.independent.co.uk/voices/the-intercontinental-address-an-analysis-1457731.html.24 Peter Mandler, Against Englishness English Culture and the Limits to Rural Nostalgia, 1850-1940,Transactions of the Royal historic Society7 (1 January 1997), 155.25 Peter Mandler, Against Englishness English Culture and the Limits to Rural Nostalgia, 1850-1940,155.26Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 100.27Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 101.28 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 22.29 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 23.30 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 23.31 HRH Prince Charles, Facing up to the Future Prince Charles on 21st Century Architecture, Architectural Review (Architectural Review, 20 December 2014), http//www.architectural-review.com/essays/facing-up-to-the-future-prince-charles-on-21st-century-architecture/8674119.article?referrer=R SS.32Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 102.33Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 104.34Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 108.35Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 101.36 Farrell, Terry. Why the UK Does Not Need a Formal Architecture Policy. The Guardian. The Guardian, March 31, 2014. http//www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/31/uk-architecture-policy-review-built-environment.37 Farrell, Terry. Why the UK Does Not Need a Formal Architecture Policy.38Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 101.39 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 150.40 Terry Farrell, The Farrell Review, 149.