According to the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA), the architecture profession is under pressure to develop its modes of practice, business models and collaborative links, in order to survive in the current economic situation.
Over the past twelve months, much has been speculated about the best ways for practices to not only adapt to survive, but adapt to thrive. The Futures Fair 10 will bring together built environment professionals, with leading innovators in other fields, fostering fresh collaboration and radical new ways of working, looking at what skills architects might need to make these changes, and areas for future creative development.
Hosted by RIBA think tank Building Futures, this fast-paced day will concentrate upon five key themes:
ADVANCEMENT discusses how emerging technologies will impact our lifestyles and how that affects the built environment- including the realms of intelligent buildings, new materials, computer software and interactive digital media;
BUSINESS gathers entrepreneurs and business strategists to share their skills and experience on innovative modes of business, including business models, marketing, practice structures and getting work;
COMPETITION discusses the recently published Foresight Land Use Futures Report, which spanned two years and commissioned over 40 evidence reviews, demonstrates that land is a uniquely versatile asset which will come under increasing pressure over the next 50 years. The report incorporates the longer term and external effects of different uses;
DESIGN brings designers from a range of different creative backgrounds together- all with either an interest, relationship or experience of architecture, to cross fertilise ways of working, processes, software, inspiration and materials;
ENGAGEMENT will expose emerging trends in community engagement, how they can be understood and applied in the design of places and how in turn, successful design can be an empowering process for local communities.
Featuring contributions from established academics, architects, consultants, think tanks, engineers and creative professionals, the day promises to be challenging and thought provoking. Press are invited to attend this event.
The fair takes place June 2, 2010 from 9:15am – 5pm at The Building Centre, Store Street in London.