The row over Chelsea Barracks has put the spotlight on the capital’s architecture like never before. Here, the leader of the council at the heart of the debate calls on the nation’s architects to rise to the challenge and start putting people at the heart of their designs.
I cannot recall any time in the history of our great city a housing development generating as much public debate, or controversy, as Chelsea Barracks. Everybody seems to have an opinion. Indeed everybody is entitled to one, regardless of their stature or rank.
The Prince of Wales was criticised by some quarters for his intervention, but whether or not you agree with his views on architecture I believe he is as entitled as anybody else to air those. Aside from the arguments over who is right or not, the furore has at least made everybody sit up and take notice of the world around them, which has to be good for our city.It is clear that the developers want to listen to all sides and produce a scheme which is fitting for this world class site. Whatever the outcome, the final design must one which is built around people.
Architecture is important as it affects peoples' lives. Whether you are a politician, prince or private citizen, you will at some point be affected by the design of the world around you. A beautiful space, be it a park or a building can lift the spirit. But badly designed buildings blight whole neighbourhoods for generations. You only have to look at the dreadful tower block monstrosities of the 50s and 60s with their regimented design, depressing uniformity and lack of open space or individuality to realise such mistakes must never be repeated. We must create areas which are sustainable, where people can live and work and have easy access to the best possible schools, leisure and health services.
Sparking a debate about how we design our cities can only be a positive move forward. Good design is not an extravagance and public spaces and streets which people cherish have not come about by accident. This attention to detail is something we have sometimes neglected ourselves and this is why I am proud to have led the restoration of Marble Arch which was unveiled last week following a multi-million pound makeover. Well thought out places lie at the heart of civic life and add to our city, and I firmly believe new developments should become places where people want to live, work, bring up their children and relax.
Architects and developers have a vital role in shaping our city, and my vision is of a living city of opportunity. Of communities where you can rely on your neighbour, know and respect your local police officers, use your community library and support your school, sports club or amenity society. In essence a place where families can thrive in the heart of London not just now, for future generations too.
The council is impartial and is the democratic crucible for the debate, therefore in the coming weeks we will be inviting leading architects to a round table debate, along with developers and the public services, to explore how we can go about ensuring that our future buildings are built for people, not purely for profit or pride.
Westminster is not just a tourist attraction and it is not just a business district. Sometimes it is both of these but at all times it is a place where people live. Architects and developers must put local communities at the centre of their designs to make Westminster, and indeed our great metropolis, a truly ‘Living City’.
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Related contacts
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P.O. Box 240
Westminster City Hall
64 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QP
0207 641 6000 |
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Source: Westminster City Council Website |
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