Architecture for London - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:13, 4 February 2021

2021-02-04T07:13:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:13, 4 February 2021
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	* Zaha Hadid.		* Zaha Hadid.

−	[[Category:~~Organisations~~]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:Organisations]]

Designing Buildings at 09:47, 9 April 2020

2020-04-09T09:47:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:47, 9 April 2020
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	[[File:Architecture_for_London_4.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_4.jpg]]		[[File:Architecture_for_London_4.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_4.jpg]]

−	Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.	+	Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, [https://architectureforlondon.com/ Architecture for London], 2020.

	{\|		{\|
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	[[File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg]]		[[File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg]]
		+
		+	You can find out more at: [https://architectureforlondon.com/ https://architectureforlondon.com/]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
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	* Zaha Hadid.		* Zaha Hadid.

−	[[Category:Organisations]]	+	[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]]

Designing Buildings at 14:32, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T14:32:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 8 April 2020
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	[[File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg]]		[[File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg]]
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Appointing an architect.
		+	* Architect.
		+	* Architectural styles.
		+	* Architecture.
		+	* Architectural training.
		+	* Concept architectural design.
		+	* Design.
		+	* Design methodology.
		+	* Erno Goldfinger.
		+	* Frank Gehry.
		+	* How to become an architect.
		+	* Norman Foster.
		+	* RIBA.
		+	* Richard Rogers.
		+	* Zaha Hadid.

	[[Category:Organisations]]		[[Category:Organisations]]

Designing Buildings at 14:28, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T14:28:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 8 April 2020
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	{\|		{\|
−	~~\| Has CAD made the day-to-day life of architects easier?~~	+	\| Do you find planners are becoming more accommodating of modern architecture?
−	\|}	+
−		+
−	~~All our projects are realised in CAD. For us, like a pen or a pencil, CAD is just another tool.~~	+
−		+
−	{\|	+
−	~~\| In addition to the part-time method of qualifying, do you think we should return to having an apprenticeship route into the profession?~~	+
−	\|}	+
−		+
−	~~There are now RIBA accredited apprenticeship routes into architecture. We support different paths into architecture as long as students are well informed on the differences.~~	+
−		+
−	{\|	+
−	\| Do you find planners more accommodating of modern architecture?	+
	\|}		\|}

Designing Buildings at 14:27, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T14:27:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:27, 8 April 2020
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−	[[File:~~Architecture for London 4~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Architecture_for_London_4.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_4.jpg]]

	Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.		Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.
Line 10:		Line 10:

	We are a multi-disciplinary team with each member having a range of skills in design and technical realisation.		We are a multi-disciplinary team with each member having a range of skills in design and technical realisation.
−
−	~~Team:~~
−
−	* Director
−	* Associate Director
−	* Associates x2
−	* Architects x2
−	* Architectural Designers x4
−	* Architectural Technician
−	* Interior Designer
−	* Structural Engineer
−	* Landscape Designer
−	* Studio Manager

	{\|		{\|
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	\|}		\|}

−	Our aim is to improve people’s lives by ~~reimagining~~ the city in which we work, live and play. The studio is collaborative, innovative, informed and aspirational. We work at all scales, from bespoke private homes to commercial developments; urban renewal to ~~masterplans. We are an RIBA chartered practice~~.	+	Our aim is to improve people’s lives by re-imagining the city in which we work, live and play. The studio is collaborative, innovative, informed and aspirational. We work at all scales, from bespoke private homes to commercial developments; urban renewal to masterplanning.

−	Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use~~. Director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer~~.	+	Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use.

−	[[File:~~Architecture for London 3~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Architecture_for_London_3.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_3.jpg]]

	{\|		{\|
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	{\|		{\|
−	\| Do you find planners more accommodating ~~in these days~~ of modern architecture ~~and what are your main difficulties with planners~~?	+	\| Do you find planners more accommodating of modern architecture?
	\|}		\|}

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	\|}		\|}

−	As a London focused practice, we are advocates of a low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.	+	As a London focused practice, we are advocates of the low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.

−	[[File:~~Architecture for London 1~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Architecture_for_London_1.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_1.jpg]]

	{\|		{\|
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	{\|		{\|
−	\| The architect used to be considered ‘leader of the building team’. That doesn’t seem to be the case these days, why do you think it is so?	+	\| The architect used to be considered ‘leader of the building team’. That doesn’t seem to be the case these days, why do you think this is?
	\|}		\|}

−	Most major developments take substantial investment capital and are understandably driven by potential profits. Although our value is ~~substantial~~ in increasing profits by means of design, the architect’s role is harder to quantify on a spreadsheet.	+	Most major developments take substantial investment capital and are understandably driven by potential profits. Although our value is significant in increasing profits by means of design, the architect’s role is harder to quantify on a spreadsheet.

	On smaller and domestic projects, the architect is still the core of the design team, negotiating between the client and the other consultants.		On smaller and domestic projects, the architect is still the core of the design team, negotiating between the client and the other consultants.
Line 88:		Line 75:
	Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.		Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.

−	[[File:~~Architecture for London 2~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg\|link=File:Architecture_for_London_2.jpg]]

	[[Category:Organisations]]		[[Category:Organisations]]

Designing Buildings at 14:19, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T14:19:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 8 April 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	[[File:Architecture for London 4.jpg]]
		+
	Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.		Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.

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	Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use. Director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.		Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use. Director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.
		+
		+	[[File:Architecture for London 3.jpg]]

	{\|		{\|
Line 59:		Line 63:

	As a London focused practice, we are advocates of a low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.		As a London focused practice, we are advocates of a low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.
		+
		+	[[File:Architecture for London 1.jpg]]

	{\|		{\|
Line 81:		Line 87:

	Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.		Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.
		+
		+	[[File:Architecture for London 2.jpg]]

	[[Category:Organisations]]		[[Category:Organisations]]

Designing Buildings at 14:13, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T14:13:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 8 April 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.		Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.

−	How, when, why, did the practice form?	+	{\|
		+	\| How, when, why, did the practice form?
		+	\|}

	Architecture for London was established by Ben Ridley in 2009. The studio has since grown to a team of 15. The studio has a diverse range of skills, and now includes an interior designer, structural engineer, landscape designer and specialist furniture maker.		Architecture for London was established by Ben Ridley in 2009. The studio has since grown to a team of 15. The studio has a diverse range of skills, and now includes an interior designer, structural engineer, landscape designer and specialist furniture maker.
Line 7:		Line 9:
	We are a multi-disciplinary team with each member having a range of skills in design and technical realisation.		We are a multi-disciplinary team with each member having a range of skills in design and technical realisation.

−	Team	+	Team:

	* Director		* Director
Line 20:		Line 22:
	* Studio Manager		* Studio Manager

−	What is your design philosophy ~~(in terms of materials, sustainability, eco-friendliness etc)~~?	+	{\|
		+	\| What is your design philosophy?
		+	\|}

	Our aim is to improve people’s lives by reimagining the city in which we work, live and play. The studio is collaborative, innovative, informed and aspirational. We work at all scales, from bespoke private homes to commercial developments; urban renewal to masterplans. We are an RIBA chartered practice.		Our aim is to improve people’s lives by reimagining the city in which we work, live and play. The studio is collaborative, innovative, informed and aspirational. We work at all scales, from bespoke private homes to commercial developments; urban renewal to masterplans. We are an RIBA chartered practice.
Line 26:		Line 30:
	Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use. Director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.		Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use. Director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

−	# Which architects ~~can you say you~~ have ~~really~~ drawn inspiration from?	+	{\|
		+	\| Which architects have drawn inspiration from?
		+	\|}

	One current favourite is Prewett Bizley and their Dundon Passivhaus project for proving that low energy buildings can be beautiful and contextual.		One current favourite is Prewett Bizley and their Dundon Passivhaus project for proving that low energy buildings can be beautiful and contextual.

−	# Has CAD made the day-to-day life of architects easier?	+	{\|
		+	\| Has CAD made the day-to-day life of architects easier?
		+	\|}

	All our projects are realised in CAD. For us, like a pen or a pencil, CAD is just another tool.		All our projects are realised in CAD. For us, like a pen or a pencil, CAD is just another tool.

−	# In addition to the part-time method of qualifying, do you think we should return to ~~also~~ having an apprenticeship route into the profession?	+	{\|
		+	\| In addition to the part-time method of qualifying, do you think we should return to having an apprenticeship route into the profession?
		+	\|}

	There are now RIBA accredited apprenticeship routes into architecture. We support different paths into architecture as long as students are well informed on the differences.		There are now RIBA accredited apprenticeship routes into architecture. We support different paths into architecture as long as students are well informed on the differences.

−	# Do you find planners more accommodating these days of modern architecture and what are your main difficulties with planners?	+	{\|
		+	\| Do you find planners more accommodating in these days of modern architecture and what are your main difficulties with planners?
		+	\|}

	Most planners we encounter have a positive attitude towards modern architecture. Many of our projects are working with historic buildings, often in conservation areas and some listed. We enjoy working in this historic context, augmenting it to suit a modern lifestyle rather than purely a modern aesthetic. There can be challenges in terms of outdated planning policy when it comes to upgrading historic buildings to meet our high standards for energy performance.		Most planners we encounter have a positive attitude towards modern architecture. Many of our projects are working with historic buildings, often in conservation areas and some listed. We enjoy working in this historic context, augmenting it to suit a modern lifestyle rather than purely a modern aesthetic. There can be challenges in terms of outdated planning policy when it comes to upgrading historic buildings to meet our high standards for energy performance.

−	# Given the acute shortage of housing, how are we to build to satisfy the demand?	+	{\|
		+	\| Given the acute shortage of housing, how are we to build to satisfy the demand?
		+	\|}

	As a London focused practice, we are advocates of a low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.		As a London focused practice, we are advocates of a low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.

−	# What three problems do you foresee occupying architects' minds in the next 5-10 years?	+	{\|
		+	\| What three problems do you foresee occupying architects' minds in the next 5-10 years?
		+	\|}

	Our existing housing stock presents a significant issue in achieving the UK’s new 'net zero' carbon target by 2050, which aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. The buildings we refurbish now are not likely to be refurbished again before 2050, so they must achieve net-zero standards now. Each project that we work on is therefore critical.		Our existing housing stock presents a significant issue in achieving the UK’s new 'net zero' carbon target by 2050, which aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. The buildings we refurbish now are not likely to be refurbished again before 2050, so they must achieve net-zero standards now. Each project that we work on is therefore critical.

−	# The architect used to be considered ‘leader of the building team’. That doesn’t seem to be the case these days, why do you think it is so?	+	{\|
		+	\| The architect used to be considered ‘leader of the building team’. That doesn’t seem to be the case these days, why do you think it is so?
		+	\|}

	Most major developments take substantial investment capital and are understandably driven by potential profits. Although our value is substantial in increasing profits by means of design, the architect’s role is harder to quantify on a spreadsheet.		Most major developments take substantial investment capital and are understandably driven by potential profits. Although our value is substantial in increasing profits by means of design, the architect’s role is harder to quantify on a spreadsheet.
Line 58:		Line 76:
	The architect has an overview of the project, from social considerations, resolving technical issues, including sustainability and energy use, and staying within budget and on programme.		The architect has an overview of the project, from social considerations, resolving technical issues, including sustainability and energy use, and staying within budget and on programme.

−	# Would you recommend a young person train as an architect? ~~If yes why and if no why not?~~	+	{\|
		+	\| Would you recommend a young person train as an architect?
		+	\|}

	Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.		Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.

	[[Category:Organisations]]		[[Category:Organisations]]

Designing Buildings: Created page with "Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020. How, when, why, did the practice form? Architecture for London was established by Ben Ridley in 2009. The st..."

2020-04-08T14:09:46Z

Created page with "Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020. How, when, why, did the practice form? Architecture for London was established by Ben Ridley in 2009. The st..."

New page

Interview with Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London, 2020.

How, when, why, did the practice form?

Architecture for London was established by Ben Ridley in 2009. The studio has since grown to a team of 15. The studio has a diverse range of skills, and now includes an interior designer, structural engineer, landscape designer and specialist furniture maker.

We are a multi-disciplinary team with each member having a range of skills in design and technical realisation.

Team

* Director
* Associate Director
* Associates x2
* Architects x2
* Architectural Designers x4
* Architectural Technician
* Interior Designer
* Structural Engineer
* Landscape Designer
* Studio Manager

What is your design philosophy (in terms of materials, sustainability, eco-friendliness etc)?

Our aim is to improve people’s lives by reimagining the city in which we work, live and play. The studio is collaborative, innovative, informed and aspirational. We work at all scales, from bespoke private homes to commercial developments; urban renewal to masterplans. We are an RIBA chartered practice.

Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the energy performance of our buildings in use. Director Ben Ridley is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

# Which architects can you say you have really drawn inspiration from?

One current favourite is Prewett Bizley and their Dundon Passivhaus project for proving that low energy buildings can be beautiful and contextual.

# Has CAD made the day-to-day life of architects easier?

All our projects are realised in CAD. For us, like a pen or a pencil, CAD is just another tool.

# In addition to the part-time method of qualifying, do you think we should return to also having an apprenticeship route into the profession?

There are now RIBA accredited apprenticeship routes into architecture. We support different paths into architecture as long as students are well informed on the differences.

# Do you find planners more accommodating these days of modern architecture and what are your main difficulties with planners?

Most planners we encounter have a positive attitude towards modern architecture. Many of our projects are working with historic buildings, often in conservation areas and some listed. We enjoy working in this historic context, augmenting it to suit a modern lifestyle rather than purely a modern aesthetic. There can be challenges in terms of outdated planning policy when it comes to upgrading historic buildings to meet our high standards for energy performance.

# Given the acute shortage of housing, how are we to build to satisfy the demand?

As a London focused practice, we are advocates of a low energy expansion and retrofit of London’s existing housing stock.

# What three problems do you foresee occupying architects' minds in the next 5-10 years?

Our existing housing stock presents a significant issue in achieving the UK’s new 'net zero' carbon target by 2050, which aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. The buildings we refurbish now are not likely to be refurbished again before 2050, so they must achieve net-zero standards now. Each project that we work on is therefore critical.

# The architect used to be considered ‘leader of the building team’. That doesn’t seem to be the case these days, why do you think it is so?

Most major developments take substantial investment capital and are understandably driven by potential profits. Although our value is substantial in increasing profits by means of design, the architect’s role is harder to quantify on a spreadsheet.

On smaller and domestic projects, the architect is still the core of the design team, negotiating between the client and the other consultants.

The architect has an overview of the project, from social considerations, resolving technical issues, including sustainability and energy use, and staying within budget and on programme.

# Would you recommend a young person train as an architect? If yes why and if no why not?

Yes. An architectural degree is a broad, challenging and rewarding experience and can lead to a diverse range of careers. Students can leverage this to their benefit and shape their professional journey. Historically there has been a preoccupation with completing parts 1-3, however, shifts in the profession are allowing less rigidity.

[[Category:Organisations]]