Architecture and technology

Architectural Review, The, June, 2005 by Chris Abel

SIR: I am always interested to read what Colin Davies, who knows something about architecture and technology, has to say about my work (AR May 2005, p94). However, when he writes that I am 'dazzled by big names', I have to correct him.

I do believe that what both Foster and Gehry are doing with computer-based production methods does have far reaching implications for architects and the construction industry generally, though in my view the stress in Foster's work on low-energy design makes it far more relevant to 'the future of the planet'. Should there be any doubt about my position, however, I recommend Davies, and anyone else, to read the concluding passages in the introduction I wrote to Volume 4 of the Prestel monographs on Foster--to which, incidentally, Davies also contributed some essays--much of which is focused on the practice's work in Germany:

'While leading designers have never been more diverse or artistically creative, their impact on the great mass of building around the world, most of which is carried out without any significant participation by professionals, is negligible ... the hard truth is that architects alone, no matter how committed or technologically well equipped, will change little. The real lesson to be drawn from Germany is that political will, backed by social consensus and codified in the form of regulations that positively encourage sustainable design, is essential to the wider growth of work such as Foster's.'

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Yours etc

CHRIS ABEL

Sydney, Australia