v18

NEWS
UK architects and
designers react
to surprising
Brexit result
The UK's architects and
designers have been left reeling by
the results of recent referendum, in
which the country voted to leave the
European Union. The result was
split 52 percent in favor of leave,
and 48 percent remain and when the
result was a devastating reduction in
the value of the pound as stocks and
shares plummeted.
Following the result, many architects
and designers expressed concern
for the direct impact the uncertainty
over the next few years would affect
their business and employees.
Architects and designers including
Richard Rogers, Amanda Levete,
Ilse Crawford, Philippe Malouin and
Benjamin Hubert are among those to
have expressed their disappointment
with the outcome. "What a
nightmare," said Roger Hawkins,
co-founder of Hawkins Brown
architecture firm. "The lack of proper
debate in the referendum has been
alarming. It has generated the worst
in majority and the best in very few."
Expressing his dramatic
dissatisfaction, designer Benjamin
Hubert snottered, "I'm extremely
disappointed, both in what's going
to happen and the mentality of the
country we live in."
RIBA president Jane Duncan
The Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) put out a
statement addressing the uncertainty
over withdrawal and seeking to
reassure the industry.
“In common with other UK
businesses and organizations, the
RIBA is assessing the short and
longer term effect of the withdrawal
on our members and the Institute
and we will provide further guidance
in due course,” said president Jane
Duncan.
“Most importantly, we will work
with colleagues in industry and
government to ensure that architects
have a strong voice in the coming
weeks, months and years.”
Other designers reacted with alarm.
“All those questions left hanging
by those leading the drive towards
leaving the EU will now have to be
answered,” the partners at Rogers
Stirk Harbour said in a statement.
“This result is not only significant
for our practice but especially for the
important proportion of our staff for
whom this is not only a signal of a
new, less open Britain but one that
may lead to real and practical changes
in their lives.”
But others adopted a more positive
view saying the level of political
engagement around the referendum
was positive.
“Of course I’m extremely
disappointed, but I have to respect
the majority decision,” said Amanda
Levete, architect and founder of
AL_A. “The debate has engaged the
nation, especially younger people, and
it can only be a positive to see people
talking passionately about the future.”
38 August/2016