Architects have a pivotal role to play in transforming streets into inclusive spaces suitable for children’s activities, interaction, and play, says Cristina Monteiro
Author Archives: Cristina Monteiro
Retrofit mustn’t ignore the tragic health impacts of damp and mould
The human cost of moisture in our homes is front-page news. It's time we let our buildings breathe, writes Cristina Monteiro
Architects are waking up to the value of urban trees
London may be the largest urban forest in the world but that doesn’t mean we should rest on our laurels, argues Cristina Monteiro
Robert Moses play highlights the importance of empathy and participation
David Hare’s play about Robert Moses, Straight Line Crazy, carries with it a timely message as it heads for Broadway, writes Cristina Monteiro
Do we need a new word for ‘retrofit’?
Post-war renovation of homes was seen as progressive and aspirational – we need to think like that about today’s building upgrades, writes Cristina Monteiro
The row over low-traffic neighbourhoods is a wake-up call to architects
The wildly polarised views of young and old are just one reason why architects need to adopt a smarter approach to public consultation, writes Cristina Monteiro
Why does the Stirling Prize shortlist feel like a huge step backwards?
Retrofitting of existing buildings is essential if we are to avoid a climate disaster, so it’s both surprising and disappointing to see that this year’s Stirling Prize shortlist fails to include a single example, writes Cristina Monteiro
MVRDV’s fake mound reminds us that nature isn’t skin-deep
Cristina Monteiro hopes the Marble Arch mound’s disappointing ecological credentials might provoke greater reflection on the role of nature in urban design
‘British comedy has shaped the way I understand design’
Wouldn’t it be nice to stand at a bar, mention that one is an architect, and Grand Designs not to be the first thing that people talk about? asks Cristina Monteiro