Architecture which fully answers the challenge of the climate crisis is starting to become a duty, not an achievement worthy of applause, argues Kunle Barker
Author Archives: Kunle Barker
Architects must embrace AI and harness its power
We can’t stop technological advances, so it is best to embrace them and use them to improve the output of architectural pursuits, says Kunle Barker
Practices need to be bolder about promoting diversity and inclusion
The BAME architecture students of today will have quite a shock when they leave university, writes Kunle Barker
Building on the green belt will not solve the housing crisis
Relaxing the rules over development on green belt land will accelerate destruction of the country’s natural environment while failing to provide housing in the right locations, says Kunle Barker
Opinion: Sometimes making redundancies is the only way to save your practice
In the uncertain economic climate, architects are voicing fears over survival. Best to get independent advice swiftly and be open to making redundancies, argues Kunle Barker
We are about to break the 1.5°C limit, but could we get energy from this untapped source?
Energy-hungry data centres already match the aviation industry in terms of their contribution to global warming. Could they be adapted to heat other buildings as standard, wonders Kunle Barker
Opinion: Who made you sheriff of Ethics Town?
Ethics are personal and creating a museum, train station or city for a regime is not the same as condoning its political policies, argues Kunle Barker
The government has abandoned the provision of affordable housing
The government has effectively privatised the provision of affordable and social housing, but commercial realities make it difficult for SME developers to contribute, says Kunle Barker
Long hours and overwork are testing architects to destruction
Architecture can be a stressful vocation. But how much pressure is it acceptable to expect someone to endure? asks Kunle Barker
Don’t leave succession planning until it’s too late
Practices may be reluctant to take up valuable resources planning for succession. Yet few things are more important business-wise, argues Kunle Barker