THIS HOUSE BELIEVES PLANNERS SHOULD STOP SOCIAL ENGINEERING

Building Futures presents an evening of lively discussion that questions the socio-economic objectives of planning the built environment. “This house believes planners should stop social engineering” aims to challenge planning as an accepted tool for social good and debate its role in shaping the current trend for large-scale mixed developments.

The evening will feature four speakers and is chaired by Philippa Stockley, Editor of the Evening Standard’s Homes and Property Magazine. Speakers supporting the motion include Nick de Lotbiniere of the London Planning Practice and Stuart Piercy of PiercyConner Architects. Opposing the motion will be Angela Brady of Brady Mallalieu Architects and David West of Studio Egret West.

London’s huge economic and social diversity presents numerous challenges. The city has been subject to many grand and visionary attempts to engineer its fabric in order to produce a set of socially conscious objectives. The latest socially inclusive set of planning goals aim at achieving change in a sustainable, subtle and gradual way. Social engineering and the goal of truly mixed communities is now sought via urban development and design, but will it work? Is the current planning system too idealistic in its aims? Is it stifling the freedom of the developer and the architect to respond to market and client demands?

The debate is followed by a lively floor discussion, a drinks reception and will begin from;

The Building Futures Debate series is supported by Macdonald and Company.www.macdonald.co.uk