This House Believes the architectural profession has been let down by its press

Has the architectural media lost its backbone?

Architectural writing, criticism and reporting undoubtedly has a key role to play in the profession of architecture – acting as both critic and champion of architecture and architects. But what is the nature of architectural criticism today? Increasingly, publications are heavily reliant on advertising, challenging their autonomous spirit and possibly their independence. As a result, publications tend to prioritise the visual and the technical, with aesthetics trumping more complex aspects of architecture. Furthermore, new media is encroaching into the traditional critics’ arena, with blogging and tweeting suggesting an alternative format for public criticism and debate. Are critics in the traditional sense necessary or have they been superseded by the more informal and autonomous tone of the encroaching blogosphere? Does the traditional architectural press merely reinforce the views of an inward looking profession – or can it still be considered a critical medium? Is this the natural evolution of the architectural journalist in 2011 – and if so, does this pose a threat to an already unstable profession?

Chaired by Dickon Robinson, Building Futures

For the Motion

• Will Alsop – ALL Design
• Hugh Pearman – RIBA Journal
• Will Hunter – Architectural Review

Against the Motion

• Paul Finch – Design Council CABE
• Amanda Baillieu – BD
• Piers Gough – CZWG