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CABE: Co-operation essential for building success

CABE: Co-operation essential for building success

Thursday, 6 December 2007 12:00 AM

The endemic failure of builders and architects to work in unison is proving detrimental to the building industry as a whole.

That is according to Wayne Hemmingway, the chairman of Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), who argues outdated attitudes are an enduring concern.

"It's like Lost in Translation on a national scale. Neither side values what the other one brings," said Mr Hemmingway, former owner of the Red of Dead clothing business.

"Unless they start talking and drop all the old stereotypes about prima donna architects and box bashing builders, we will never see the quality of housing to which everyone aspires."

In response CABE - a government advisor on architecture, urban design and public space - is calling for builders and architects to join the Building for Life awards, which set standards for house builders and housing associations who demonstrate a commitment to high design standards, good place making and sustainable development.

"Most house builders seem to think good design takes longer and costs more - and they are under pressure on both fronts. Architects, for their part, believe most developers have little appreciation of what good design is and what it can offer," continued Mr Hemingway.

"There are also some big differences in priority: house builders want certainty, not least to ensure their product is insurable. Architects, by contrast, hate the kind of risk-free design which often emerges from that kind of thinking."

However, cooperation will be essential if the industry is to succeed.

"House builders faced with the challenge of zero carbon homes and Building for Life will require more invention - they really will need good design teams to win sites for which these are compulsory requirements.

"And conversely, architects have a major business opportunity - of immense social value - opening up in the residential market," concluded Mr Hemmingway.

The closing date for entries to the Building for Life awards is 29 February 2008, and the winners will be announced in September 2008.